Thank you so much PCRI, Mark and Alex ! For doing what you do. Your helping lots of people by giving real information so they can decide what is best for them. God bless you !!!
They obviously didn't help me. I followed Dr. Scholz's advice and opted for brachytherapy. It was the biggest mistake I've ever made. He doesn't mention the serious consequences that result from brachytherapy treatment. I recommend that you read my previous message above.
Are there any studies that compare and contrast the LDR and HDR treatment alternatives? Which in your opinion is the safest and most effective for intermediate 7 Gleason scale prostate cancer?
Hello, Feel free to contact our free helpline. We have a patient advocate who will call you and may be able to provide you with some information: pcri.org/helpline
Q: I think I want Brachytherapy instead of IMRT, radiation. However, I already just had gold bead insertion in prep for radiation treatment. Q: Can I still have the seed Brachytherapy without any interference of the gold beads? I agree about the financial considerations in the industry. Sort of comes down to who to believe and why, magnified by ones specific condition level.
Thank for the excellent info about prostate cancer, and the very clear info about the busines of prostate cancer, keep up loading, Thanks very much , greeting and the best wishes for 2022, from the netherlands Amsterdam God bless.
Thanks Dr. Scholz for another excellent video. I have 3 gleason 7 cores and one gleason 9 core. I feel like brachytherapy is the treatment to chose. I wonder how I can know the brachytherapy experts in bay area California.
Can a brachytherapy seed implant get stuck in the urethra for the first 2 months and possibly create a stenosis? After the control scan, we can see a seed implant directly at the beginning of the penis, right in the middle...
Greetings and Thank You both for what you are doing to educate us, prostate cancer patients! I am currently under the Casodex/ Lupron hormonal management therapy. While I would like to receive Brachytherapy or Prostatectomy, I am being advised the Radiation therapy. I concur with you in that the rationale behind it could be a lucrative approach over a more effective one!
I am the 4th of 6 males in my family who has had prostate cancer. My oldest had LDR brachytherapy 20 year ago having to have go to Seattle to have them implanted. That was 20 years ago and his PSA is still below 1. My youngest brother has been about 6 years and also had LDR brachytherapy. Thinking of HDR brachytherapy myself though my urologists wants me to have surgery.
I am newly diagnosed and my urologist wants me to do surgery (he is a surgeon) but I want the seeds (brachytherapy). did you ever have surgery or seeds?
I appreciate your videos and l have learned a lot of valuable information. I plan to help my husband make the best decision for his Gleason 6/7 prostate cancer. I am excited about the seed therapy but worried about finding a talented seed implanter. I plan to email you for answers to these kind of questions. Thank you!
I have read that Brachytherapy, or prostate seed implantation, is a type of radiation therapy in which radioactive metallic seeds - smaller than a grain of rice - are permanently placed inside the prostate gland. This therapy delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the prostate gland and sometimes to the seminal vesicles. But I have also read that high-dose rate brachytherapy lasts about 30 minutes. Your doctor inserts the radioactive material into the prostate. The doctor may use a computerized robot to do this. The radioactive material is removed right away after treatment. You need a general or a spinal anaesthetic. With radioactive seeds, you need to avoid close contact with children or pregnant women for a couple of months after treatment. Bladder side effects may be more severe than with external beam radiotherapy. Brachytherapy increases the 9-year success rate from 62 percent to 83 percent for those with intermediate to high-risk cancer. The overall outlook for people with prostate cancer, regardless of treatment plan, is excellent. So why am I still confused?
Two thIngs that Really helped me recover after combination ADT, IMRT, & Brachy were, - triple antiboitic on/in the urethal meatus for urinary pain/burning -Florastor probiotic supplement for rectal pain/burning, (was totally life changing for me).
This type of information is important to know to help you make the right decision. I would want to know which has the better cure rate not which one makes the company more money. I want the most effective treatment that has been scientifically proven to be the best to cure your particular form of cancer. I don’t want unnecessary extra treatments if I don’t need them.
I agree, even with quite low grade PC as soon as you talk to most urologists, even good ones, they suggest months of ADT which has terrible QoL issues just because it's the "protocol".
