[Traveler]

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Not sure where to put this thread:

Brachytherapy.
Kind of an odd question, but has anybody had this form of prostate cancer treatment and continued to ride?
Straight question - is it safe to ride while the 91 radiactive seeds are doing their job?

My Doc is saying I can...........but! Apprently the act of straddling something and constant vibration and jostling , be it a horse, bicycle, or m/bike can bugger up the treatment (mine was last week).
I WILL set of alarms if I cross the border. Still have to turn on the light for a midnight pee, I was hoping I would glow in the dark.

 

[mango]

It is generally suggested to refrain from any activity that causes jostling (m/c, bicycling, horses) for 4-6 months after seed implantation. This motion could cause seed movement or swelling.

(btw- I'm a radiologist(retired), NOT a radiation therapist, so I would defer to his judgement).

 

[Stromburger]

I'm a candidate for brachytherapy but for a different reason. I have a very rare inherited vascular disease and have frequent nosebleeds. So they may have to insert a tube up my nose with some plutonium or something in it to kill off some blood vessels.
If you can't ride a bike then I'd be wary of motorcycling. How much do you trust your doc?? He may think sitting on a Strom is like sitting in a chair. It's not. Alot of pressure where you don't want it. You should bring these facts to him and see if he thinks differently.

 

[phantomphlyer]

Seat cushion to eliminate vibration

Good luck with your treatment; my father-in-law went through that a couple of years ago and is fine.

I'm 59 without prostate issues, but a sore hip. If you choose to ride, even for short periods for mental therapy, I suggest you take a look at the Airhawk seat cushion. Many posts here and on the net.

I bought the Small Cruiser size recommended for the VStrom two weeks ago, arrived in 3 days, and it fits nicely. Bought it through BikerCushion.com, ships and warrantied through Airhawk, and they offer a free, no questions asked return up to 60 days. Comes is 2 versions, poly vs neoprene; I chose the more expensive neoprene as it is supposedly a bit better and easier to patch.

I rode 1200 miles in 2 days, and was very happy with it. It seems to minimize any vibration to my butt, and a far more comfortable ride for my hip. I also use it in my truck on a daily basis.

 

[Scarlett Harlot]

My Dad had the seed therapy 2 years ago and he was allowed to ride his John Deere diesel tractor to cut 10 acres of less than golf course smooth yard. However his physician had him use a donut to sit on.

 

[richw]

My brother has had it

I don't recall him changing any habits at all. Bike or skiing

You will have LOTS of fun at the airports though

 

[Godfather]

An option would be to find a used seat and have it modified, using a bit firmer foam, to mimic some of the newer bicycle seats that have the center cut out. In effect, it would be like sitting on a doughnut. and no one would know.... butt you and the seeds

 

[DougInKY]

An option would be to find a used seat and have it modified, using a bit firmer foam, to mimic some of the newer bicycle seats that have the center cut out. In effect, it would be like sitting on a doughnut. and no one would know.... butt you and the seeds

From a post I have seen (I think here on Stromtrooper) Saddlemen is making a seat for the Vstrom that has the cutout like you are talking about. Just looked, and it appears the seat is going to cost $400 but have not found a purchasing source.

 

[Guest]

Not quite the same thing but I had my prostate removed and was out for a slow 1000 mile trip about 4 months after. I was careful and fortunately didn't drop the bike but I had no issues other than getting tired quickly.
I think you have to listen to your body. If it tells you something is going wrong then you should listen
Good luck with the therapy! Keep walking on the sunny side of the street.

 

[Traveler]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the answers and especially the encouragement.

I was looking at picking up a medium cruiser Airhawk cushion for both the bike and stadium/festival use so that's all good.

My Doc is a good surgeon, but not experienced in the zen of motorycling arts. If we're talking Titian or Dali, he's your man, OK so I was at the Dali Museum in Paris 2 weeks ago, but that's another story. I have heard that there's enough scarring after just 1 month to ensure the seeds stay in place, so that's the earliest possible.

Confidentially (what?) I went to the drugstore to buy contraceptives for the first time in 30 years and confounded by the wall of rubber products. Bloody hell, I've led a sheltered life!

 

[PTRider]

I had a prostatectomy ten years ago, and life is good; annual PSA test results remain undetectable. I know little about brachytherapy, but a cautious approach, at least at first, might be wise.

 

[Prime]

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Straight question - is it safe to ride while the 91 radiactive seeds are doing their job?

Don't know if it is safe to ride while the radioactive stuff is still doing their duty, but just simply 'riding' might do you some inner good.

Be well...

 

[aldntn]

My dad had the treatment. As well as I remember the half life of the radiation is pretty short. I suggest waiting until the treatment effect is complete and then not worry. My dad stayed with us a couple of days, got bored, and hopped in his pick-up and went home. The treatment was pretty new at the time. The only problem he had was lingering swelling. No pain really, but he couldn't pass enough fluid and had to make a trip to the emergency room for that.

He didn't change anything about his physical activity (being an old farmer, he stayed busy) and the treatment resulted in a cure.

One thing I know. The Strom rides much smoother than farm equipment.

It is a grand day today. I think I'll go for a ride!

 

[Traveler]

Update:
I spoke to the Doc yesterday and he's OK with the whole notion of getting back on the bike if there's no swelling or tenderness, but suggests that I keep the sessions short to start with and not plan any long days or rough rides.
Hell, it might be time to open the box from the drugstore and see what changes have happened in the contraceptive world in the last 30 years. (Need to wear one to protect the wife from stray radioactive seeds.)
Things are ahem looking up!

 

[rabbibgr]

I had it done about 11 years ago in Dec, and went skiing the next week, the doc was amazed when I told him that nobody said I shouldn't. A couple of months later when the weather warmed, I was back to long distance riding and am still doing it at 73

 

[seniorbiker]

I had brachytherapy in 2008. About 2 weeks after surgery I decided to ride my 1500 Kawasaki Vulcan with a group of about 6 riders. The leader hit the superslab quickly and set a pace between 70 and 80 MPH. When we took a break at a rest stop after about 75 miles, I urinated some blood (very visible in a white urinal). At that point, I decided to leave the group and head home at a leisurely pace. No more problems after that. I decided not to ride for another 2 weeks.......and all was fine.

My suggestion. Give yourself 30 days after surgery before you ride, ride at an easy pace, and you should be OK. Oh, and by the way, brachytherapy works.

 

[notmyfault]

recovery

Build your endurance slowly. With that being said a v-strom is the best meds you can get just dont over do it and fatigue yourself,its dangerous. Best of Luck to you......Doug

 

[Traveler]

Good advice, thanks guys.

 

[ST114ME]

Im sorry you are going through this Hell. Treat yourself well now & get yourself a nice wide plush supportive Russell Day Long saddle. The riding is good for your head & overall makes you feel much better. I have been thru 6 opp's myself & a stroke. Riding is good medicine.
Bill Kane

 

[oldstrom]

Had seeds put in a few years back, About two years after, the wife and I were crossing back into the US from New Brunswick into Maine at an obscure crossing up north. The agents, out of boredom probably, had us unpack our bikes, camping load and all for inspection. As we were repacking in the customs parking lot, one of the agents came over and asked if either of us had radiation treatment because they had picked up a reading from us. Amazing since the seeds are pretty much done by well before then. I feel better about anyone trying to smuggle radioactive stuff in after that.