I recently completed my PDR Brachytherapy treatment at the Weston Park Cancer Hospital in Sheffield. I thought it might be helpful if I summarised my experience as it appears from posts on this forum that it's not a common type of treatment. I was admitted on 27 December and had various blood and other checks. The procedure was explained to me, I was given an enema at 11.00 pm and was 'nil by mouth' from midnight. I was taken to theatre about 8.00 am the next day to have the applicator inserted in my vagina. This was done under sedation so I was aware that various doctors were doing stuff but didn't feel any discomfort. From this point onward I had to lie flat and still until the treatment would be completed.. After theatre I was taken for a CT scan, to help determine the treatment plan, and shortly afterwards taken to the specialist brachytherapy room. I was advised that the treatment would take 21 hours so almost a full day, and all whilst I had to lie still and flat!, Initially the experience wasn't too bad, I wasn't that uncomfortable, the nurses came in every few hours to turn me and massage my back and I watched South Pacific on the TV! They also briefly switched off the machine whilst they unclamped my catheter to allow me to wee. When the machine was switched on the catheter had to be clamped. They also brought me sandwiches and drinks in mugs with spouts as they were the only things I could manage in my flat and still position. Whilst I coped quite well for about 6-8 hours, I then started to get lower back ache which got progressively worse so had to succumb to pain killers. The machine was finally switched off at 9.00 the following day and the applicator, catheter and link to the machine were gently removed by the nurses. It was a challenging experience, more so than I imagined. The worst part was the back ache and the restrictive position I had to adopt over such a long period of time. The nurses were very caring, supportive and encouraging but I was so relieved when it was over. I was taken back to the ward where, blissfully, I could finally sit up. The back ache eased almost immediately and I didn't have any adverse effects. I've tried to give a factual account of the experience rather than overly dramatise it. I expect some might tolerate it better whereas others would find it more difficult than I did. In the grand scheme of things if this treatment reduces my chances of recurrence and improves my chances of recovery then, in hindsight, it will have been worth it. I even came home with a belated Christmas gift, a fetching box of dilators!