@@Wunderpus-photogenicus,I think it is all about who does the particular treatment you chose. I am going to speak to a well known Urologist in Long Island in a few weeks who has been doing cryotherapy for the past 20 years. I have 2 small lesions which I think focal cryotherapy will be a good treatment for me because it will target just the 2 lesions and a little area around the prostate instead of the whole prostate. It has a very good cure rate and he is an expert in cryotherapy. My sister in law actually work ks in his office which is also helping me make that decision. My regular urologist referred me to him and said that type of treatment would definitely have less chance of side effects. He was definitely steering me away from radiation as it could hit other organs and have life long side effects. I have time to decide so I’m going to keep dong my research. This specialist I’m going to see is Howard Sterns urologist. He is known worldwide so that also makes my decision easier to go speak to him. Bottomline for my decision is not so much the treatment but who is performing it
A wonderful video and great information. I do have a couple questions concerning high-dose brachytherapy. Getting surgery to remove the prostate, and radiation therapy both scare me to death. Urinary function is one of my concerns, and erection function is a big concern of mine. Even though I am 74 years old, I am very active in the bedroom. The idea of not being able to get an erection or being impontant is something that is just not even in my realm of thinking. I’m having anxieties just from the blood in my semen caused by the biopsy which I’m told should last between two and four weeks. So my big real question about high dose brachy therapy what are the side effects concerning sexual functions, and urinary functions? Thank you for any information you can tell me.
Hello, The patient advocates on our free helpline may be able to help you with your question. You can find our contact information at pcri.org/helpline.
It took six weeks before I stopped seeing blood in my semen after the biopsy. The semen was a thick, dark-red the first few weeks, which did freak me out a bit! I am due brachytherapy treatment in two weeks. I chose brachytherapy in preference to surgery because the outcome for continence and sexual function was better. In the UK National Health Service, we have seperate meetings with a doctor who performs surgery and a doctor who performs radiation treatment. They give the pros and cons for their treatment and we choose which to have.
For me, this video is really timely. I'm an engineer, so I need to know the details and can only form a decision based on a thorough understanding of the factors that make up an informed decision. It is true, even in 2023, that the clinicians who don't practice Brachytherapy, throw shade on or outright dismiss the treatment modality as "yesteryear" ideas. The implication being that if you don't choose IMRT, SBRT, or surgery, you are likely talking to a provider who is practicing a decade or two older treatment. I look at brachytherapy as potentially a highly targeted approach without all the known downsides of surgery (impotence and incontinence) or external beam radiation (bladder or rectum ulcers). Now, as to the question of who should do a Brachytherapy treatment, talk to the nurses. They know who stays up on the advancements, and which clinical practitioner is better than another, and which clinic has the best equipment. I really wish the nursing and PA community had their own "Yelp-like" forums where we could query "who is really good at this" or "would you send your husband to this guy" type of questions.
Dr Scholz I have recently been diagnosed and have a score of 4+3. I am 74 and have had an enlarged prostate for several years.My oncologist suggested surgery and I asked for a referral for radiation which turned out to be IMRT. I am now interested in Brachytherapy after researching on the internet. I live in Edmond,Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City. Could you recommend a Doctor who specializes in Brachytherapy? Thank you for your time and the videos.
My sister had pancreatic cancer, I think it was called something like islet cell. One cancer doctor said her best treatment would be this seed type implants as it could be put within or very near the cancer cells and not try to use chemo drugs that could damage even good cells.
what if a man had the seed implant but after a few year the prostate cancer comes back, what the next best treatment, he was told radiation is not a option.
I Opted for Seed Implant when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Sept 2001. Just found out about month ago, it is back and has spread, PSA went from zero to 5 then in about 3 months it jumped to 28. Going to try hormone therapy to slow it down ,Hopefully.
My husband is preparing to get the seeds done but he is experiencing bladder issues. He urinates constantly even when he hasn't drank much of anything. He is a truck driver so this is hindering his work. Is this urinating constantly normal before the procedure? They have only marked the area the seeds will be.
Has that list that he’s speaking about concerning the best doctors for seeds actually came out yet? I will probably need prostate cancer treatment and I would like to do the seeds. Hospital is UC Irvine, so I’m hoping there is someone there that skilled. I sure would like that!
