I have terminal hormone resistant prostate cancer with spread to the spine. My oncologist referred me for Radium 223 treatment since I had already had a previous unsuccessful treatment of chemotherapy (docataxel). The only side effect that I have noticed after the first treatment, apart from the inevitable fatigue, is a big rise in my blood pressure. I am being treated for this by my GP without, so far, much effect. Neither my consultant nor the nuclear medicine consultant think that the rise in blood pressure is related to the 223 treatment since it is not on the list of expected side effects. However, it is difficult to think what else it may be related to.
Given the the benefits from 223 are quite modest - some small increase in life expectancy - I am considering withdrawing since my quality of life is a priority for me over a small increase in life expectancy.
Has anybody else experienced this effect of Radium 223?
