It's called LDR Brachytherapy and the seeds are indeed permanent. It was developed originally for prostate cancer, as are almost all H&N treatment technigues (3D Conformal, IMRT, PBT, etc.).

This link will explain the difference between permanent vs temporary brachytherapy (HDR).
http://www.prostate-cancer.com/brachytherapy/cancer-treatments/tools-of-brachytherapy.html

They have had a very good success rate with this treatment for the prostate. See: http://www.whatsnextnetwork.com/hea...permanent_radiation_seed_implants_increa

It sounds like your experience will be radically different than the people here having the HDR type.

We will be very interested to know the results and side effects of your treatment.

Gary Allsebrook
***********************************
Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)