Hello, we are not able to answer case questions on our comment section but we can help you through our Helpline who can speak with you either by phone or email. Here is the link to contact them: pcri.org/helpline
I have been fighting prostate cancer for 7 years. I did not want my prostate removed (did not like the side effects). I first opted for HIFU and went to Canada for the procedure in December of 2015. I think the procedure was the right decision, but the Doctor, I selected, was a mistake. My PSA dropped from 10.5 to 1.25, but it started climbing again. In December of 2019 it had steadily risen to 4.63. i researched and opted for Encage (RFA) and had the procedure in December of 2019, my psa dropped from 4.63 to 2.1. Then it rose again to 5.42 in September of 2020. As Encage or RFA are localized and focused treatments, it is not unusual for a lesion to be missed. That was the case here. So, in December of 2020 I had my second Encage procedure and my PSA dropped to .63 (this reading was taken 2 months after the procedure). Now, again in October of 2023 my PSA is 3.936, biopsy results depict two lesions, a Gleason 6 and a Gleason 7 (4 - 3).. I am now considering Radiation, but due to the location of the Gleason 7 lesion, I am concerned about major side effects. So, I am seriously considering RFA again. Why, you ask, because it is the least invasive procedure. I have the procedure and sleep at home that night and the next day I have only limited activity restrictions. No stitches, just a band aid at my perineal. Due to the scar tissue, from the previous 3 procedures, radiation oncology informed me that my chances of negative side effects is much higher. Another option, might be the seeds. I know many men who have had the seeds implanted and after 20+ years or more they have serious problems. But, me, being in my 70's, it might be smart. The radiation oncologist offered a 2nd option, that being, do nothing. His reasoning, my cancer is not too aggressive ( it has been 8 years). But, the more I thought about this, I think he was wrong. I develop tumors frequently and they grow somewhat rapidly, they grow and are removed and are then replaced, at least based on the rising PSA levels I have experienced. Bottom line, the RFA or EnCage is my best choice. The side effects are insignificant and it does remove the cancerous lesions. It is local and targeted, but to my mind this is a positive, it does not injure healthy tissue, unlike radiation, and the side effects are zero. There is only one negative to Encage or RFA and that is the cost. The procedure is not covered by Medicare and the cost in 2014 was $14,000. It is now higher. I submit this history for a reason, I would like feedback, hope to educate others who have prostate cancer, and maybe other options I have not considered.
Friend of mine received advice that after doing brachytherapy (radiation) if it doesn't work, there is too much damage done for surgery. If surgery is done first then you remove the entire prostate (and all the cancer in it as a result). How true is this statement? Why would someone choose brach. given this?
Hello, We have not gotten that list, unfortunately. We have a prostate cancer helpline that might be able to provide you with information. You can find our contact information at pcri.org/helpline.
Recently diagnosed 4+3=7 no met. Brachytherapy is something I would prefer. I definitely am being steered toward surgery. Off hand know anyplace in Cleveland, OH?
Denis, Here are some videos that discuss the differences between permanent (low-dose) and temporary (high-dose) seeds: "The Difference Between Temporary & Permanent Seeds Brachytherapy" th-cam.com/video/KE1e08jDfAo/w-d-xo.html "Temporary vs. Permanent Brachytherapy, Radiation Expert Mack Roach, MD Explains" th-cam.com/video/mvNWR4bYT6M/w-d-xo.html "HDR Brachytherapy for the Teal Stage of Prostate Cancer" th-cam.com/video/2Y-pFt30VAU/w-d-xo.html
@@ThePCRI sorry I wasn't clear I am an HDRBT monotherapy patient. I am 3.5 years post treatment and PSA is 0.3 so I am in good shape. Most of the discussions of BT seem to focus on low dose seeds. Would love to hear High dose be discussed as to its effectiveness. Most people don't even know about HDR
Hi! Our prostate cancer helpline may be able to answer your questions and help you find helpful information. Please feel free to contact us here: pcri.org/helpline
@@samhynds5913 Sam how are you doing … found out today I will be having temporary seeds put in at MSK… how are you doing at this time? I see it’s been three years since your last post.
