Questions about regarding Brachytherapy (seed radiation therapy).

[rmartens]

I had a positive biopsy with Gleason 6, and am considering treatment options. My urolist said my cancer is non-agressive, but recommends a Radical Prostatectomy and Lymphademectomy. (He said radiation is an option but would preclude any possibility of future surgery if needed.)

I recently met someone who had successful Brachytherapy (seed radiation therapy) for prostate cancer about 4 years ago, and he highly recommends it. I have the following questions about this therapy:

1. Since Brachytherapy is only done if the cancer is localized within the prostate, what is the best way to determine whether or not the cancer has spread beyond the prostate? (I have already had a bone scan which came out negative.)

2. After Brachytherapy will my prostate continue to be functional at all, or does the therapy basically kill all prostate functions? (I ask this question because there is a history of prostate cancer in the males of my family so I need to know if I should continue getting PSA tests and biopsies after Brachytherapy.)

3. If I have Brachytherapy rather than a Radical Prostatectomy does that preclude the option of surgery in the future, if needed?

4. Does anyone has experience with Brachytherapy (either good or bad) that might help me decide if this is the therapy I will choose?

Thanks in advance :)

Ray