THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2014 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

In April 2004 I had a routine finger check and the GP considered the prostate was enlarged. The PSA check showed 6.3 ng/ml, up from 3.3 ng/ml in 2002. The GP recommended another PSA check in July which showed 5.7 ng/ml. He then referred me to a urologist with a PSA check to be available when I succeeded in getting an appointment.

Other circumstances resulted in the appointment being in November 2004. The third PSA reading was 6.1 ng/ml. The urologist recommended a biopsy be carried out. This was done in day surgery on 8 December 2004 and 4 of the 8 biopsies showed cancer cells. The urologist explained to me the options, these are my words not his: surgery, external radiotherapy and internal radiotherapy. He explained the surgical removal of the prostate to me in detail and recommended surgery as currently being the most effective way of removing the cancer from my body, given the incomplete statistics of other treatments. However, he also gave me a referral to a Radiation Oncologist.

I wanted to know more about the internal radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and saw the Radiation Oncologist on 14 January 2005. I found his explanation clear and logical and told him I would go ahead with brachytherapy. Scans of the abdomen/pelvis plus a bone scan were carried out the following day. These results were forwarded to the oncologist and his urologist colleague whom I saw on 31 January 2005. The scans had no anomalies and the urologist told me that at my age, 66, and my current general health, good, I am an ideal candidate for brachytherapy. He ordered a cystoscopy and volume check which was carried out in day surgery on 8 February 2005. This was my first experience of the intense "need to go" when I got out of bed to get dressed and go home. I am not looking forward to that occurring after the brachytherapy treatment! My volume is 26cc. Brachytherapy is scheduled for 23 March 2005.

I had not experienced any symptons of faults with the waterworks and as a consequence the advice that I had cancer was hard to take. I do not think I was too easy to live with for the first few days after THAT news. I did some research on the net and read literature on Prostate Cancer and ended up feeling more depressed. Because I could not find as many positive comments on the success of brachytherapy as I was hoping, for I decided to opt for surgery. I knew the urologist was away on Christmas holidays however, I thought someone would be in the office. There was no answer on three separate occasions over three days.

I then rang the oncologist's office to advise them I was cancelling the appointment made for 14 January. When asked why I was cancelling I told the person that I thought it would be the most effective way to remove the cancer. He quietly spoke to me about brachytherapy and the improvements made in the technique over the years and his confidence prompted me not to cancel the appointment. As I said above the oncologist also convinced me of the value of brachytherapy and now that I have made up my mind I am very pleased no one answered that telephone in the urologist's office. I hope how I feel at the end of March will still be as positive...

The following covers the lead up to, the brachytherapy seed implant procedure on 23 March, and the 6 days post procedure.

The message in information supplied on brachytherapy, that a consistent intake of fluids was necessary, reinforced personal observation of others with bladder problems. To achieve that end, on 21 March I filled up a 2 litre jug with water with the aim to drink the contents prior to going to bed in the evening. This is in addition to any other fluids I may consume during the day. My intention is to continue with this routine for the coming months. I have not found any difficulty in emptying the jug each day. I also commenced my daily Flowmax capsule. In the past I have been able to sleep through most nights without a trip to the toilet. Since 21 March I have been making 2 visits each night. A small price to pay if "flushing" is essential to recovery.

I entered hospital at 06:30 on 23 March and after covering pre-op requirements I was in the theatre at 07:30. As an aside I mention here that I underwent laproscopic surgery on 8 March for a unguinal hernia on my right side. I had some pain in the lower groin area and in my right testicle and requested the urologist and oncologist take it easy in that area. They assured me all would be OK. By the the time I thought of a response to the anesthetist telling me I will feel a little prick in my arm and a slight flush it was 11:30 and I was in the post-op recovery ward.

I felt terrific, seemingly wide awake and alert. There was a drip in my left arm and a catheter had been inserted. I felt a need to pass water and when being checked for blood pressure etc., I asked if I could pass water through the catheter. Sure no worries. Communication break-down. When I tried to pass water it flowed around the catheter not through it. I ended up with my hospital style backless gown being wet. No sweat, after a quick gown change I was transferred to the regular ward.

When I was wheeled into a single room in the ward I thought I was being well treated however, the radioactivity icon, staff only, and contact the desk signs on the door made me wonder if the low dose seeds were low enough? I was advised that I was to have bed rest for the day. With the catheter now working OK, no food or liquids for the previous 12 hours, plus an enema prior to the implants I was able to lie comfortably to read and watch TV. Lunch was enjoyable and the cold water supply was endless. I was also pleased to note that the bag from the catheter had no discolouration from possible bleeding. A course of anti-biotics was commenced prior to the evening meal followed by a Flowmax after the meal.

The radiation oncologist paid me a visit in the evening and told me all went well. My prostate volume was 30 cc and 59 seeds were implanted. I will visit him in 4 weeks and the urologist in 12 weeks. He told me to ask for pain relief when necessary. Although I did not have any pain that I can link to the seed implants the area between the scrotum and the rectum is sore to touch, as is the rectum after a bowel movement. The ache from the hernia surgery was still with me so I asked for relief before sleeping.

