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Genitourinary Cancer
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Step 2: Implanting the radioactive seeds

The day before the treatment:

  • Start a clear fluid diet
  • Do not eat any solid food
  • Try to drink at least 2 Litres of fluid to make sure you are hydrated
  •  Drink 8 ounces of magnesium citrate the afternoon before your treatment to clear out your bowels. You can buy this at your pharmacy. You do not need a prescription.

What is a clear fluid?

A clear fluid is a liquid that you can see through at room temperature.

What are some clear fluids you can have?

Apple, cranberry, grape juice, ginger ale, cola, lemon/lime soft drinks, Gatorade, PowerAde, black tea, black coffee (can add sugar but NO milk or cream), jello (no fruit toppings or whip cream), popsicles, lemon ice, broth, consommé.

It is very important that you do not drink milk, cream, any juice with pulp, or alcohol after midnight.

The morning of the treatment: How do I get ready before I arrive?

  • Give yourself a fleet enema before you come to the hospital
  • Wear loose fitting pants such as track pants
  • Ask your healthcare team what medications you can take the day of treatment. Bring them with you and the Nurses will tell you when you can take them next
  • You may have clear fluids up to 2 hours before your treatment

Are you diabetic?

Please talk with a member of your healthcare team for advice on medication and blood sugar check.

Seeds inserted into the prostate under ultrasound guidance through the skin between the scrotum and anus.
Seeds are inserted into the prostate under ultrasound guidance through the skin between the scrotum and anus. Note ultrasound probe in rectum.

What will happen on the day of my treatment?

  • Please check in at the Ground Floor Radiation Therapy reception desk when you get to the Odette Cancer Centre.
  • A Nurse will get you ready for the treatment and start an intravenous (IV).
  • You will be brought into the treatment room where an Anaesthetist will put you to sleep.
  • The treatment is done with you are asleep under anaesthetic.
  • You will not have any pain during your treatment.
  • Some jelly will be put into the urethra so that the urethra can be seen on the ultrasound.
  • An ultrasound probe will be put into the rectum so that we can see the prostate. Seeds are then implanted using long thin needles that are inserted into the prostate through the skin between the scrotum and the rectum.
  • The seed implant procedure takes under an hour.
  • After the treatment the needles are taken out and you will wake up
  • You will go to the recovery rooms for 1 to 2 hours or until you are ready to go home
  • A Nurse will tell you about what you need to do at home before you leave the hospital

What are the side effects of this treatment?

You will get prescriptions to help you empty your bladder more easily and for pain.

You may have these side effects for a short period of time

  • Bruising or discoloration of the scrotum and penis
  • Discomfort or burning sensation when you pass urine
  • Urinating more often
  • A sense of urinary urgency
  • Decrease in the force of the urinary stream
  • Slower urinary stream with a risk of urine blockage which may mean you will need a catheter ( < 5% risk)
  • Blood in the urine or semen

Other symptoms that you can have and that you may need medication for are:

  • Minor rectal discomfort
  • Impotence (the inability to have an erection)
  • Pain or discomfort on ejaculation
  • The amount of semen may be less over time and it may become more 'sticky'

How do I take care of myself after treatment?

  • Do not drive within 24 hours after the treatment. You will be drowsy and driving can be dangerous.
  • Drink lots of fluid for the first 2 days. This will help dilute the urine and help with the burning or urgency sensations.
  • Do not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine for the first 2 days after your treatment. This will help make urinating more comfortable.
  • Place an icepack on the area between the anus and the scrotum for 10 minutes at a time, 4-5 times a day, over the next two days. This will help with any discomfort.
  • Take the medications the doctor prescribed after the treatment.
  • Talk with your healthcare team to see if you can take antiinflammatories such as ibuprofen to help with pain or discomfort.
  • Do not do any heavy lifting or ride a bike for the first 2 days after the treatment.

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