For 82 years, Morgan City resident Conrad Beadle was the picture of health. In April 2018, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April 2018. Because Conrad’s wife received care at Terrebonne General Health System several years ago, he did not want to travel far for great care. For him, the decision to seek treatment at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Houma, a partnership with Terrebonne General Health System, was an easy one. The fact that they are the only facility in the bayou region offering the innovative SpaceOAR technology was an added bonus.
Prior to SpaceOAR Hydrogel, patients often had to have a balloon inserted into the rectum prior to every radiation treatment to protect their organs. SpaceOAR, on the other hand, is a one-time injection prior to initiation of radiation therapy.
“Receiving the SpaceOAR treatment was not bad – it was pretty much painless,” recalls Conrad. “The two nurses with me during the treatment talked me through every step.”
Radiation oncologist, Dr. Daniel Bourgeois, administered the one-time injection of SpaceOAR and radiation therapy for Conrad.
“The SpaceOAR Hydrogel is an amazing new technology that allows us to drastically reduce the radiation exposure to the rectum while also helping to stabilize the prostate for targeting with our radiation beams,” said Bourgeois.
“With SpaceOAR, we are seeing improved quality of life and patient satisfaction. Conrad is one of many patients who‘s seen great success with the program.”
Conrad hasn’t let his diagnosis or treatment slow him down. After completing treatment earlier this summer with successful outcomes, Conrad has no complaints. “I have had a good life with lots of exercise and no problems since this cancer. I’m the luckiest person living.”
With innovative cancer care close to home, Conrad was able to receive treatment without losing focus on his passions – going hunting and camping with his daughter, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
For more information on SpaceOAR, please call Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Houma at (985) 876 – 9045 or visit marybird.org/houma.