THERE WAS NO RESPONSE TO AN UPDATE REMINDER IN 2015 SO THERE IS NO UPDATE.

After diagnosis in Oct 2002 I followed Active Surveillance. During that period, although having a gradual upward trend, my PSAs happily bounced between 6 and 11. However since major motorcycle trauma in June 2007, they have stayed above 10 and rising. (currently 13.4)

Currently scheduled for further investigation with view to either staying as is or further treatment.

Another biopsy now showed 4/7 positives in the Right lobe and Gleason 6. (2002: 1/5 positives and Gleason 5 in Right). An MRI also showed tumour now on the left with breaching of the capsule. (I think possibly from a previous biopsy. The MRI technician immediately queried if I had previous biopsies when this showed up.)

Based on this and an the awareness that time for conventional treatment success may be fast running out, I opted for Brachytherapy on 19 Sept 2008. (As per the PRIAS Protocol [Prostate Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance] I had been following)

Overall, treatment was tolerable. After initial difficulties with urinating, (retention, burning etc) and tiredness this is almost fully cleared and apart from the odd occasion I am now up usually only once a night. Sexually there is still "life after death".

My PSA's post treatment:

Treatment: 13.4
3 months: 13.3
6 months: 7.52
9 months: 5.3

My super confident Urologist (Told me I am 90% curable and can "throw away the antioxidants!") is happy with these results and has put me onto 6 monthly PSA's. However I am less happy, hoping it would be much lower by now, however I am comforted by the slow rate of PSA decline, which I believe is a good thing.

I am continuing with AS (Especially diet) etc as:

1. May slow any possible re-occurance.
2. May help reduce the now increased chance of bladder cancer. (From the radiation)
3. It is good for my body overall.

Time will tell!

After an initial PSA of 13.3 early post brachy, subsequent readings at three monthly then six monthly were: 7.52, 5.37, 5.1, and now six months back, 1.98. Have become due for another PSA this month. (March 2011)

Two years post brachy I still have the following side effects.

Urination: More or less normal although seems slower than before and at night can still vary from once to up to five times per night. Depends what I have drunk the night and afternoon before. Overall not problematical.

Erectile: Very much as it was before brachy. (This 'success' may be attributed to the recommended "stimulation treatment" I tried post brachy, as recommended on one of the posts)I tend to be less enhtusiastic than I was some years back however this probably more age related. Dry orgasms are wierd and often more intense than before!

So far so good. Next PSA coming up soon!

Since the March 2011 update my 6 mthly PSA's have been: March 2011 - 1.1 and the last one in August 2011, at 34 months post brachy, - 0.53. I really need to do another one as the recommended 6 monthly by the doc is now overdue!

The only possible side effect remains intermittent increased night urination, especially if I am not careful with fluids the afternoon/evening before. I am not sure if this may also be related to high blood pressure which I think I am developing with age, however urine flow has never been as good as it was before treatment.

Regarding ED, so far no long term effects and much the same as prior to treatment.

So far treatment has been successful with minimal side effects, however I must emphasise the need to find an experienced and skilled operator. I work in hospitals and have noticed a dramatic increase (over Prostatectomy) in the use of Brachy by all and sundry, so do not rush in and pick and choose carefully!

It is now approx 10 years since first signs of PCa in 2001. My 7 or so years AS prior to Brachy certainly seemed to have paid off as during that time, expertise and equipment involving Brachy improved dramatically in the area I live.

Good luck!

My delay in updating has been owing to waiting for my 6 mothly PSA result (which was already almost 2 months overdue)

The result after +- 56 months post Brachy is 0.21 the lowest I have had so far. Everything else working well including no ED and some occasional excessive nightime diuresis which I think may be more related to blood pressure issues.

No update of significance except I am overdue for my next PSA which is now annual. (Last one June 2013!)

At this update (7 August 2014) I would like to send my condolences to Terry's family and express my heartfelt thanks for all the help he has freely given me over the years. Terry may you go well, and be supported by all those who have gone ahead of you!

Shawn's e-mail address is: skc AT telkomsa.net (replace "AT" with "@")

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