Hi everyone,
I thought I'd share my dad's journey so far and hopefully hear from others who have been through something similar.
My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer with an initial PSA of 14.7.
His treatment has now completed; He started hormone therapy in December and had his second hormone injection in April. Around 3 months into hormone treatment, on the first day of his radiotherapy, his PSA had fallen to 2.45.
He then completed 20 sessions of radiotherapy. Overall, he has coped very well with treatment and had very few side effects. The main issues have been a slower urine flow and, more significantly, bowel problems. He has experienced bowel urgency and some bowel incontinence. The team prescribed a gel for this, but so far it doesn't seem to have made much difference.
His PSA on the final day of radiotherapy was 2.8. We were naturally concerned that it was slightly higher than at the start of radiotherapy, but the team reassured us not to worry and said they were very happy with his progress.
He has his 6-week review this Thursday, including his recent PSA blood test results , and we're all feeling quite nervous. We're really hoping to see his PSA lower again.
Has anyone else experienced bowel issues like this after radiotherapy, and if so, how long did they take to improve? Is it normal for the gel not to have helped much yet? Also, is it likely to be lower or higher 6 weeks after treatment?
Wishing everyone the very best with their own journeys, and thank you in advance for any replies. This forum has been invaluable to me
Hello Concerneddaughter13fd2e84
Thank you for returning with an update on dad, it's much appreciated and will help others on their personal journey.
* Bowel issues are one side effect of Radiotherapy (indeed it's also listed as a side effect of Hormone Therapy too). I think this is something you need to bring up at the review on Thursday.
* The PSA is nothing to worry about at this time. Radiotherapy keeps on working long after dad's completed his last fraction and he should reach his nadir or lowest PSA about 18 months after his last fraction - to me there's no point in a PSA test during or just after radiotherapy has been completed. Do be aware there is something called "PSA bounce" where he could see a rise in his PSA before it settles down.
I hope this helps. Do let us know how you get on on Thursday.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
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Hello Michael (Michael1953 )
In answer to your various points in your post:
* Hot sweats - I had bad ones, mine were cured by taking Sage Tablets - although they don't work for everyone.
* Loss of Libido - yes this is a side effect of Hormone Therapy - to stop penile atrophy your GP can prescribe Tadalafil.
* It's a pointless exercise doing a PSA test during or shortly after Radiotherapy as RT keeps on working long after the 20 fractions have been completed. It's normal to have a PSA 3/4 months after RT's completed. You can expect your lowest or nadir PSA 18 months after the end of RT.
* You need to discuss stopping HT with your oncology team. it's a personal choice. For me if something is going to keep the cancer at bay or cure it I would listen to the professionals.
I hope the above helps.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
