Seeking Guidance: Suitable Diet for Radiotherapy Journey

Hi P

I have always tried to eat a healthy diet so didn't alter it much during RT.

I did suffer from severe constipation (as seems fairly normal as a side effect)  lasting for about 4 weeks starting mid way through RT.

So my advice is to keep meals small during this time, no big roasts etc .

Others will post,  see how they coped.

Best wishes

Steve 

Unless you have been told to change diet or follow a special diet during RT and you eat healthily then no need to change.  However if you don't eat healthily maybe now is a time to start - less sugar, less meat and fresh scratch cooked meals no processed food.  I would eat smaller regular meals as RT can eventually - around about the half way mark, cause various bowel and bladder problems and this would hopefully alleviate them.  If he has any symptoms during his RT (including bowel and bladder problems) then immediately mention them to the radiologist who will either prescribe  treatment or refer him to someone else.

Hello PG

I was told to leave off anything that could give me "wind". Beans, Pulses, Green Leaf Veg, Coffee, Fizzy Drinks and Alcohol. I just ate sensible meals and gave up alcohol for 32 days (well it was dry January).

My best bit of advice is listen to what the radiologists say to you and if there's any changes in your normal health - particularly number 1's and 2's - ask for advice.

Doing the above I sailed through my 20 fractions on the "sunbed" with hardly any issues.

I hope it goes well for him - keep us posted and I wish you both the best - Brian.

Hi p216, just eat healthy foods like the other guys say and like millibob says do not eat foods that give you wind it can really hinder "and it is not as easy as solids and liquids to control" the radiologist as they align the machine for you.it really helps the radiologist if you can  get a good balance of solids and liquids around the prostate to isolate it from other organs so hopefully reduce side effects but do not worry the staff are wonderful and will give you all the help and advice you need. if as we all hope the first session goes well, stick with the diet your on. PS it took me nearly a week to get it right and if you do have problems with wind try a couple of bananas after treatment all the best

Hi P216,

As others have said, if you already eat a healthy diet then you shouldn't need to make too many changes.  I wasn't given any dietary advice before starting my RT, but did pick up a few tips from on here (thanks Millibob).  Being weak willed, I did have an occasional coffee with caffeine in (only after that days fraction as a treat), but mainly drank decaffeinated & actually grew to like tea that way. I also made sure I drank 2 litres of water each day starting a few weeks before RT started & found that took a bit of getting used to, but by the time I started it had become a lot easier.

The radiologists asked me each day how things were, so if you have any issues then don't worry about mentioning them as they are as keen as you are for the treatments to go well.

All the best,

Brian

Hi

Poole Hospital advised no alcohol, no caffeine, low fibre everything  and no green veg. 

Other hospitals have a different view on diets whilst on RT, but it worked for me, so long as I was a good boy and didn't deviate - which I did and it wasn't the best decision I made!

Regards

Stuart

Thank you deeply for all your insights and thoughtful responses. Your generosity in sharing knowledge has been invaluable to us.<3