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Brachytherapy - Close to 3 Yrs Ago [Update]

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Posted 3/2/2021 11:20 AM (GMT -5)
Hello,

It's been a while since I posted. Actually last time, not sure I heard back. lol

So, July will be 3 years since my brachy following Proton treatment. Generally speaking, I would say things are pretty phenomenal, all things considered.

My one and only real comment/question for the group is regarding the burning during urination. Now, when I say burning, I mean minor discomfort and really, it just feels "hot" versus burning if that makes sense. It has been fairly consistent and can live with it without issue.

I have noted a couple things though. First, hydration definitely feels a bit better and for some reason, the occasional once in the night urination seems like the most comfortable and surprisingly hardly any burn.

My question to all is, anyone else still burning after this long and any tips from you all on this?

Thanks ahead.

Eric
Posted 3/2/2021 12:13 PM (GMT -5)
Glad to see you are doing well. How is the PSA trend? So you had Proton ERB followed by brachytherapy. Was is seed or HDR?

I never had the burning and I am ten years since my treatment. What are your urologist and radiation oncologist saying and doing about it?
Posted 3/2/2021 12:35 PM (GMT -5)
sounds good! i am more than 10 years out and only had burning during treatment. i'd look into it
Posted 3/2/2021 12:47 PM (GMT -5)
Hey thanks for the replies gents.

I've mentioned it to oncologist but have described it is very minor and not much of a complaint so didn't see a reason to see urologist. That's really the only reason and surely don't want anyone going up inside me to scope around. smile I was just wondering if anyone was finding that certain drinks, juices, foods, etc had any effect.

I had Brachy and seeds, 61 if memory recalls.

My PSAs: I've been keeping a running matrix chart that I provide to my oncologist that he loves but doesn't look like you can attach here.

So: Beginning May 18 (6.), after Brachy (.79), 1.9, 1.48, 1.27, 1.53, 1.53, .86, Jan 21 (.56).

Eric
Posted 3/2/2021 2:35 PM (GMT -5)
Kirk, I had some minor burning right after my brachy but none in the 12 years since. I don't think it's common based on what I've seen from brachy patients. Might be worth mentioning to the uro...

BTW, you PSA trend seems great.

Jim
Posted 3/9/2021 6:59 AM (GMT -5)
Before my ldr brachy and 25 doses of ebrt, I pissed like a race horse with zero issues. Now after brachy, etc., it's just not the same. I think I experience the same thing you are referring to, kind of. I no longer pee like I used to, and at times it somewhat uncomfortable. It doesn't burn, per-se, it's just not the same as before the treatments. I'm also experiencing ED for the first time and I attribute that to the radiation. Although its not bad, it's also not the same as before. Plus I have almost completely dried up. I had a physical last week, asked for some Cialis, etc. but my GP didn't feel comfortable prescribing it which I found weird. She said I should talk with my urologist. What's best. Cialis, Viagra?
Thx.
Sorry, got side tracked there.
Posted 3/9/2021 2:31 PM (GMT -5)
Hey Idog,

Well, you have basically described very similar to what I have though appears you have been affected a bit more. Bottom line is, just not the same however I stress, I have no complaints. For me, not a show stopper and I don't dread going pee each time or anything and in fact, about half way through it becomes pleasant. Like I say, hydrating and having a good amount actually does feel a bit better and the burning as you describe is not some excruciating thing, just minor discomfort and something I'd be fine with. The fact that the sensation improves throughout the session (one urination) seems to tell me, it's like a start up fee. lol Something like that and I never try and squeeze it out, basically all gravity and all is good. Just no idea why the sensation isn't throughout though happy it's not. Regarding your other symptoms, sorry to hear. I am not completely dry though the semen is completely clear now a reasonable amount, no complaints and no issues thus far requiring assistance with Cialis or anything.
PS: I meant to add, there are occasional times, completely random in which there is zero discomfort at all. Seems no rhyme or reason.
Eric

Post Edited (kirkeric) : 3/9/2021 12:49:51 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/9/2021 5:13 PM (GMT -5)
Yes, you pretty much explained exactly how I feel, at times. And I too think to myself, oh well, the other side could have been a whoooooole lot worse.
Posted 3/9/2021 5:46 PM (GMT -5)
I always say that about my only side effect is that I don' pee as well as I used to. It's more a weak stream as opposed to being hot, although now that you mention it, I might describe it like that on rare occasions. My urination is fine with a Rapaflo every 5-7 days. If I were just taking the Rapaflo to pee better, I'd probably take it every three days. But I don't like the way Rapaflo "deadens" orgasms, so I stretch it out a bit further than that. Do you take Rapaflo/Flomax or any other drugs in that class? One other thing to note on the topic: when I feel the urgency to pee, it's much stronger than it used to be.

Hey, nice PSA trend!
Posted 3/9/2021 9:21 PM (GMT -5)
Michael,
Agree. Peeing is not the same and stream is definitely weaker. I do not take anything at all. Following the surgery they gave me that Flomax but that was preventive only in case of something temporary like swelling. I was able to quickly discard that in three weeks. I purposely don't want anything unless there is a need. I pee fine, weaker, but fine. Also concur. I can hold it about the same time but when ready, as you say, that urgency is more sudden.

And appreciate the comment on PSA.

Eric
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