Radio therapy

Hi  Whitevanman66 and welcome to the Online Community.

I obviously have a different cancer than yours but had 3 sessions of Brachytherapy (High Dose Internal Radiotherapy). I do, on occasion, suffer bouts of diarrhoea but fortunately as I'm retired, am never far from a loo so I can see travelling long distances on public transport could be problematic. My Oncologist recommended Imodium to help.

I attach a link External beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer which might be helpful for you to take a look at.

It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and your journey to date. You can enter it into your profile (click on your username and select “Profile”) It’s helpful to other members with a similar diagnosis who can then hopefully answer your questions. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. You can amend or update it at any time. 

The Macmillan Support Services also provide lots of information, support, financial guidance or just someone to listen.

Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.

Sending you welcoming hugs B xx

Wear an adult incontinence pad it could save your life 

Hi Graham, I think everyone is different. I finished 20 sessions of radiotherapy yesterday, I have no loose tummy, and have control over my bladder, the only difference at the moment is that when I need to empty my bladder the discomfort is a bit more intense. Having said that I am drinking a lot more fluids, the two litres of water a day during treatment has become a habit with me now.

 regards Dougie

I too had 20 sessions and did not suffer from this problem, not everyone does but the doctors have to tell you about all possible side effects and risks. If you follow the guidance given before treatment starts as much as possible this will reduce the chance / severity of side effects. 

Think about it all very carefully. Not having treatment has consequences too. And they're not very nice.

You don't give any details, what is your PSa, Gleeson, what does MRI show?

The more info the better/accurate the advice

Steve

Hi Graham

RT can cause an upset tummy, however, I had 37 sessions and only had problems when I didn't religiously follow the diet sheet ( ask for it if they don't give you one).

If you were unfortunate enough to have a problem, the hospital can give you something to ease the symptoms.

As others have said, please consider the long term impact of refusing treatment.

Stu

Yes, I think if you keep to the guide lines you can get to less or no problem at all. I kept to the diet suggestions to keep gas in the bowel reduced and drank 2 litres of water in the morning before radiotherapy. Gas in the bowel can push the prostate out of position. I had a couple of instances where they made me get off the machine to try and vent gas. The water hydrates your whole body so that when you drink the final 600 ml of water about 35 mins before radiotherapy it goes quickly to the badder to fill it up. They were very happy with me I was called a model patient. So, empty bowel and full bladder seems to be the key.

Dougie

Hi Graham

Thought of something else.

The hospital may help with transport - might be worth finding out.

Regards

Stuart

Hi Graham, I had 20 sessions of RT and had no problems until after it had finished and then it was only a few times. I only had a car journey of about 50 minuets.I never thought to take any precautions but looking back it might have been wise always best to be prepared.

Good luck with whatever you decide but personally I think treatment is the best option.

Best regards Reg