by the way, my doctor is not returning my calls. Please tell me they can use my biopsy template along with a CT scan to plant the seeds. I do not want surgery but as said cannot do an MRI (unless maybe they can use my CPAP with a long hose. I must be sedated and sleep but they wake me up when I stop breathing OSA
I was diagnosed of CANCER in 2016 and I have tried all I can to get cured but all to no avail, until i saw a post in a health forum about a herbalist man who prepare herbal medication to cure all kind of diseases including CANCER, at first i doubted if it was real but decided to give it a try , when i contact this herbalist via his email and he prepared a CANCER herbal cure and sent it to me via UPS delivery company service, when i received this herbal cure, he gave me step by directions on how to apply it, when i applied it as instructed, i was totally cured of this deadly disease within 21 days of usage, I am now free from the deadly disease called CANCER, all thanks to Dr. Ayemere you can reach this great herbal doctor via call or WhatsApp him +2347056452394 or email doctorayemereherbalcure@gmail. com He also have the herb to cure: (1) ALS, (2) DIABETES, (3) HIV&AIDS, (4) URINARY TRACT INFECTION, (5) CANCER, (6) HERPES (7)HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (8)fibroid (9)Pregnancy (10)Tubes block(11)kidney disease (14)Heart failure (15) S.T.D
I began IMRT but got urinary retention after the 4th treatment and that led to a "mess" with paraphimosis where I almost lost my glans penis (it was becoming necrotic) so I had Greenlight and now may return to IMRT but am hoping HDR may work however, thus far only MSK provides HDR and alas, they are out of network. Anyone know of HDR in NYC or nearby? even then I have to hope my insurance covers it (Sigh)
I live in B.C. and was diagnosed in June 2019, PSA 6.8 Gleeson of 4/5 - 9. I went with tri modial of A.D.T, 23 sessions of E.B.R.T and a 75 seed brachytherapy implant. My March PSA test 0.06, July 2.4 and my latest result yesterday it was 6.9. I am now going to receive a new set of images. Any thoughts?
let us know if you find out whats going on my insurance agent had seed put in (60) said he's doing fine two yrs later , I am looking into seeds now thanks for posting
@@schmidtpe I'm back on ADT every four months, with Bicalutemide 50mg daily. As I speak I've just had a CT scan and in two hours I get a bone scan. Results to come later this week. Be safe.
I can’t even begin to tell you how incredibly helpful these conversations are!
Was there ever a list provided of Top Brachytherapy physicians that was mentioned in the video? Well done PCRI - great education
Thank you so much PCRI, Mark and Alex ! For doing what you do. Your helping lots of people by giving real information so they can decide what is best for them. God bless you !!!
They obviously didn't help me. I followed Dr. Scholz's advice and opted for brachytherapy. It was the biggest mistake I've ever made. He doesn't mention the serious consequences that result from brachytherapy treatment. I recommend that you read my previous message above.
My urologist told me after the 3rd visit that I had to have a prostritomy. I told him after doing my research that he was out of his phucking mind
Are there any studies that compare and contrast the LDR and HDR treatment alternatives? Which in your opinion is the safest and most effective for intermediate 7 Gleason scale prostate cancer?
Hello,
Feel free to contact our free helpline. We have a patient advocate who will call you and may be able to provide you with some information: pcri.org/helpline
Was preparing to do radiation therapy until viewing this. Thanks and God bless you
Q: I think I want Brachytherapy instead of IMRT, radiation. However, I already just had gold bead insertion in prep for radiation treatment. Q: Can I still have the seed Brachytherapy without any interference of the gold beads? I agree about the financial considerations in the industry. Sort of comes down to who to believe and why, magnified by ones specific condition level.
Thank for the excellent info about prostate cancer, and the very clear info about the busines of prostate cancer, keep up loading, Thanks very much , greeting and the best wishes for 2022, from the netherlands Amsterdam God bless.
