SABR Treatment availability and experience

Hi AndyH143 sorry you have joined our club but you are most welcome.  I was diagnosed at 68 (that was 9 years ago) and have had RT.  You can read our background stories (if people have added their profile) by going to their name or avatar.  I had conventional RT (37 sessions) as my prostate and surrounding areas were zapped. Then after 6 years I got a metastatic spread to my sternum which was zapped with SABR (3 sessions).  Both therapies were almost identical (no pain and a bit boring).  In the case of 37 sessions the fatigue was quite gradual and probably noticeable after 4 weeks.  After the SABR I didn’t really notice much in the way of side effects.  Just remember that the treatment goes on working for months/years after finishing.  I was fit at the start of my journey and if possible I would suggest you keep as active as you can, but listen to your body.  Please come back if you have any questions, but sounds like in a couple of years you will be cured.

Hi Andy

Sorry that you have joined our club, but welcome to- there is much to be gained by being here and they are a great bunch!

I am awaiting RT but have entered into it positively after having had chemo earlier in the year, and I am on HT for life - no choice if I want to control the cancer….

HT can be exhausting at times but the key is to keep active and exercise ( I walk, indoor bike and resistance work as well as Yoga). It is a mindset you have to have - otherwise it just gets on top of you.

Forgetfulness is common as is Brain fog.  I have lost libido totally and most of my body hair has gone ( to join that which left my head during chemo!!).  Definitely been shrinkage in the groin area!!!!!

BUT my PSA is undetectable and has been for six months, and long may it continue.  It is the price I am willing to pay to be around to see my grandkids grow up - that is one of my key goals - as well as outliving the expiry date on my new credit card!

As David mentioned have a look at our profiles for more info.

Wishing you well for the next stages - it will ease up once a treatment pathway has been started.

All the best 

KrisPy

 Radiotherapy & Side Effects forum 
 

Hello AndyH143,

I'm pleased you have now reached the point when treatment to kill the cancer can start.

I had "conventional" RT because SABR wasn't used when I was diagnosed. It was delivered 5 days a week for 4 weeks and was painless - as Brian (Millibob) would say "just like being on a sunbed".

The main issue for me was the need to travel 25 miles each way to hospital and back 5 days a week for 4 weeks which gets a bit tedious. The biggest hassle was finding a car park space every time, although I didn't have to pay. Some men do get bowel or uruinary problems but these should be just temporary, and your treatment team will explain this.

As far as HT is concerned common side effects include hot flushes, extreme tiredness (fatigue), loss of sex drive / erectile dysfunction, weight gain, muscle and joint pain, breast tenderness and / or swelling, brain fog, and mood changes. I've been affected by most to varying degrees but some men experience only some and not others. After HT stops these normally gradually disappear. 

I wish you all the best for smooth and successful treatment whichever you choose.

Derek.

Thanks David. Always good to hear your story

Thanks KrisPy ! Love the idea off out living your credit card

Cheers Derek appreciate the insight.