Late effects of radiotherapy

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Following radiotherapy for prostate cancer ( in March ‘24 ) I am now suffering from late effects & would like some advice.

The late effects ( seemingly aggravated by recent cystoscopy & colonoscopy ) comprise:

Bladder - highly vascular prostate / bladder neck, increased telangiectasia around the base of the bladder, visible haematuria & a constant urge to urinate ( inc occasional incontinence ).

Bowel - diverticulosis, haemorrhoids & radiation proctopathy.

I have been prescribed Solifenacin 5mg to try & combat the urge to urinate - no effect yet but only started this a few days ago.

My question is about hyperbaric oxygen treatment to combat the telangiectasia & haematuria. I have enquired both with urology nurses & the urology doctor without a definitive answer ( doctor has undertaken to get back to me - but nothing so far ). I understand that oxygen treatment can be very beneficial?
The NHS occasionally refer patients to a facility in Hull. I believe that the depth at that facility would do the job but I’m unlikely to be referred(?) & it is circa 80 miles away.

There are Oxygen chambers more locally ( in Nottingham ) that go to a depth of 2 atmospheres. Is this depth enough to have an effect? If so I’m prepared to fund personally in an effort to help.

Advice would be very much appreciated.

Fran H - Macmillan 2 months ago

Hi NoahsArk,

Welcome to the Online Community and thanks for getting in touch. My name is Fran, I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing late effects from your radiotherapy treatment. I am glad you have been prescribed some Solifenacin and hope that it helps relieve your symptoms.

We would always recommend with any new, ongoing or worsening symptoms to get back in touch with either your GP or hospital team.

Here on the Online Community we do not have access to people’s medical records and therefore cannot give specific advice regarding specific treatments. Hopefully you hear back from your Urology doctor soon, as this is something we would suggest discussing with them with regards to referrals and specific depths.

Whilst waiting to hear back from your team, you may find it helpful to look at the clinical trials on the Cancer Research UK website. UK Hyperbaric is another place to look but we would suggest discussing the information with your clinical team. There is also some useful information on hyperbaric oxygen treatment on this American website.

I hope this is helpful. If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm. You can also visit our Online Community, where you can talk to others who have been affected by cancer.

Ref: FH/RH

Fran-Macmillan (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

Best wishes,

Fran H
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

NoahsArk 2 months ago in reply to Fran H - Macmillan

Thank you so much for your response Fran. Really very frustrating in that - to date - no one seems to be able / willing to give me any info re hyperbaric oxygen.

I have initiated the treatment - at my own cost - but am in the dark as to whether this is a sensible course of action.

Not sure that it will help - but assume it can’t do any damage

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Late effects of radiotherapy