Hi everyone I’m newly diagnosed (Dec21)

Hi

I'm at the end of 2 years of HT and had 37 sessions of RT which ended just before lock down.

I can't comment on IBS but RT is likely to upset your bowels. From my own experience make sure you get hold of a diet sheet from the RT team and stick to it rigidly. Make sure they are aware of your IBS as they may have other suggestions.

Aside from potential, but not guaranteed, side effects, RT is just boring!

Hope this helps!

Regards

Stuart

Hi F 

I was under the impression that bowel issues and Radiotherapy don't mix so could be worth double checking.

Something new called Space Oar (combined with RT,) can help protect that area but not available everywhere.

You don't give any stats, ie PSA, Gleeson, MRI report , could surgery be an alternative?

Regards

Steve

Hi Stuart 

I’m hoping your treatment was a success? 
I appreciate your input the diet sheet hasn’t been mentioned yet. But I’m sure something will happen nearer the time and yes they are aware of the IBS 

good luck getting fit

Hi Grundo

they have been a ware of IBS from the beginning!! But unfortunately it’s aggressive and moved outside of prostate so removal wouldn’t get it all so radiotherapy would have to be done as well.I’m yet to have my tattoos done so I’m expecting more information or contact! I hope anyway 

Ok, sorry to to hear outside the gland 

Do read up on Space Oar, could well help 

Steve

Hi Steve 

Thanks for that I will definitely give that a read 

thanks again 

Hi

I can't overstate the importance of the diet sheet for me. The only problem I had was when I decided not to follow it - not funny! Also I had to ask for it - it wasn't offered as part of my induction.

All good so far - last PSA was <0.01 - so undetectable. Prostap should start easing off so hopefully my stamina etc will return. Fingers crossed the PSA stays where it is!

Regards

Stuart

Hi Freckles,

I was told the opposite - radiotherapy will almost certainly make my IBS and general digestion system condition worse. For that reason, I was recommended and accepted hormone therapy only.

Stephen

Hi Stephen

they are aware of my IBS but unfortunately just hormone treatment isn’t enough it’s move out of the Prostate but no other organs so I’m not in a strong position that way  trying to stay positive so that helps my IBS but it’s obviously going to be a bumpy ride 

but much appreciate your comment 

...

sorry, I may have misunderstood "I suffer with IBS which I was told will not make radiotherapy an unpleasant one !!"

At the end of my consultancy I was very happy that all the doctors had laid the cards on the table and I was encouraged to comment/react at all stages. I had told them that my IBS meant I had to stay on good diet and remain in a calm positive frame of mind - otherwise I would end up living on the toilet or in hospital with another blocked bowel.

They understood, after looking at my record, and told me that any surgical or radiotherapy intervention would almost certainly make the condition worse, because of scar tissue and after effects of other previous interventions, and they were reluctant to recommend it. I said I wanted to take my existing quality of life as long as I could, so that meant relying on hormone therapy to slow the disease down as long as possible.

I have a shadow on one of my ribs which is not yet big enough to be sure about. The radiotherapist said that only time will tell if that is an anomaly or the cancer having spread.

So my concern was that you had been told the treatment would not make your IBS any worse. If I got it wrong, apologies, and yes everyone has to make up their own mind for their own reasons, being confident all options have been explained and properly considered.

And, yes, absolutely, then be confident and positive that you have taken the best route.

Namaste  - I recognise and share your spirit...