How do I take care of myself after treatment?

Do not drive 24 hours after the treatment.
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 reduce irritation when you urinate.
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 2 days. This will help with the swelling.
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.
To lower a chance for infection do not take a bath or swim for 2 to 3 days after your treatment. Showers are fine.

For people who are having external beam radiation therapy after brachytherapy:

• Before you leave the Odette Cancer Centre you will have a CT scan of your pelvis to plan your external beam radiation therapy treatment.

• Your external beam radiation therapy treatment will start about 2 weeks from your HDR prostate brachytherapy treatment.

• These treatments are given Monday through Friday, about 10 minutes per day, for 3-5 weeks.