Hello all
Though I joined the community some time ago this is my first post.
I underwent a robot assisted radical prostatectomy in Feb 2019 (carried out wonderfully) PSA remained low for a couple of years (@0.02) then started to rise (reached 0.1) About a year ago I was scheduled for radiotherapy but following a CT scan my oncologist noted that bowel loops had occupied the "pouch of Douglas" (no I'd never heard of it either.....), so a low residue diet was discussed in the hope that it would encoutage the loops to return to their original location. Meantime another PSA indicated an unexpected drop to 0.5, since rising via 0.5 to 0.8, RT subsequently postponed.
I understand that RT, if loops remain in the "pouch" is likely to cause potentially significant bowel damage and side effects.
Meantime I read of a group of French consultants who in 2020 (I think) successfully trialled using laparoscopy/keyhole surgery to place a running suture closing the pouch and keeping bowel loops out of the way during RT; I was told this treatment was not available in the UK currently.
Hence, a small number of questions to the forum members:
1 Has anyone else experienced similar problems?
2 If yes to 1 I wonder how the problem was addressed and was it succesful?
3 Is anyone aware of the suture procedure being carried out anywhere in the UK?
Any other relevant comment would be much appreciated
With my very best wishes to you all out there.
Hi Mog and a warm welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
A cancer journey is such a stressful and challenging time but you have done the right thing in reaching out to a place where you can ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer and journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our supportive Prostate cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) Group Link I have created above. Once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open from 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 where you can talk with someone about specific cancer and practical information, get emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just connect with a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
We also have our Telephone Buddy Service where you can be matched with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
