Taking 1/2 day holidays to cover Radiation Appointments - Did anyone else?

Hi Steve

For me the effects of RT took a while to kick in.  In the beginning all OK then in week 3 things got tiring.  I had a ticket to a football match that week and was so tired I coudn't get off the sofa to go (it was a european night too!) . The mini-enemas also became more effective by the end (it may also have been a side effect of the RT) and having a loo nearby was essential.  So, given how important work is for you, I recommend late afternoon appointments as - for me - it was easier to cope with work after a night's rest.  Also, if you are driving yourself to RT it might be worth seeing if there is a free patient transport service (just the hassle of car parking etc was taking a toll by the end) - having a lift on one or two days could make a difference. 

Best of luck with the long term effect of the RT - I'm almost three years on now and the cancer status could not have gone better (began with Gleason 9 / PSA 141, now PSA too low to measure and a lot fitter and healthier than for years) I hope you have good results too.

Stevie

The Oncologist told he hoped I would only be on the Hormones for 12 months.  Next one due Christmas Eve. (and what will I get for Christmas...Hot Flushes).

See how everything goes.

Hi Stevie,

Being a Newcastle fan, it could be a blessing not being unable to go...They could even win!

I am trying for as late in the day as possible so I can still go to work.  There is the option of free transport, it's a company called "Daft as a Brush".  They are supposed to be good, they wait for you at the hospital to take you home.

Glad to see you are getting fitter and the old PSA is virtually non-existent.

Are you having the fiducal markers inserted to your prostate first ? I am due to start my 20 sessions of RT to my prostate 1st week of October but I have to have the markers inserted first which I am not looking forward too as I have been told it is a similar procedure to the prostate biopsy which I was not pleasant. I am also having 2 sessions of RT to my chest to reduce breast swelling and pain.

Hi Paul 

Having the fiducial markets inserted is not too much fun but not as bad as biopsy mainly because it's only 3 or 4 markers, once that is done the Radiotherapy that follows is fairly plain sailing 

Good luck 

Steve

Thank you Steve, that is good to hear. I'm also anxious regarding the side effects combined with the current ones on HT, the fatigue mainly as I've only just in the last few weeks felt able to get on top of it.

I think that HT side effects r worse than the RT.

I didn't have too many problems with the RT and most people say the same.

Worst part was severe constipation which started midway thru and lasted for a couple of weeks after treatment finished. But it's something that can be coped with.

Steve

Oh well I'll take that then haha thank you Steve 

When u get to the fiducial markers stage u know that the end is in sight , in a positive way of course.

Having the markers inserted was really not so bad as the biopsy but I had no big problems with either.  I had no side effects from the Radiotherapy apart from one night about half way through when I was up all night peeing every few minutes.  I had no bowel problems - which was a surprise as the cancer was near the capsule and pushing against the rectum so I expected bowel problems.  Others had bowel problems and all sorts of other problems - we are all different and react differently.  I certainly had no more fatigue with the RT than from HT.

Good Luck