THE BARRIGEL™ SPACER
PATIENT
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“My father didn’t have the options I do now,” Thomas said. “So I promised myself I’d always stay on top of it. Getting your PSA checked is quick and gives you control of your future.”
Thomas’s PSA numbers stayed steady until his early sixties, when his PSA suddenly started to rise. An MRI and biopsy revealed early-stage prostate cancer. With his doctor's guidance, Thomas opted for active surveillance, checking his PSA every six months and monitoring any changes closely. During that time, he experienced symptoms typical of an enlarged prostate, including disruptive nighttime urination and occasional erectile dysfunction — all of which motivated him to stay on top of care and take the diagnosis seriously.
When It Was Time to Act
Four years later, another PSA spike and MRI progression signaled that it was time for treatment. Thomas and his doctors agreed radiation would be the best option: effective yet less invasive than surgery. Thomas and his wife carefully reviewed every option. “We talked it through together, what it meant, what the risks were, and what our lives would look like after treatment,” Thomas said.
When his doctor explained how Barrigel™ spacer could create space between the prostate and rectum, reducing the likelihood of rectal side effects from the radiation, Thomas had a “wow” moment.1 
“Who knew they could do that? I knew you could use gel in knees or other places with arthritis, but not for radiation,” he said.
“Barrigel spacer gave me peace of mind before we even started treatment.”
Thomas had also seen a close friend suffer severe side effects from colorectal radiation. While side effects from prostate cancer radiation may be different, he knew what was at stake. “Knowing that, it was a simple decision. If I didn’t know what my friend went through, I might not have realized how important Barrigel spacer could be in my treatment plan.”
Reviewing it with his wife, the choice became even clearer. “If you can create distance between the rectum and the prostate during radiation, less radiation can reach it,”1 he said. “Barrigel spacer gave me peace of mind before we even started treatment.”
Straightforward Procedure, Smooth Recovery
Thomas had the Barrigel spacer procedure before beginning 28 radiation sessions over six weeks.
“The Barrigel spacer procedure itself was painless — you’re basically taking a nap,” he said. “By that evening, I was up and eating again like normal.”
About four months after his radiation treatment, his PSA had dropped from 5 to 1.4, or a 70% decrease. With continuous testing, Thomas and his doctor are optimistic that his numbers will continue to drop.
Looking Ahead
Now, Thomas keeps his hands busy with grilling and home projects. He and his wife spend their free time by the ocean, enjoy visits with family, and take pride in their backyard garden.
“I feel great,” he said. “You wouldn’t even know I had prostate cancer.”
Perhaps the biggest change has been his role as an advocate.
“I’m that guy who asks all my friends, ‘What’s your PSA?’” he said, laughing. “Boys will tell each other tough things — leave that job, forget that girl — but they don’t talk about the stuff that can save a life. Men need to start talking about their health.”
For Thomas, staying proactive made all the difference.
“I did this for my family, but also for myself,” he said. “When you get ahead of something early, you have options. Barrigel spacer was one of those options, and it helped me move forward with confidence. I’m grateful for that.”
