Radiotherapy and protection of surrounding tissues

Hi WW

I think the spacer is called Space oar and available in some centres, think quite new so don't know about effectiveness .

Gold markers have been around for a while and certainly help with aiming Radiotherapy more accurately .

I had this kind of RT, with the markers, and I was worried about after effects at the time. Although there were some side effects during and just after treatment, 5 years out and there are no issues.

If u can find somewhere that does Space oar, go for it, if not think you'll find the markers will be ok

good luck

Steve

Thank you, Steve. Yes, I think Space Oar is the name. It was given to me by a friend who had it and strongly advises it. The problem is it seems to cost in excess of £6 k to have done privately!  I don’t think our hospital uses either the spacer or markers but might be wrong. I am really worried for my husband and potential collateral damage.

would you be able to tell me the side affects,please? No worries if you would rather not

U could try for Space oar in one of the London hospitals, depending where u are, Guys, Marsden, UCL. Would imagine at least one of these would offer it.

Markers shoud be available in many more hospitals.

Side effects, main one for me was severe constipation, meds had limited help, problem did go away a few weeks after treatment finished, have heard some had the opposite, diahreaa.

Sure I spelt that wrong .

If u do live near London then Mount Vernon in Northwood does the markers , that's where I went.

Best wishes

Steve 

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately we don’t live near London.

Hi worried wife, I didn't have the space oar, like Grundo I had the gold implants, I had no problems with RT or after effects.

All the best Ulls 

That’s really reassuring. My worry is that I’ve not yet been able to find out whether our hospital does either the spacer or the markers. If they don’t, can we go elsewhere on the nhs?

They will do the implants thats how the line you up in the same place for RT to work

Hi

I didn't have either the Space Oar or the markers. The only problem I had was when I decided it was a good idea to ignore the diet sheet I was given - it wasn't! 

Some of the guys in the waiting area did suffer constipation - I think one of the nurses said 20% do - but most of us were OK. The RT team are well aware of hese side effects, and will give something to alleviate, if asked. 

Stuart

I think they do tattoos but this is less accurate as the prostate moves slightly?

Thanks Scampidoodle. What sort of diet do they recommend?