HDR Brachytherapy Round 2....

Today.

I let them know about the couple of instances of unpleasant pain in the first session, and I'm proud to report the second sessions was much better.

Not really painful taking out high dose radiation pins or the catheter at all. I wouldn't call it pleasant, but there wasn't much to it.

I came home and took a four hour nap. The doc suggested 48 hours of rest/recliner/remote.

I haven't taken any pain meds so far and almost feel guilty with lack of pain. He said my perenium might be more sore after second session.

I've felt pretty 'high' all day though...

Dewayne,

Sounds good. Keep us posted please. I may not be far behind you.

YTwo differences they did this time:

A second pain medicine through my IV after the scan (after the surgery to implant pins).

A local pain medicine around my perimion (sp?) area.

The physicist that I inquired about was a very, very nice looking lady in her 30's who spent a lot more time in the process than I had figured. Too bad she only remembers me with my junk and ass stuck up in the air... LOL

Strange because I felt more alert this time yet much less, if any pain.

Today I'm pretty much ok except when sitting a certain way. It's not that bad of pain, but just feels like soreness after a shot.

Back for follow up in 30-days. Do they start taking PSA's that early? :

Pratoman said...
Dewayne, good that this time around was easier for you.

Is that it? Done?

I'm done Pratoman.

I tried to take off work all day today but ended up going to my office for an appointment at 4 p.m.

Follow up in one month for PSA tests I suppose. Really all I've felt today is some light headedness from the drugs I suppose. I guess there's a trade off: pain during procedure = short recovery, and no pain b/c of meds = feeling of being high or queezy the following day.

My doctor was confident so I hope I'm done forever.

Congrats Dewayne!! Im to see my HDR guy for the first time first week of Jan. Any great questions I should ask....

BenSam said...
Congrats Dewayne!! Im to see my HDR guy for the first time first week of Jan. Any great questions I should ask....

All the data I've seen compares HDR and surgery favorably as far as cure rates. As long as that's the case, I can't imagine an easier way of getting rid of cancer.

My mother-in-law has been spending time with us and she can't even tell I've been getting cancer treatments. I've only told five family members and a couple of people in my firm and my wife's boss (principal).

I'd say make sure he/she is experienced and has a staff that is.

As TallAllen has said, I believe the use of x-Ray scans and placement of the tubes is such that not as much 'artistry' is needed with this type. They put me under a scan immediately before the radiation. And he moved the tubes around after that last scan.

If you become confident this treatment has at least the same outcome as surgery, I'd say it's a no-brainer.

You guys are understanding why I have been a strong advocate for HDR brachytherapy for more than four years now.   Based on the research I did and advice I received it was a no-brainer for me.   Just like Andy Grove, founder of Intel, in the late 1990's when confronted with treatment choices.