Recovery From Radiation Seeding for Prostate Cancer

Radiation seeding, or brachytherapy, is a medical procedure commonly used to treat prostate cancer. Brachytherapy is often substituted for external radiation. Treatments last from a few minutes to several days or weeks, or doctors may prescribe radiation seeding as permanent treatment. Brachytherapy involves the implantation of radioactive isotopes (such as strontium, radium, palladium, iodine and iridium) inside "seeds." These radioactive seeds approach targeted tissue that will be or has been treated by surgery or chemotherapy. There is, however, a significant recovery process involved with brachytherapy.

The Recovery Process

• Without anesthesia, brachytherapy would be extremely painful. However, anesthesia causes drowsiness, weakness, and nausea. Fortunately, these effects wear off quickly. The radiation itself causes no sensation, but side effects of the seeds may include burning, sweating, redness, dryness, itching, peeling, blistering, diarrhea, hair loss, infertility, swelling, urinary changes and fatigue among other symptoms. These may continue for two to six months after treatment. Effects are local, so brachytherapy for prostate cancer is most likely to cause problems associated with the prostate, such as sexual dysfunction or bladder control problems.

Urinary Dysfunction, Diarrhea and Sexual Problems

• Brachytherapy may cause diarrhea by damaging highly sensitive healthy cell tissue of the small and large intestines. You can alleviate discomfort by consuming only clear liquids and smaller meals more frequently. If necessary and recommended by your doctor, you might be restricted to the "BRAT" diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

  Clean yourself after toileting with baby wipes or squirted water instead of toilet paper. Refrain from dairy products, spicy condiments, caffeine, gas-causing foods, high fiber foods, greasy foods, and fast foods. Keep your doctor informed.

  Urinary incontinence is also a common side effect. You can help prevent incontinence and recover from this side effect more quickly by doing Kegel exercises, which involve squeezing the muscles you use to stop and start the flow of urine.

  Sexual problems may also occur, especially in men older than 70. In some cases, permanent impotence occurs as a result of the radiation seeding and/or the seeding combined with other prostate cancer therapies such as surgery to remove the testicles.

Fatigue

• Brachytherapy for prostate cancer can cause fatigue for up to a year after treatment. Eight hours of sleep each night should reduce this symptom. You should not overdo it and should take some time before bed to relax and prepare for sleep. Arrange to eliminate exhaustive commuting and have friends or family help at home. Seek "survival" tips from other patients and remain in contact with your doctor.