The catheter was removed at 06:00. I was advised that I could leave hospital after I had, twice, passed water successfully. I continued my water intake and had no problem with flow, control and content three times before my discharge. Checks of my bladder contents, using an ultrasound device showed residual amounts of 19 to 22 ml. Apparently a normal amount. At no time did I have difficulty in passing urine. There has been no pain, no restriction of the flow and I am able to operate the control valve to my satisfaction. I was picked up at 12:45 feeling greatly relieved the procedure was over and I was not suffering any after effects.

During the 6 days since the implants I have been busy with family activities. I have not picked up the grand-children nor nursed them. However, that is because I am following the post implant written advice. I have continued with a daily Flowmax capsule and drinking 2 litres of water each day plus other fluids associated with meals. Daytime toilet stops are 4 to 5 and sleeptime 2.

After reading all the possible problems that can arise from brachytherapy seed implants I expected much discomfort and possible pain. I have neither. I did not ask if the radioactivity takes time to develop, which could mean swelling of the prostate may still occur resulting in flow and control problems. I had a nocturnal erection last night :) and am optimistic that all will continue to go well.

Am I a supporter of low dose brachytherapy? You bet I am!!!

It is now 3 months since my brachytherapy/seed implants and I am pleased with my progress.

I am still experiencing the"urgent" need to "take a leak" however, I have learned to control the urge until I am aware that it is the real thing ie. time to pass water. Obviously, if I have visited a toilet in the past hour I know the "urgent" feel triggered by the sound of running water can be controlled. I have also noticed that I now have more flatulence than before the brachytherapy. Passing water also triggers the flatulence and an urge for a bowel movement. This feeling also requires control. It makes me feel like a dog checking out each electricity pole and cocking its leg to deposit a couple of drops. Hence the need to keep control over both the bladder and the bowel.

The radiation oncologist told me, prior to the treatment, that after the implants passing water can feel like passing razor blades. Some of the written information stated that a burning sensation can be experienced during urine and bowel movements. Both of the above possibilities did not impress me, particularly as the feelings can last until the radioactivity is nearly exhausted. I am pleased to report that I have never passed razor blades. I assumed the "burning" sensation would be similar to the experiences I have had after either eating a hot curry or a hot chilli meal. Once again I am pleased to report I have not experienced any burning sensation. However, the sensation experienced when the urine commences to flow is difficult to describe. In my mind I liken it to the first couple of seconds of an ejaculation, without the pleasure. If this sensation is a bad as the effects of the brachytherapy treatment gets I am not complaining, just thankful.

I have found that I have limited control over the force of the urine flow. In effect, I feel as though I just have to let gravity do the work. This can be somewhat embarrassing standing at a urinal in a public toilet when a person come to the urinal beside you, after you have started, and leaves before you have finished!! My urologist said not to try and force the flow.

I am still trying to drink plenty of water to keep the system flushed however, I do not achieve my aim of 2 litres every day. I try to keep the urine clear to significantly reduce the acid level. I have been taking Flomax capsules 2 days prior to and since the treatment. When the first box of 30 finished I thought I would try and see if I could do without them. Wrong!! The next 2 nights I was at the toilet 4 times as against the usual once or twice. I also felt uncomfortable during the day so after 2 days I renewed the prescription and have continued to take 1 capsule each day since then. I have now had approximately 65% of my radioactive dose so I assume I will need to take Flowmax until the dosage reaches 80+%.

Erections are much the same as before the treatment. I am thankful for scientific progress in that field.

I visit the urologist in July and will have a PSA blood test prior to that visit. He will also check my flow rate. I am hopeful that the PSA reading will show a drop.

I remain very positive about brachytherapy as a treatment for prostate cancer and pass the word to whomever is interested to listen.

I am approaching 6 months since undergoing brachytherapy/seed implants. I am still very pleased with the minimal effect of the brachytherapy treatment on my general well being. I recently attended a seminar where the participants were of a similar age as myself. Fifteen minutes into the seminar and men commenced taking a trip to the toilet. I was able to sit through the 90 minutes without the need for such a visit. I did wonder about the health of the other male attendees, and felt very pleased with the apparent effectiveness of my treatment.

I continue to take a daily Flomax capsule which appears to assist in bladder control. However, I am concerned about the possibility of Flomax being addictive. Will my body revert back to "normal" once the radioactivity drops to a lower level and I cease taking the daily capsule? What is that level? Is it achieved after receiving 90%, or greater, of the dosage?

I assume my next visit to the oncologist should resolve those queries. The PSA reading from the blood sample taken in July was 1.6 ng/ml. That is a drop from 6.1 ng/ml. When the blood sample was taken my prostate would have received approximately 70% of the radioactive dose. My urine flow rate and volume was in the "good" field.

From my perspective the lower PSA figure confirms that the treatment is working. My next visit to the radiation oncologist is in November. I hope blood sample taken for that PSA reading will show an even lower figure, but I expect the reduction will not be as dramatic.

I continue to be an enthusiastic supporter of the brachytherapy/seed implant treatment.

