1. Is Seed Treatment for You?
Ensure that your cancer is localized to prostate. If prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body, this therapy may not be for you. Going by the technical name of brachytherapy, the treatment involves radioactive seeds that your specialist might insert directly into the prostate. For example, your doctor might introduce tiny radium, iridium, cesium, phosphorus, iodine or palladium seeds using special tools and skills. Of course, there is no discomfort as such. But you should be relieved to know how fewer complications are associated with this procedure. This is because the high-intensity seeds are close to the cancer cells leaving the normal cells untouched. They may be in place for hours or the rest of your life, depending on your needs. If you are averse to paying frequent visits to the hospital or clinic, and also want to avoid going under the knife, perhaps the seed treatment may be for you.
2. Recovering from the Seed Effects
Lasting side effects from internal radiation are not common. Radioactive seed treatment for prostate cancer is as effective as surgery and external radiation therapies. In high-dose brachytherapy, the seeds are left in place for a short while. You may have fewer seeds than otherwise required for a longer term treatment and you may have to visit a hospital or clinic to get it. There may be temporary side effects of diarrhea, rectal pain and burning sometimes. The treatment may cause you to rush frequently to the restroom but this side effect usually goes away.
3. Your Doctor is Your Best Friend
Doctors usually advise patients to try to stay as active as they can. To assist with your speedy recovery, you may want to keep in mind several points when you visit your doctor before choosing radiation therapy. You might want to know how radiation therapy is given just in case any special preparations are needed. You should probably ask how often you might need to visit the doctor for follow-ups. Also, you may want to ask for benefits as well as side effects, or chances of prostate cancer coming back. Ask for complete details of how you should take care of yourself as you go through the treatment. It might help to have a friend or loved one to accompany you on the day of treatment, just in case you need them.