Thanks Dr. Scholz for another excellent video. I have 3 gleason 7 cores and one gleason 9 core. I feel like brachytherapy is the treatment to chose. I wonder how I can know the brachytherapy experts in bay area California.
me too
Can a brachytherapy seed implant get stuck in the urethra for the first 2 months and possibly create a stenosis? After the control scan, we can see a seed implant directly at the beginning of the penis, right in the middle...
I love your honest and informative approach. Keep up the great work.
The Doctor is a sharp dresser. Check out that tie.👍
he seems to like Versace
Greetings and Thank You both for what you are doing to educate us, prostate cancer patients!
I am currently under the Casodex/ Lupron hormonal management therapy. While I would like to receive Brachytherapy or Prostatectomy, I am being advised the Radiation therapy.
I concur with you in that the rationale behind it could be a lucrative approach over a more effective one!
Does radiation treatment do anything for BHP if there is no prostate cancer? Does surgical removal of the prostate cure BHP?
What about high dose brachytherapy? 2 treatments and your done with no seeds left behind.
Thank you very much for the courageous analysis! ✔
I am the 4th of 6 males in my family who has had prostate cancer. My oldest had LDR brachytherapy 20 year ago having to have go to Seattle to have them implanted. That was 20 years ago and his PSA is still below 1. My youngest brother has been about 6 years and also had LDR brachytherapy. Thinking of HDR brachytherapy myself though my urologists wants me to have surgery.
I am newly diagnosed and my urologist wants me to do surgery (he is a surgeon) but I want the seeds (brachytherapy). did you ever have surgery or seeds?
@@jerrymunroe5593 I had seeds 3 month ago in NMCSD. My PSA before was 8.After 3 month brachytherapy 3,3. Still in recovery. Glisson was 4+3=7
Urologist always will want to cut, that’s what they get paid for.
I appreciate your videos and l have learned a lot of valuable information. I plan to help my husband make the best decision for his Gleason 6/7 prostate cancer. I am excited about the seed therapy but worried about finding a talented seed implanter. I plan to email you for answers to these kind of questions. Thank you!
Please feel free to contact us here: pcri.org/helpline
Trying to find a Doctor who does Brachytherapy in some areas is almost impossible!! Frustrating!
Yes, the list would be helpful as well as the spelling of the UCLA doctor who will be providing the list.
Thanks!!
I have read that Brachytherapy, or prostate seed implantation, is a type of radiation therapy in which radioactive metallic seeds - smaller than a grain of rice - are permanently placed inside the prostate gland. This therapy delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the prostate gland and sometimes to the seminal vesicles.
But I have also read that high-dose rate brachytherapy lasts about 30 minutes. Your doctor inserts the radioactive material into the prostate. The doctor may use a computerized robot to do this. The radioactive material is removed right away after treatment.
You need a general or a spinal anaesthetic. With radioactive seeds, you need to avoid close contact with children or pregnant women for a couple of months after treatment. Bladder side effects may be more severe than with external beam radiotherapy.
Brachytherapy increases the 9-year success rate from 62 percent to 83 percent for those with intermediate to high-risk cancer. The overall outlook for people with prostate cancer, regardless of treatment plan, is excellent.
So why am I still confused?
There are two types of brachytherapy, temporary and permanent. Feel free to contact our helpline if you have any questions about it: pcri.org/helpline
Two thIngs that Really helped me recover after combination ADT, IMRT, & Brachy were,
- triple antiboitic on/in the urethal meatus for urinary pain/burning
-Florastor probiotic supplement for rectal pain/burning, (was totally life changing for me).
This type of information is important to know to help you make the right decision. I would want to know which has the better cure rate not which one makes the company more money. I want the most effective treatment that has been scientifically proven to be the best to cure your particular form of cancer. I don’t want unnecessary extra treatments if I don’t need them.
I agree, even with quite low grade PC as soon as you talk to most urologists, even good ones, they suggest months of ADT which has terrible QoL issues just because it's the "protocol".
We know all that and concur, but how to make sure that the doctors will do exactly that?
