Radiotherapy

Hi. Sorry I can't help with your treatment journey as ours was different to yours but gosh what a lot you are dealing with so it's good you have come on here and can share it with us. All the very best to you

Hello longtom 

Wow - you have been in the wars. You have started on the Hormone therapy - that in it's self will kill off the cancer cells and stop them growing - it will also reduce your PSA.

When you have your meeting on 30 January make sure you take a list of your medication with you and they will decide if you are suitable for Radiotherapy.and plan out your future treatment journey.

I can't help with any of your other issues, I wish I could, however here's a few ideas for you to follow up:

* Do you have a " Maggie's " near you. This is  charity to help anyone affected by cancer - To find your nearest one - 0300 1231801 or enquiries@maggiescentres.org or www.maggiescentres.org.

* Our own helpline 0n 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days) There are some great people on the end of the line. Tell them of your circumstances and they will be able to offer you some extra support

I hope you find the above of help - I wish you well. Keep us posted regarding your journey.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Longtom,

With everything going on, it's no surprise that you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment.  Hopefully you will feel a little more relaxed after your meeting on the 30th which will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.  You will probably find it helpful to have someone with you as there is likely to be a lot of information given, & 4 ears are better than 2 at listening & more importantly remembering what was said.  Taking a notebook & pen can be useful to make sure you don't forget any questions you may have or answers given.

I was put on Tamsulosin tablets because of having to get up in for a pee up to 7 or 8 times some nights, & after initially taking them daily, tried them every other day & now find every 3 or 4 days is sufficient for a much less disturbed sleep.

All the best & good luck for Tuesday.

Brian   

Hi

I was given Tamsulosin at the start of my journey. I was told to use them as required. Took a weeks worth and then stopped ( not all at once!( That was 4 years ago.

If you are peeing ok, then I can't see a problem - you can always start taking them again. Discuss it with your Cancer Nurse Specialist though, as my experience may be different to yours.

Regards

Stuart

Thanks Buzzers. That’s very helpful. Also found your bio very helpful. So thanks for that and for taking the trouble to reply to my post so thoughtfully.

kind regards,

longtom

Thanks for your helpful feedback Scampidoodle. Good name too,

all the best,

longtom

Hi Longtom

I read your bio and you mention BRT - I suspect this is Brachytherapy?  It would suit early T2 cancer , especially with a bit of HT to put the cancer to sleep whilst you wait for brachytherapy. Check out my bio:  I have been on the Hormone therapy for over four months and I have only minor side effects that do not impact on my quality of life.  Brachytherapy was 6 weeks ago - again, only minor side effects.     AW

Hi Alpine Wanderer,

 Sorry. For BRT read External Beam Radio Therapy which is what I meant to say. Still ..should find out later today.

Thanks for your response,

longtom

A period with constant hot flashes and ever changing t-shirts..and after an emotional breakdown on Monday….I’m pretty relieved!

Had my face to face with the friendly and open Registrar. She took all my questions just a bit vague in reply to my request to alter the frequency of dose of Tamsulosin and Mirabegron (I shall be doing it as suggested by others in this forum - for me experience counts more than theory) and it was a ‘not needed’ to my request for Calcium and Vit.D for the time being. Doctor was pretty humble and if she wasn’t 100% about something she’d tell me. 

With the Consultant Oncologist’s Okay (was good to see him - long time no see!), I was given the go-ahead for a CT Scan in two weeks time and for the VMAT / External Beam Radiotherapy to start in approx. four weeks time (20 sessions); 

I gave my signature (if you can call it that) electronically; had my blood test so…providing…my PSA levels are where they’re meant to be, I’m fairly set to go…hopefully! Fingers crossed..

PS I was told to practise holding back my pee for two hours at a time!

one more injection to come in March if all goes well…

Thursday…to another Hospital miles away to try and get help with other stuff…

Hello longtom 

Well at least things are moving. I still think Sage Tablets are controlling my hot sweats (not had one for about a year).

Great news the Radiotherapy is booked - let's hope your bloods give a low PSA.

Best wishes - Brian.