finished radiotherapy

Hi Jill,

the thing about RT that I found was that whilst not terribly difficult to endure, it was very tiring just having to go everyday. Mine were all early appointments too so very early rising for a short time of treatment. Also as it was put to me your skin/tissue 'cooks' for up to two weeks afterwards so whilst you may not suffer during you can at a later date.

Could the burning tummy be a side effect of RT? I have heard it gives some people upset stomach.

As for the moodiness I feel for you, I really do, don't know how my hubby put up with me! I can only speak for myself but by the time RT finished I was exhausted with everything that had happened and I was finally able to get some rest.

I returned to work about 6 weeks after RT finished so hopefully your hubby will start pulling round soon. I'm sure he greatly appreciates the support you have given him but as they say 'we always hurt the ones we love' probably because we know they'll still be there for us no matter what.

Wishing you the strength to get through the coming weeks

Love and hugs

Max xxx

Hi Jill,

Not sure if this helps, had my surgery Oct 2008 but prostate not removed as the lymph system was affected so no advantage. Been on the standard 3 monthly hormon treatment - Prostat 3, same as Zoladex implant. My PSA has started to increase again so obviously some activity still going on the hormone is not controlling.

Saw an Onc about 4 of weeks ago and she wants to try RT on the prostate, 16 sessions - New Christies at Oldham. Have my planning scan on Monday. Idea is it may eliminate any rogue cells, but if not it rules out the prostate as the source so result either way.

I had a long session with Onc about possible side effects from the  treatment, which  range from very remote chance to quite likley.

I followed this up by checking on the Prostate Cancer Charity Site (PCC) and read the experiences of several  Patients who had all undergone RT.

Most coped well with no real longer term effects.  The general view was that any side effects that did kick in was usually during the second week of treatment and usually cleared in 2 - 4 after treatment ended.

Almost every Patient complained of fatigue, Loose Bowel Movements and needing to move to a low fibre diet due to stomache upsets. Food they loved could not be tollerated for a while, or if taken they could predict its effects !! - All of these seem to have been of a short term nature. Some complained of ED for a while too.

The short temper, that was not mentioned, but then most of the comments were from men - lol. That in itself could just be another symptom of the fatigue ? It could also be because we put a brave face on things and maybe have more worries about sucess of treatment or if the side effects will improve than we say. Much easier to snap than admit we are worried and then have to lower our defences and explain - Macho Huh !!

Hope this helps - but would be more than interested to hear how your husband goes on and when he sees signs of improvement. My treatment will probably start in 2 - 3 weeks after the Planning scan. I intend to have the treatment despite the possible short term side effects - a lot better than the long term effects of not having the treatment.

Love and Hugs to You and Yours and hope things improve soon.

J xx

Hi Jill,

Sorry I cant help with Prostate Radio. Mine was Laryngeal and Thyroid and Oesophygal Cancers.

That was 12 yrs ago, I cant taste or smell or talk,

and I still have bouts of fatigue. But it goes with

the side effects.  Look after yourself.

Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xx

To Max John and Sarsfield,thanks all of you for your kind messages it means alot to know that yes other people have gone through the same problems and come out the other side,thanks again jillxxxxxx

Hi Jill

I had RT for breast cancer.  During these 3 weeks and a few after them, my beloved had to put up with me shouting, crying, cursing (I discovered a new vocabulary!), lousy mood and goodness knows what else.  A year later and we are still happily married and much stronger together.  

Wishing you both all the very best

Georgia XXXXXXXXX