Update on treatment - CT pre-scan for SBRT - First attempt

Magic that.. It takes me back -"don't eat that, micro enema, wind, the walk of shame.etc"

You are a natural at writing - there is a section on the Community where you can keep your own Blog - here's the link

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-blogs/b

Keep us posted, it's bring back memories (the ringing of the bell in particular).

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Axel H, I had wind too at the beginning and was told by one of the older radiographers to eat a couple of banana's a day though not at the same time, worked a treat.

Eddie

Hi all.

OK, There wasn't much to report back on my return CT scan visit on Wednesday because ...... my bladder was too small! (Insert rolling eyes emoji)- despite going out to wait another 20 mins for my kidneys to do their thing, I must have been a bit dehydrated so, the liquid was used in my body and not sent through to my bladder!. So, a new appointment made for Monday (yesterday) and I made sure I hydrated regularly over the weekend.  This time everything was as it should be - the tracker was inserted and a good scan carried out as all the 'bits' were the right size and in the right position.  Now i know what works, I can reproduce the hydration levels required.  So, I had my target tattoos done and an appointment for an MRI scan made for Wednesday (tomorrow).  For those who may have some anxiety about this process, believe me, I actually fell asleep during the scan! (CT is much quieter than MRI) and I had a good laugh with the radiologist about being asleep helping me to stay still making it a good scan and asking for an anchor and a mermaid for my tattoos (all they were was 3 little +'s)  :-).  I felt really reassured by the team and their friendliness & professionalism. We were chatting about our similar experiences because, I used to be a Radiation Protection Supervisor (not medical) before I retired and I also have some med quals (FREC4 if anyone knows what that is, however, I don't pretend for an instant to be a medical professional!!). 

Hope this helps reassure anyone going to go through the same process

 All being well, i should get a week off before starting my SBRT. Anyhoo! I'll post an update after I've had my MRI tomorrow.

Best 

Axel

Hi Brian.

Thanks for the link. I've read a few blogs and I reckon that the journeys are really helpful.  So, I'm going to l write up a blog of my journey.  

Hi Axel very handy info for when I get my RT and helps us no end good luck with the rest off RT cheers Robert

Hi Axel (Axel H)

That would be great - keep us posted when you publish one.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi folks.

Apologies for the lack of the promised update.

However, here's a catch-up! The MRI was a good scan and provided all the required data. As I was a Mental Health first aider and a Drug & Alcohol Chain of Custody Officer for 20 years, I already practice meditation and mindfulness quite successfully I have some skill in being able to consciously go into  'chillax' mode and, yup! I fell asleep during the scan! I was then sent home for 10 - 14 days (but, still on the restricted diet ( haha!)) while the team were making a 3D model to practice on- .  The team were/are excellent, they explained everything and - I'm one of those people that needs to know everything - and I mean 'everything', if I'm having any kind of medical procedure - for me, that stops me becoming anxious. They explained how all of the hydration and dietary requirements were so that my bowel & bladder would be the same size each time so that the rad shots will hit the tumor every time.. They said that this is critical because of the high doses being used - 36.5Gy to the prostate and 20.5Gy to the lymph nodes = 57Gy in total for each treatment! They impressed that it is crucial to only hit the cancer and not have any overshine because of the fear of damaging another organ. So, they want to practice, practice and practice so, they get it right first time, every time!  

Well, I got a call yesterday (Tuesday 28) asking me to come in for my first RT treatment today (Weds 29).  With this being the first one, I'm in there about an hour before so, I can be monitored and have a bladder scan to make sure it's the 'right size' and of course, the mandatory chat so I understand what's going to happen.  

OK, details:  I'm still on Zolodex and my next implant is due in about three weeks (see my post about side effects). I have a 'slow-flow' so the consultant doubled the dose of Tamsulosin. OK, I empty my bladder more completely now but every wee, still takes a lot longer than it used to.  I was asked to stop the micro enemas and, reduce the mild senna from 2, to 1 tablet but, after the call, I was asked to up the dose to 2 senna again and resume the micro-enemas.  I have been keeping up the hydration regimen too.

So, there's 45 mins before I jump in the car to set off to the hospital, I've had brekkies, hydrated and I've 'been', then - 30 mins later, I had my micro enema.  I'm just waiting for the second loo visit now.  

So, I'll pop another update on here when I return

Best regards,

Axel

Hi again all. 

Well, that was a lot quicker than I imagined it would take. 
No problem at all. Bladder was slightly larger than they would like but, they could still get a clear shot, without hitting anything else. And in a flash, it was all over. Just before I went home I did a feedback form and next thing y’know, I’m on the way home. 

Best

Axel

Hi Axel H 

As we said - it's just like "shelling peas"

Keep it up you are doing great and every positive report on this forum is great for moral.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hello again.

So, Friday 31 May SBRT treatment No 2 has been completed.

I need to mention that after I'd posted about my first session, i started to feel 'something' in my abdomen. Now, it wasn't 'pain' per-se and, i wouldn't say that it was 'troublesome' either.  But, there was something there that was - let's say 'noticeable'.  other than that and a slightly increased frequency to have a wee - and I only noticed that because I'm monitoring for the feedback forms - otherwise I wouldn't have given it a second thought.  

So, get up this morning and prepare for my second go at SBRT  In the morning, I went for a second time and I felt like I didn't really need to do the 'micro enema' but, I did anyway. I had a good drink of water with my tablets - to fill the bladder then, a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee and some weetabix for brekkies before seting off for my second sesh.  I got there early because traffic was unusually quiet.  I went to the loo when I got there and before I'd had a chance to drink my (measured) 400ml of water, i was called in.  I explained I hadn't finished so, I drank it and waited for 10 mins.  Then, in we went. When they scanned it first time, my bladder was a little on the small side but, they let me lie there whilst they prepped everything and the second scan revealed that it was just at minimum and my bladder was clearly filling so, I was shuffled into the correct position and the process was started - all I had to do was relax and stay still. So, I practiced my meditation/mindfulness and went into 'chillax' mode whilst all the bits of equipment went about its business.  Next thing I know is the team are back in asking me to pull up my 'trollies' as we're all done for today.  

On Monday, afternoon I have my next session - halfway through the SBRT and, on Wednesday, I have an extended appointment because I've got a chat with the consultant and the research team too either before, or after my treatment. 

So, there we are - a sneak peak into where I'm up to with my journey and I do hope that anyone who is anxious or a partner that is anxious, will feel a bit better after reading my posts.

Monday's session will no doubt just be a repeat of today's so, i'll report back after i've had my chat with the consultant and research manager.

Enjoy your weekend - whatever the weather - just enjoy it!

Cheers,

Best regards

Axel