Step 3: Follow up Care and Contacts
One month after the implant you will come back for a CT scan and a follow up visit to see your Radiation Oncologist.
- The CT Scan is used to check that the seeds are well positioned within the prostate and to calculate the amount of radiation being delivered.
- On very rare occasions some more seeds may need to be inserted.
- You do not need to do anything special to get ready for this visit.
How do I protect myself and my loved ones?
- Please do not have close or long periods of contact with young children during the first 2 months (or example: child sitting on your lap for more than 5 hours per week)
- Do not sleep with a woman who is pregnant
- Although it is rare, a seed may be lost when you urinate. If a seed is passed in this way it almost always takes place in the first week after the implant procedure.
- If you pass a seed, do not touch it. Flush the seed down the toilet. A seed may rarely be passed in the semen. For this reason, please use a condom during intercourse for the first 2 months.
- In the event of unexpected death or surgery in the pelvic area within 2 years of the implant please let the cancer centre know as the seeds may still be radioactive. This is particularly important if cremation was being considered.
Contacts
Have questions regarding your care?
Please call the Radiation Nursing Team: 416-480-5000 Ext. 81062
Have questions about your appointments?
Please call the Brachytherapy Booking Coordinators: 416-480-5046
Want more information?
Check out the Patient Education and Research Learning (PEARL) Centre on the 1st floor of the Odette Cancer Centre
Phone: 416-480-4534
Email: patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca
Visit the Odette Cancer Centre Prostate Group website at sunnybrookprostate.ca
Visit Prostate Cancer Canada at prostatecancer.ca