@@Wunderpus-photogenicus,I think it is all about who does the particular treatment you chose. I am going to speak to a well known Urologist in Long Island in a few weeks who has been doing cryotherapy for the past 20 years. I have 2 small lesions which I think focal cryotherapy will be a good treatment for me because it will target just the 2 lesions and a little area around the prostate instead of the whole prostate. It has a very good cure rate and he is an expert in cryotherapy. My sister in law actually work ks in his office which is also helping me make that decision. My regular urologist referred me to him and said that type of treatment would definitely have less chance of side effects. He was definitely steering me away from radiation as it could hit other organs and have life long side effects. I have time to decide so I’m going to keep dong my research. This specialist I’m going to see is Howard Sterns urologist. He is known worldwide so that also makes my decision easier to go speak to him. Bottomline for my decision is not so much the treatment but who is performing it
A wonderful video and great information. I do have a couple questions concerning high-dose brachytherapy. Getting surgery to remove the prostate, and radiation therapy both scare me to death. Urinary function is one of my concerns, and erection function is a big concern of mine. Even though I am 74 years old, I am very active in the bedroom. The idea of not being able to get an erection or being impontant is something that is just not even in my realm of thinking. I’m having anxieties just from the blood in my semen caused by the biopsy which I’m told should last between two and four weeks. So my big real question about high dose brachy therapy what are the side effects concerning sexual functions, and urinary functions? Thank you for any information you can tell me.
Hello,
The patient advocates on our free helpline may be able to help you with your question. You can find our contact information at pcri.org/helpline.
It took six weeks before I stopped seeing blood in my semen after the biopsy. The semen was a thick, dark-red the first few weeks, which did freak me out a bit!
I am due brachytherapy treatment in two weeks. I chose brachytherapy in preference to surgery because the outcome for continence and sexual function was better.
In the UK National Health Service, we have seperate meetings with a doctor who performs surgery and a doctor who performs radiation treatment. They give the pros and cons for their treatment and we choose which to have.
@@rawfoodjack Who is a top brachytherapist in UK - or do you just have to take who you are given?
Your a fine man Dr Scholz!
God bless both of you. I am facing a biopsy and what little I learn always makes me feel better.
For me, this video is really timely. I'm an engineer, so I need to know the details and can only form a decision based on a thorough understanding of the factors that make up an informed decision. It is true, even in 2023, that the clinicians who don't practice Brachytherapy, throw shade on or outright dismiss the treatment modality as "yesteryear" ideas. The implication being that if you don't choose IMRT, SBRT, or surgery, you are likely talking to a provider who is practicing a decade or two older treatment. I look at brachytherapy as potentially a highly targeted approach without all the known downsides of surgery (impotence and incontinence) or external beam radiation (bladder or rectum ulcers).
Now, as to the question of who should do a Brachytherapy treatment, talk to the nurses. They know who stays up on the advancements, and which clinical practitioner is better than another, and which clinic has the best equipment. I really wish the nursing and PA community had their own "Yelp-like" forums where we could query "who is really good at this" or "would you send your husband to this guy" type of questions.
Dr Scholz I have recently been diagnosed and have a score of 4+3. I am 74 and have had an enlarged prostate for several years.My oncologist suggested surgery and I asked for a referral for radiation which turned out to be IMRT. I am now interested in Brachytherapy after researching on the internet. I live in Edmond,Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City. Could you recommend a Doctor who specializes in Brachytherapy? Thank you for your time and the videos.
I live in Houston Texas and needs to go for seed implants for prostate cancer at MD Anderson cancer center. Please advise . Thanks.
My sister had pancreatic cancer, I think it was called something like islet cell. One cancer doctor said her best treatment would be this seed type implants as it could be put within or very near the cancer cells and not try to use chemo drugs that could damage even good cells.
Thank you Dr Scholz for speaking the truth.
This video is two years old. Did you get your list of doctors who do branchytherapy who can be trusted to do it corrrectly.
what if a man had the seed implant but after a few year the prostate cancer comes back, what the next best treatment, he was told radiation is not a option.
Did you do the interview with Jeff Demanas (sp?) on good brachytherapists around the country yet?
Yes I’ve seen it a year ago
th-cam.com/video/QMdYKAoMHNI/w-d-xo.html
We need the list
Did you get your list of doctors who do branchytherapy who can be trusted to do it corrrectly?
