Post Radiation Therapy

Hello Brian

Of course we all react differently but I think the Zoladex has some bloody awful side effects. Previously I had no issues with cholesterol or triglycerides. It worries me to be honest. Thanks for the tip.

Rens 

Hi, I’m actually at the hospital now waiting to have my 5th session of radiotherapy of 23, I had a radical prostectomy in Sept 2021 , my PSA was negative afterwards but has slowly increased to 0.18, I’m also on zoladex injections but have been taking tablets to help with the hot flushes,the hardest part of the radiotherapy is getting the water in the bladder correct, I haven’t had any issues yet but I have been going to the gym 3 or 4 times a week, I’ve still a long way , kind regards, Pete (UK)

Hi Pete

Getting the water right was the hardest part for me. It was trial and error. In the end I had a routine. Early morning walk and 600ml usually home by 0800.  Asmall bowl of porridge and some tinned mandarins. Radiation was at 1100 and I would take my 600ml prescribed at 1025. This worked for me after some real trial and error.  I note that you had the surgery first. Good luck. 

Rens

Sorry I meant to ask what tablets? Also over the counter or prescription?

Rens

Hi Rena, I was prescribed Medroxyprogesterone 10mg tablets, they definitely stopped the hot flushes at night, I’ve only got 2 more Zoladex injections to do,

Hi Pete/Rens

I do feel for you poor chaps. I had my 20 fractions of RT at Christies in Oldham and prior to each fraction it was "empty bowl / empty bladder" . It was easy.

I asked the Radiologist why and she said at most RT they get you to drink a certain amount and this lifts the bladder off the prostate and makes it easier to get to. Ours found that with an empty bladder it was just as easy to "see" and easier just to tell patients to go to the toilet just before the treatment.

Strange old world!! - Good luck to you both.

Kind Regards

Brian.

Thank you Brian, I’m feeling positive about this next hurdle, it’s the big one and I’m hopeful that the large area covered will hold things back. I think having treatment is absolutely one up on the alternative of not, so he’s already in a much better place than he would have been if undiscovered at this point. It’s a very nerve wracking process though that’s for sure! 
L

Thank you for your reply 

Thanks Pete, I think I will try the Sage that Brian mentioned. I am glad they are working for you but I am also on Tamsulosin at the moment and I don't need anymore prescribed stuff. I do hope to God that Zoladex is doing its job but the adverse impact it has had on my cholesterol and triglycerides is disconcerting. I may post separately seeking advice from anyone who switched to another medication. 

Rens

Brian

Do you mind sharing your cholesterol levels and what pills you are on. My consultant who is not a pleasant chap, handed me a sheet of paper with the findings of my blood test. He ignored all the " red" results and merely spoke about the PSA. When I pointed out the negative results he said: " that has nothing to do with radiotherapy". He then added " lose some weight" . I rather coldly pointed out that I had no history of issues with high cholesterol or hight triglycerides and that it was the response to the hormone therapy. He merely agreed. Downright bloody rude.

Rens