It is SO important that patients take initiative to research side effects and risks of each type of treatment. One size does not fit all. So many factors enter into the judgement. Do your homework before proceeding. Regret stems from those who don't.
Exactly right. I came within 18 hours of chemical castration (which they euphemistically like to call "hormone therapy") which is typically done in conjunction with external beam radiation. Neither my urologist nor my radiation oncologist ever suggested that brachytherapy might be an option. Via lots of research, I cancelled the hormone shot and now am scheduled for for brachytherapy. For those out there who have been told they need external beam with hormone suppression, I urge you to investigate the long term effects of chemical castration..... from what I can tell, you will never be the same. Logically, brachytherapy (either low dose permanent seeds which deliver a higher dose in the long run, or high dose which is a quick but very strong exposure) makes a lot of sense as it delivers radiation most directly to the location of the cancer. There are also side effects to brachytherapy, of course. These include urinary problems (relatively short term) but these side effects PALE in comparison to chemical castration. PLEASE do your own research and do NOT just accept what the first doc says. A doctor is very likely to recommend the thing that they are specialized in, be it surgery, external beam radiation with chemical castration, or brachytherapy. This is not like being treated for a broken leg where the solution is a no-brainer.... YOU MUST DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.
@@tomslick2058 Had first HDR Brachytherapy session in mid Aug..... next (and hopefully final) is due in late Sept. Predictable side effects, took over 2 weeks to begin to shake off the lack of energy and slightly sick feeling..... that is longer than I'd expected but all in all not that bad. I've read many many testimonials about ADT (chemical castration) that bolster my decision to avoid it at all costs. Right now I see the advice I got from my first urologist and oncologist (recommending external beam plus ADT) as borderline malpractice. If I can get rid of this cancer with my current HDR treatments, then the "borderline" will be eliminated from my description of how those two handled my case. It will be some months of monitoring before I know for sure. Thanks for asking. What is your situation?
How about the physician have a list that can just be given to the patient. Pros and cons etc. The patient is already under a lot of stress and anxiety whereas the physician has dealt with patients and outcomes for years. How difficult would it be to just have a pamphlet available for handout?
Thankful for this video. As far as I know I don't have PC but I do have prostatitis. I think the treatment options for PC suck. I also think we have more power over our own health than what the doctors are telling us.
This appears to be a lot like breast cancer treatment for women, when women aren't presented with ALL treatment options, from which they then may choose. One wonders if "suggested" treatment is motivated by financial concerns, either short term or long term or both. Always do your research and have facts and statistics and ask about treatment options other than what was "suggested". Also ask why the doctor he is "suggesting" whatever treatment, when several other options might exist. Why this particular treatment? You have the right to say a lot about your medical care.
It is SO important that patients take initiative to research side effects and risks of each type of treatment. One size does not fit all. So many factors enter into the judgement. Do your homework before proceeding. Regret stems from those who don't.
Exactly right. I came within 18 hours of chemical castration (which they euphemistically like to call "hormone therapy") which is typically done in conjunction with external beam radiation. Neither my urologist nor my radiation oncologist ever suggested that brachytherapy might be an option. Via lots of research, I cancelled the hormone shot and now am scheduled for for brachytherapy. For those out there who have been told they need external beam with hormone suppression, I urge you to investigate the long term effects of chemical castration..... from what I can tell, you will never be the same. Logically, brachytherapy (either low dose permanent seeds which deliver a higher dose in the long run, or high dose which is a quick but very strong exposure) makes a lot of sense as it delivers radiation most directly to the location of the cancer. There are also side effects to brachytherapy, of course. These include urinary problems (relatively short term) but these side effects PALE in comparison to chemical castration. PLEASE do your own research and do NOT just accept what the first doc says. A doctor is very likely to recommend the thing that they are specialized in, be it surgery, external beam radiation with chemical castration, or brachytherapy. This is not like being treated for a broken leg where the solution is a no-brainer.... YOU MUST DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.
@@Brammy007ahow did your treatment work out?
@@tomslick2058 Had first HDR Brachytherapy session in mid Aug..... next (and hopefully final) is due in late Sept. Predictable side effects, took over 2 weeks to begin to shake off the lack of energy and slightly sick feeling..... that is longer than I'd expected but all in all not that bad. I've read many many testimonials about ADT (chemical castration) that bolster my decision to avoid it at all costs. Right now I see the advice I got from my first urologist and oncologist (recommending external beam plus ADT) as borderline malpractice. If I can get rid of this cancer with my current HDR treatments, then the "borderline" will be eliminated from my description of how those two handled my case. It will be some months of monitoring before I know for sure. Thanks for asking. What is your situation?
How about the physician have a list that can just be given to the patient. Pros and cons etc. The patient is already under a lot of stress and anxiety whereas the physician has dealt with patients and outcomes for years. How difficult would it be to just have a pamphlet available for handout?
Thankful for this video. As far as I know I don't have PC but I do have prostatitis. I think the treatment options for PC suck. I also think we have more power over our own health than what the doctors are telling us.
ED in my mind would be a non worry side effect. Incontinence and bowel problems are my big concern.
If you don't have sex than I can see that ED would not be a worry for you.
This appears to be a lot like breast cancer treatment for women, when women aren't presented with ALL treatment options, from which they then may choose. One wonders if "suggested" treatment is motivated by financial concerns, either short term or long term or both. Always do your research and have facts and statistics and ask about treatment options other than what was "suggested". Also ask why the doctor he is "suggesting" whatever treatment, when several other options might exist. Why this particular treatment? You have the right to say a lot about your medical care.