Starting treatment

Hello @Peter r

I have read through your posts and those of most others in this thread which has prompted me to reply.

In terms of the actual RT I am exactly eleven weeks ahead of you although you seem to have been lucky enough to thread your way through the preliminary tests, consultations and medication much quicker than I did. Your test results etc. place you in a very similar situation that I found myself in.

In the hope that my experiences can allay what anxiety you may still be feeling you may like to read through my profile. Currently my personal outlook is all very positive.

Also I hope that you find the monotony of visiting the RT department actually becomes more like attending a social club, I know that is how many become to find it long before the four weeks are up, I certainly did.

The very best of luck and please keep us posted.

Rod   

I asked about the spacer gel and was told that my hospital does not use it

Hi. I’m aware that not all hospitals offer the treatment, I realise I was fortunate that my local hospital does.

Regards. Peter

Hi Rob.  Sorry about the delay replying.  Had my 3rd RT yesterday, no problems. I realise how fortunate I’ve been on my journey. First blood test in April then it was taken out of my hands. MRI, urologist, biopsy, decision on my treatment,  ADT pills then injection then the necessary 3/4 month wait for the jab to do it’s job. Phone call from consultant Radiologist confirming my Spaceoar treatment ( under general anesthetic ).

Spaceoar procedure on the 9th Sept, planning on the 19th, letter on the 23rd listing my dates for RT, starting 3rd Oct ending on 30th all at my local hospital.

So impressed with the system at my local hospital ( Aintree Clatterbridge ) even more  impressed with Alien-like machine used to treat me, wonder how much they cost.

many thanks for your reply, will keep in touch.

Best wishes. Peter 

Hi Peter r , glad to hear that all is going well for you.
I'm afraid our hospital is using much older machines that you comment on but hopefully they work just as well. I believe that of the three machines that Shrewsbury hospital currently have I was treated on the oldest!
I've been for my blood test this morning in readiness for the meeting with my consultant on the 23rd.
Also booked my Prostap implant at my GPs which is also due on the 23rd, if I'm really lucky that will be the last. It's in my notes that I will be on HT for six months from the end of my RT, the October implant will take me to 22 weeks from the end of RT so I'm hopeful.

Hi Rob. Hope everything goes well for you.  My initial ADT was for 4 weeks treatment with bicalutamide pills, 2 weeks either side of my jab. I neglected to look which treatment the 6 month phial was.

in the letter I received after my diagnosis, the oncologist outlined my treatment saying I would have a one and only 6 month ADT jab, I hope this is correct, not so much because of the side effects but more the other things that might come with it, like the possibility of bone thinning, diabetes and possible heart complications at 73 cancer is enough to deal with, I might just take my chances if it’s offered after my last RT and refuse further ADT, but who knows how brave I’ll be when the time comes.

I'm getting used to the routine of the RT now, 5 down, 15 to go. The only part that I don’t look forward to is the part one procedure but the actual RT is very quick, my wife timed it at 10 minutes after I entered the changing room.

Good luck with your blood tests, please let us know how you get on.

best wishes.  Peter.