I have had 2 blood tests since my last update in September.

A test in November produced a reading of 0.50 ng/ml which made me very happy. During a November visit my oncologist told me any figure under 1.00 ng/ml was good. At that time I was not completely happy with my bladder control and so I continued to take one Flomax each day.

By the end of December I stopped the daily Flomax and my bladder content/control seemed to be close to what I remember as "normal". Particularly the ability to sleep all night with only one visit to the toilet. Currently I can sleep through most nights without waking.

A follow-up visit to my urologist was scheduled for 7 March and a blood test was carried out in the last week of February. That reading is also 0.50 ng/ml and I am still smiling. The urologist does not want to see me until March 2007. He has ordered a blood test for September and told me to check with my GP for the result. He told me there is no requirement for another follow-up visit to the oncologist.

Now that my brachytherapy seeds are approaching the end of their effectiveness I asked him about the possibility of a PSA "bounce". He advised me it is possible but even if my reading does bounce up it should flatten out.

Twelve months has made a huge difference in my state of mind. I feel very fortunate that brachytherapy has worked so very well for me.

I had a 6 month PSA check carried out in September 2006 and my reading was 0.6 ng/ml. That was a rise of 0.1 ng/ml from the March reading and did not worry me. The next PSA check was carried out in February 2007 prior to my follow-up visit to the urologist in March. He advised me the reading was 1.9 ng/ml. That startled me a little as it was a jump of 1.3 ng/ml in only just over 5 months.

The urologist was happy enough with the result and told me a bounce can occur between 1 and 4 years after treatment. My bounce is roughly in the middle, on 2 years. He went on to tell me he expected the reading to subside over the next 2 years and then flatten out. A flow check was also completed and my rate and quantity was within the expected range. He scheduled the next PSA check for August 2007, when my GP can tell me the reading, and his next visit March 2008.

My overall health is good and I am happy with my waterworks. I can sleep through most nights without getting up to go to the toilet. Except for a build up of gas, if I go for a long period between passing water, to the best of my recollection I am back to where I was before my treatment.

I am still a supporter of brachytherapy.

My PSA reading in August 2007 dropped down from 1.9 to 0.2. Naturally I was very pleased to hear that from my general practitioner. A new PSA reading was taken in April 2008 prior to my visit to my urologist where he confirmed the figure remained at 0.2.

After the "finger" check he told me the prostate felt as he expected it would as a result of the "seeding" from the brachytherapy treatment. I was advised that he did not want to see me again. However, he recommended continuing with the 6 monthly check of the PSA through my GP. If the reading ever reached 2.0 I should return to him and he would re-examine my situation to assess any future treatment.

As you can imagine I have been smiling ever since!! I feel very fortunate that my initial situation allowed me to be a candidate for brachytherapy. In addition, I also feel very fortunate that the brachytherapy treatment was very easy on my body.

My brachytherapy treatment was carried out over 4 years ago and my body is doing the right thing by me. I have had two PSA blood tests completed since my update in July 2008. I am very pleased to report that the October 2008 reading was 0.05 and the May 2009 reading was 0.03.

Naturally, I continue to be a supporter of the brachytherapy treatment for those who meet the relevant criteria.

The further you get away from the memories of being told the bad news the easier it becomes to let slip the need to update my story with my current situation.

I am very pleased to report that I am still healthy and my prostate appears to be behaving itself. My May 2010 blood test resulted in a reading of 0.02. I have no waterworks problems and can sleep through most nights without having to pay a visit to the toilet. I am very thankful that my brachytherapy treatment has been an apparent success.

My May PSA; reading was 0.03 and I thought this is great. I was feeling sorry for others around me, in a similar demographic (read old age), that were experiencing chest pains, back pains, leg pains, etc, etc. There I was fat, dumb and happy thinking I was lucky to still have "good" health.

I experienced a pain in my left foot mid August and my GP suggested a Doppler ultrasound to check the blood flow to my foot. The technician started at my abdomen to find the artery and to follow it down my leg. Blood flow is OK however, he saw spots on my liver and ordered a CT scan for the following morning. That proved I have pancreatic cancer which has metastasised on my liver. I have until Christmas if I am "lucky". If you can call it luck.

This experience has proven to me at no time can you become complacent about your health. It is such a precious thing you need to guard it well during your life. I hope this might serve as a wake-up call to others.

Keep smiling, keep happy and keep healthy.

I updated my story in September 2012 to advise readers that Brachytherapy has been successful for me. However, the Big C struck again with pancreatic and liver cancer. No link has been made between the earlier prostate cancer and my current concers. I have been undergoing chemotherapy since August 2012 and now in March 2013 my treatment has slowed the growth of the cancers. I was told by the oncologist I only had a 2% chance of seeing Christmas so I am very pleased to report I am looking forward to my birthday in April. If you meet the parameters for Brachytherapy I am still a strong supporter for that treatment.

Graeme's e-mail address is: donut55 AT bigpond.net.au (replace "AT" with "@") (but this e-mail address may no longer be valid)

NOTE: Graeme has not updated his story for more than 15 months, so you may not receive any response from him.