When, during a routine annual check-up I was advised my PSA was high at 7.6, my life suddenly took a different course. My GP immediately referred me to a urologist who took a biopsy. This gave the dreaded confirmation that I indeed had cancer in my prostate, but it did not appear to have spread outside the capsule. My Gleason score was 6 (3 + 3).

I had four options: Remove the prostate by radical surgery, high dose (needles) brachytherapy, low dose (implanted radioactive seeds) brachytherapy or, of course, do nothing. Being aged 65 and otherwise very healthy, I made strenuous efforts to find every possible bit of information about what would be the best course for me. Everyone had an opinion, most being “don’t let a surgeon touch you!” however I found most people confused my situation with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), which is very different to treating cancer.

After three weeks of investigation and thinking of side effects compared to my probable length of life, I advised my urologist I had decided on seed implant brachytherapy. He agreed this was the best way to go, but pointed out that the cost would be around $23,000 and no health fund cover would apply. I thought “what price life, the cost of a small car perhaps?” and went ahead.

I entered the day clinic supposedly for a four hour procedure to evaluate how many seeds would be needed and where they would be placed. I awoke from the anaesthetic to find a drip in my arm and a catheter in my penis. The doctors had discovered a middle lobe in my prostate, which had to be removed by laser. As a result I spent two unexpected nights in hospital, although there were no other side effects.

My next interview was with the radio-therapist who advised that, because my prostate was enlarged, I would have to undergo seven monthly injections of Zoladex to shrink it to a size suitable for seed treatment. The injections - in my stomach - were not as bad as I expected, but I was very happy when that treatment ended and I re-entered the clinic to have the seeds inserted. The operation went according to plan and I was discharged the following day after several X-rays.

After effects have been few, apart from some tiredness, a little weight gain, and a couple of bowel blockages which were dealt with by standing under a hot shower. Apart from that, all bodily functions are back to normal. I feel I made the best decision for myself. I was pleased that all information I was given beforehand about the treatment, what it would cost and what would happen, was detailed and correct. I look forward to helping others who face having to make their own decision about treatment. I know what they are going through.

Christopher Deans is on the committee of the St Vincent’s and RPA Support Group in Sydney and would be happy to hear from anyone considering seed implant brachytherapy. Call him on 02-9358 4624