I Opted for Seed Implant when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Sept 2001. Just found out about month ago, it is back and has spread, PSA went from zero to 5 then in about 3 months it jumped to 28. Going to try hormone therapy to slow it down ,Hopefully.
Do you think that it would have made a difference if you had done nothing at all in 2001 ? How are you doing now?
My husband is preparing to get the seeds done but he is experiencing bladder issues. He urinates constantly even when he hasn't drank much of anything. He is a truck driver so this is hindering his work. Is this urinating constantly normal before the procedure? They have only marked the area the seeds will be.
The name of doctors who are experts of ceded implantation
Has that list that he’s speaking about concerning the best doctors for seeds actually came out yet? I will probably need prostate cancer treatment and I would like to do the seeds. Hospital is UC Irvine, so I’m hoping there is someone there that skilled. I sure would like that!
Hello, we are not able to answer case questions on our comment section but we can help you through our Helpline who can speak with you either by phone or email. Here is the link to contact them: pcri.org/helpline
I have been fighting prostate cancer for 7 years. I did not want my prostate removed (did not like the side effects). I first opted for HIFU and went to Canada for the procedure in December of 2015. I think the procedure was the right decision, but the Doctor, I selected, was a mistake. My PSA dropped from 10.5 to 1.25, but it started climbing again. In December of 2019 it had steadily risen to 4.63. i researched and opted for Encage (RFA) and had the procedure in December of 2019, my psa dropped from 4.63 to 2.1. Then it rose again to 5.42 in September of 2020. As Encage or RFA are localized and focused treatments, it is not unusual for a lesion to be missed. That was the case here. So, in December of 2020 I had my second Encage procedure and my PSA dropped to .63 (this reading was taken 2 months after the procedure). Now, again in October of 2023 my PSA is 3.936, biopsy results depict two lesions, a Gleason 6 and a Gleason 7 (4 - 3)..
I am now considering Radiation, but due to the location of the Gleason 7 lesion, I am concerned about major side effects. So, I am seriously considering RFA again. Why, you ask, because it is the least invasive procedure. I have the procedure and sleep at home that night and the next day I have only limited activity restrictions. No stitches, just a band aid at my perineal. Due to the scar tissue, from the previous 3 procedures, radiation oncology informed me that my chances of negative side effects is much higher. Another option, might be the seeds. I know many men who have had the seeds implanted and after 20+ years or more they have serious problems. But, me, being in my 70's, it might be smart. The radiation oncologist offered a 2nd option, that being, do nothing. His reasoning, my cancer is not too aggressive ( it has been 8 years). But, the more I thought about this, I think he was wrong. I develop tumors frequently and they grow somewhat rapidly, they grow and are removed and are then replaced, at least based on the rising PSA levels I have experienced. Bottom line, the RFA or EnCage is my best choice. The side effects are insignificant and it does remove the cancerous lesions. It is local and targeted, but to my mind this is a positive, it does not injure healthy tissue, unlike radiation, and the side effects are zero. There is only one negative to Encage or RFA and that is the cost. The procedure is not covered by Medicare and the cost in 2014 was $14,000. It is now higher.
I submit this history for a reason, I would like feedback, hope to educate others who have prostate cancer, and maybe other options I have not considered.
No idea what Encage is.
Friend of mine received advice that after doing brachytherapy (radiation) if it doesn't work, there is too much damage done for surgery. If surgery is done first then you remove the entire prostate (and all the cancer in it as a result). How true is this statement? Why would someone choose brach. given this?
Less side effects with brachytherapy, and supposedly they can treat any cancer they miss or reoccurs with beam radiation.
Even with Gleason 10 is it a better treatment?🤔
Thank you. This is incredibly helpful.
Where can i go to in illinois for seed implants
Good morning. Good advice, Thanks. I do learn about cancer treatments . I will be ready in my decision.
Was there ever a list put together by Jeff Demanes for quality Brachytherapy seed implantation doctors/specialists?
Hello,
We have not gotten that list, unfortunately. We have a prostate cancer helpline that might be able to provide you with information. You can find our contact information at pcri.org/helpline.
How do the results of seed brachytherapy compare to SBRT?
