Surgery or Radiotherapy? Decision made!

Hi AW - It's the next one in August 2024 that counts as that's my "nadir" reading (18 months after RT). from that reading my PSA should never rise more than 2 whole points. Fingers crossed.

Best wishes - Brian.

OK, it’s now two weeks (tomorrow) since my final radiotherapy fraction was delivered on the LINAC. I’m posting this update today because tomorrow we’re going to see daughter and granddaughter for lots of hugs! (First time since mid December before my brachytherapy operation).

Since my last post, my bladder and bowels have settled down. Last night I was only up twice (1 and 4 o’clock) for a pee, and straight back to sleep. I’m going a bit more during the day (and in the bushes during our 12km hikes) but no urgency or leakage, no accidents, no blood, and flow is good.  I’m still on Tamsulosin tablets, but I’m reducing then to once every two days from tomorrow. 
Bowel movements first thing once up (no urgency) and that’s pretty much it. Not loose any more.  No blood (I check every time!).

Fatigue is not evident (the hiking helps) but we retire to bed by 9.30pm.  To read, as no libido of course!  Still taking tadalafil and good flow to my little friend and - hallelujah - occasional stiffy during dreams!  Generally awake & up for tea & toast at 6.15am.

No mood swings - but not had these at all anyway.  Minor hot flashes, but fan during day and duvet temporarily off at night. Only last less than a minute.

so, that’s it. I’m reporting this for my fellow brothers who may be just starting their journey. I’m not trying to be smug, because I have no idea if I will get late onset side effects and I haven’t had a post RT PSA yet, so more anxious times await.

AW

Hi Aw

There's only one word for that post - AMAZING !!

Enjoy the kisses and cuddles tomorrow - we have two grandchildren and I love them to bits - we have had the good news theses last couple of weeks - there are 2 more on the way!! .

Carry on - you are doing great.

Best wishes - Brian 

Thanks Millibob!
I thought hard about writing about this next bit for obvious reasons, but I thought it important to let men know the potential effect of hormone therapy.  I’ve been on decapeptyl for four months.  So, after I wrote my last message, Mrs AW and I went up to the bedroom.  Heater on, massage oil out for a relaxing back massage for her (she’s worth it).  Then on we go to see what happens.  O M G - Mr Stud or what!!  The daily tadalafil (for blood flow, similar to low dose viagra) sparked into life and - well - all was very up to standard!  Both absolutely delighted.  For the record, no ejaculation for me (probably due to the HT).  So, another bit of the jigsaw puzzle for those who follow….    AW

Two more on the way!!!  Very many congratulations to all your family.  AW

Hello AW

Well that's happy days and I am so pleased for you - I know how important the physical side of sex is to couples. 

On the HT/RT side for me - Decapeptyl for the last 26 months (one more 6 month injection in June and that's me done). My sex drive has diminished, but a lady has needs and although I can't rise to the occasion we have found other ways of having "fun" (imagination required here) and to be honest we have grown even closer through this cancer journey.

I am aware of the phrase "use it or lose it" so I will see how it goes after Christmas when the effects start to go. I am aware we do have an ED clinic at our local hospital.

You are doing amazing and it's great we can share an honest review of everything that goes with a prostate Cancer journey.

Kind Regards - Brian.

My latest PSA reading has dropped from 0.22 to 0.09! Very happy with this. The “nadir” (lowest expected PSA reading after radiotherapy) is 18 months after the last treatment. I’m less than one month since my last treatment, so I’m very pleased  
First post-radiotherapy PSA check is normally 6-8 weeks, but the consultant wanted a full blood check to check my lymphocyte and white blood cell counts after the radiotherapy to my whole pelvis. That’s because there’s a lot of bone there and the bone marrow makes these important cells to fight off infections (especially bacterial infections).
My white blood cell count (WBC) is low, as expected. They want to keep an eye on it (takes 1-2 months to recover).
I managed to fight off an awful cold that I caught during the final week of radiotherapy, so I think there’s enough of an army remaining to see me through 

Well, we’re just back from 5 days hiking the Cleveland Way, where we were blessed with 3 sunny days and 2 drizzly ones. We hiked a total of 95km (yes, really) and this had lots of ascents & descents through coves and over cliffs etc.  Fatigue was not a player, and neither were any other side effects, I’m pleased to report.  Oh, and there was an excellent Irish bar a few minutes walk from our apartment, with live music on St Patrick’s Night! 
As usual, I’m adding this to my thread to reassure those readers who are thinking of choosing the BBoost pathway.  Disclaimer: Of course, we’re all different and nothing in each person’s journey is guaranteed…    AW

Hey Aw that's fantastic news to let us know that you are up and about and "back to normal".

It can be done and it shows that your Brachytherapy pathway is a great success - long may it continue.

Keep up the good work - best wishes - Brian.

It's great to hear that you are back on the hiking trail & I can imagine there was a big smile on your face as you tramped around the countryside.  I hope there was an odd glass of Guinness partaken on St Patricks night.