What is HDR brachytherapy?
- HDR brachytherapy is internal radiation where radioactive sources are put into your prostate for a short period of time (approximately 15-30 minutes).
- HDR brachytherapy allows for a large dose of radiation to be targeted to the cancer.
- The treatment is a procedure done in the brachytherapy suite at the Odette Cancer Centre. You will not need to stay in hospital for this treatment.
- Your treatment is given to you by a team of Nurses, Radiation Oncologists, Radiation Therapists and Medical Physicists.
- There are 3 steps to prostate seed brachytherapy treatment:
What do I need to do to get ready for my treatment?
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
- If you take aspirin, ibuprofen, or arthritis medication, please talk with your healthcare team to see if you need to stop taking these medications one week before the treatment.
- Make sure you have a ride to and from the hospital the day of the treatment. You cannot drive after the anesthesia (medicine that makes you sleepy)
- Plan to have someone stay with you 24 hours after the treatment. This is for your safety.
What is a clear fluid?
- A clear fluid is a liquid that you can see through at room temperature.
- What are some clear fluid you can have?
- Apple, cranberry, grape juice, gingerale, cola, lemon/lime softdrinks, Gatorade, PowerAde, black tea, black coffee (can add sugar but NO milk or cream), jello (no fruit oppings 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 the day before the treatment.
The morning of the treatment: How do I get ready before I come to the Odette Cancer Centre?
- Give yourself a fleet enema before you come to the hospital (buy at your pharmacy).
- For your comfort 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 checks.
