A little update on Dad — and hoping for some advice

Side effects — yippee. Good job. Who needs them.

Weight gain is not as bad as weight loss. Giving up smoking will do that to you. Unless it’s becoming a problem and he’s getting too big, whatever that is, I would advise that structured weight loss with NHS help in the future would be recommended. Slimming world is an option but the health workers will advise you.

I don’t know munch about radiotherapy but from what I’ve heard it’s the travelling to and fro that gets to you. There are advice sheets you can look at about radiotherapy. What to expect what to avoid and do ect. And a champion will be along soon I expect to help you out.

Stay strong and take everything day at a time. The staff will help you through it so don’t think you’re on your own.

Good luck

Hi CD

I have to say the Radiotherapy was really quite easy.

Probably best bit is if you live near the hospital as you are going for many days.

Side effects started mid way through and lasted until a couple of weeks after treatment finished, constipation and urinary problems which obviously meds can help.

Best wishes 

Steve 

Hello Concerneddaughter13fd2e84 

Thank you for your post - it sounds like dad is doing well and I hope it stays that way. So here's my reply:

HT side effects - We don't get them all. some people don't get any, I had the lot including some not listed. Fatigue will catch up with dad along with weight gain so healthy eating and exercise are the answers there - even if he's only going out for a walk. (If you read my journey - click on my avatar - you will see I put on 3.5 stone during the first 3 years of HT and am now on Ozempic to stop any further increase). Hot Flushes started 3/4 months in but cured with Sage Tablets. 

My attitude was, life goes on and although I did suffer, itchy skin was bad, my thoughts were this isn't going to beat me!

Radiotherapy is almost like 20 sessions on a sunbed. The hard part is getting to the hospital and parking. Some hospitals have reserved parking for Radiotherapy patients. Here's a link to a thread you may wish to read:

 What you wish you had known before starting Radiotherapy? 

I enjoyed my radiotherapy and made some great friends whilst in the waiting area each day and it's pain free and easy to do.

I hope the above helps - anything else just ask.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Concerneddaughter13fd2e84 as the others have said, side effects are personal so rejoice if mild or non existent. The key issue is are they working - I am sure they are.

Weight gain is difficult to avoid.  In my nearly 9 years on HT I have put on about 11 pounds.  We try and eat and drink healthily but I do enjoy a curry so that is my little pleasure.  Sadly we are what we eat, so portion size and less processed are the only things in your hands.  Expect weight around the tummy (that’s a normal change with age) and increase in moobs, both of which are HT related and almost impossible to avoid.  Often HT causes fatigue, which in turn reduces the desire for exercise, so a conscious effort to stop this spiral by doing more, really helps.