Should I Use Spacer Oar Gel Before Radiation?

I just completed 28 days of treatment. Spacer OAR gel a few weeks before the treatment. No rectal side effects so far. The stats are really good for using the spacer. Downside? Placing the spacer was uncomfortable. More painful than the biopsy. For me I’d do again and opt for for the best set of comfort meds.

For locally advanced prostate cancer I had 3 years ADT including 2 years with Zytiga, plus 45 sessions (81 grays) of IMRT radiation. Two years later I had gross hematuria and rectal bleeding. A cystoscopy was required for the former. Radiation cystitis was the proximate cause of hematuria. No lesions were found in the bladder or urethra. A colorectal exam was done for the latter bleeding, and a hemi was banded. Gel spacers were never offered or discussed. From my reading it seems they aren’t widely used, but do offer advantages. High dose radiation has known toxicity, such as mine, though doesn’t present in the majority of cases. I’m fine now, and grateful for the high dose radiation, because it is one of the most successful forms of treatment for regionally advanced cancer in terms of time to biochemical failure and cause specific survival. Coupled with ADT and Zytiga, it’s given me six good years of undetectable PSA, and otherwise good h.

I did the gel spacer(s) before 28 sessions of radiation therapy it was well worth it. Only permanent side effect is no more seminal fluid so I have dry orgasms, can still get erections without a pill so I’m not complaining. Hoping this is in the rear view mirror

Hey John, I had the gel spacer as well and was under anesthesia for the procedure so no pain during; some discomfort for 2 days after as if sitting on an egg. The spacer helps decrease chances of damage to surrounding organs from radiation treatment.

Other than humiliation and embarrassment of the gold marker and SpaceOAR placement procedure..not much post procedure side effects. I thought I would get sedation but not the case. Most painful aspect of the procedure was the numbing injections Now I know what spread eagle women feel giving birth!

My doctor did it under GA, piece of cake and I had it done in a very good hospital was done in like 5 hours from show up time to check out all went well zero issues or complaints. Also it did have the benefits he explained maybe I got lucky who the hell knows right? Thanks

SpaceOAR gel is a rectal spacer that can help protect healthy tissue during radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This decision involves weighing potential benefits like reduced side effects against factors specific to each treatment plan, so discussing the pros and cons with your radiation oncologist will help you make the best choice for your situation.