Recently diagnosed 4+3=7 no met. Brachytherapy is something I would prefer. I definitely am being steered toward surgery. Off hand know anyplace in Cleveland, OH?
@@KeithStew Wow, I'm scheduled for Brachytherapy there Tuesday. Hope it went well for you.
Who are you docs???
@@KeithStew He's my Doc too
You feel ok??
@@KeithStew Great!
Congratulations.
I'm looking forward to getting past it
Thanks!
Where can we find a list of seed implant experts ?
You disc brachytherapy. You don't often distinguish high and low dose. You imply low dose. Why not high dose?
Denis,
Here are some videos that discuss the differences between permanent (low-dose) and temporary (high-dose) seeds:
"The Difference Between Temporary & Permanent Seeds Brachytherapy"
th-cam.com/video/KE1e08jDfAo/w-d-xo.html
"Temporary vs. Permanent Brachytherapy, Radiation Expert Mack Roach, MD Explains"
th-cam.com/video/mvNWR4bYT6M/w-d-xo.html
"HDR Brachytherapy for the Teal Stage of Prostate Cancer"
th-cam.com/video/2Y-pFt30VAU/w-d-xo.html
@@ThePCRI sorry I wasn't clear I am an HDRBT monotherapy patient. I am 3.5 years post treatment and PSA is 0.3 so I am in good shape. Most of the discussions of BT seem to focus on low dose seeds. Would love to hear High dose be discussed as to its effectiveness. Most people don't even know about HDR
Perverse incentives…..
How do you find a doctor who has done lots of seed implants and are good at it.
What is your opinion on the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona. Thanks
Toni, our prostate cancer helpline may be able to help with your question. Please feel free to contact us here: pcri.org/helpline
Can you recommend a skilled doctor in the naples Florida area or nearby that can do the seed implants
Dattoli
Wow
Is sloan in Manhattan a good choice for prostrate cancer and seed implant ?
Hi! Our prostate cancer helpline may be able to answer your questions and help you find helpful information. Please feel free to contact us here: pcri.org/helpline
I had seeds implant done about a year ago at MSK they are the BEST!
Sam Hynds what was your psa? Was your cancer aggressive?
Craig Thornwell Hi Craig gleason score (7). Yale New Heaven wanted to remove my Prostate. I was lucky I did my research.
@@samhynds5913
Sam how are you doing … found out today I will be having temporary seeds put in at MSK… how are you doing at this time? I see it’s been three years since your last post.
Thank you.
nurse told me that the seed implants werent necessary anymore to focus the beam since the xray has improved to watch the rectum/bladder separation.
Is the Mayo Clinic in Arizona a good place for seed implants
Hello, our prostate cancer helpline may be able to help with your question. Please feel free to contact us here: pcri.org/helpline
@@ThePCRI do you guys get referrals fees?
@@El_Famous_W01f No, we do not provide doctor referrals or make referral fees.
Hi Dr, will this treatment work if the prostate cancer has gone into the bones in the back , thanks Bob Bourne
Robert Bourne No, only within the prostate.
I cannot tolerate an MRI so, can they still treat me with radiation or brachytherapy I prefer the latter.
by the way, my doctor is not returning my calls. Please tell me they can use my biopsy template along with a CT scan to plant the seeds. I do not want surgery but as said cannot do an MRI (unless maybe they can use my CPAP with a long hose. I must be sedated and sleep but they wake me up when I stop breathing OSA
Hello, our prostate cancer helpline may be able to help with your question. Please feel free to contact us here: pcri.org/helpline
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I live in B.C. and was diagnosed in June 2019, PSA 6.8 Gleeson of 4/5 - 9. I went with tri modial of A.D.T, 23 sessions of E.B.R.T and a 75 seed brachytherapy implant. My March PSA test 0.06, July 2.4 and my latest result yesterday it was 6.9. I am now going to receive a new set of images. Any thoughts?
let us know if you find out whats going on my insurance agent had seed put in (60) said he's doing fine two yrs later , I am looking into seeds now thanks for posting
@@schmidtpe I'm back on ADT every four months, with Bicalutemide 50mg daily. As I speak I've just had a CT scan and in two hours I get a bone scan. Results to come later this week. Be safe.
What is imrt?