Hubby had his first (and quite possibly his last) injection of Radium 223 3 weeks ago and he appears to be one of the unlucky ones as it’s really clobbered him. Talk about fatigue (one of the side effects as it can affect the red and white blood cells)! His ‘get up and go’ has definitely got up and gone, as has his appetite so I’m nagging him (gently) to eat and wondering what the heck to give him as he’s turned down so many different foods. Fortunately he likes Complan, especially the chocolate one, but he needs something more solid too. He's talking about seeing a dietitian and I know our local Macmillan hub offers that service.
He spent 3 days in the cardiac ward last week, having passed out yet again from low blood pressure. It was unrelated to the radium but they told us that he’s anaemic, prescribed iron tablets and meal supplements (very nice and creamy) and sent him home for the weekend. They still have no idea why it happens and unfortunately he missed his prostate review due to being in there. Same hospital but he wasn’t allowed out of cardiac, having been wired up to a monitor. Now waiting for the 24th – cross fingers!
He’s also started peeing for Britain, everything from ½ to 1 hr which is making him even more tired during the day, despite avoiding all the diuretic drinks. I noticed that some people on the forums have complained about that after RT so think it could be another side effect of the radium. A UTI test came back negative.
He’s going to talk to his nurse on Monday although he’s dreading having to have a catheter. Meanwhile I’ve bought a wheelchair and we’re seeing someone about installing a stairlift as he’s now become so weak.
Hello Chocaholic28,
I'm very sorry to hear that your husband's radium treatment has affected him so badly and hope his nurse can offer some assistance tomorrow (and avoid the dreaded catheter).
I don't really know much at all about radium treatment and can't offer any practical comments based on experience but just wanted to say I sincerely hope something can be worked out and any home adaptations to help you both are completed as quickly and easily as possible.
My reply will also push your post back to the top of the page and hope this will bring some more constructive replies from others who are more familiar with this.
With my very best wishes, Derek.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
