Monday, August 25, 2008
Dear Dr. Motola,
I underwent brachytherapy and HDR treatments for advanced prostate cancer 16 months ago. This past week I've been experiencing off and on bleeding, with some clots, from the penis. I consulted both family doctor and urologist, but they indicated it was probably from my pros...
It turned out that the urethra was damaged from the radiation. Cleveland Clinic indicated they could do a resectioning. However, the oncologist suggested undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) which promotes healing. He underwent 50 treatments. Shortly thereafter the bleeding stopped. After that he basically undergoes a cystoscopy (or a stretching of the urethra) every 6 months. He also has to catherize himself once a day to keep the urethra open. So far, this seems to be working. I highly suggest checking into the HBO therapy.