Side effects

Hello Fifey  A warm welcome to the online Prostate Community - I am aware you have had a few answers on the New to the Community forum, and that you are not new to cancer.

Side Effects of both HT and RT are different for all of us. The one you need to fight first is fatigue so try and keep fit - or fitter if you are fit! I would wait and see what side effects the treatment deals you. As HT/RT can be bone thinning it's a good idea to get a prescription for Calcium/Vitamin D tablets.

To help us help you, and to save us asking the same questions, can I ask you to update your profile with your diagnosis and journey to date.(Gleason score, TNM and PSA etc) To do this on your home page, click on the chair, top right, then "profile" and then "edit". (You can read mine by clicking on the icon of the beach - you don't need to write a book!).

Feel free to ask any questions, however trivial and join in any conversations, it's OUR Community and YOU are a most welcome member.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks for info Brian. I’ll update my profile. 

Hi

In addition to that which Brian has mentioned, watch out for anemia and type 2 diabetes. The HT/RT, in my case I believe,has caused me problems with both. The anemia appears to be sorted with iron tablets and the diabetes is sorting itself out. 

Regards

Stuart

Hi Stuart.

Thanks for info, I will look forward to taking Iron tablets. I’ve been on low carb for 4 years which has kept me at 80 kg down from 105kg. They say low carb can have diabetics free from medication but I will still keep a close eye on it. Thanks again. 

Best wishes 

Bob

Hi Bob

Forgot something.

We were advised to follow a low fibre diet. So no brown anything, no leafy green veg. In addition no caffeine or alcohol. The only problems I had was Christmas 2019 - 2 glasses of wine and sprouts with Christmas lunch really wasn't funny. Not all hospitals give diet sheets but I'm so glad Poole did and sorry I didn't follow it to the letter!

Regards

Stuart

Hi Stuart.

Were you having radiotherapy when you were given that diet advice? We had to restrict wholefoods whilst hubby had his 'sunbed' treatment but have gone back to including them in his diet since then.

Fifey, I have attached a useful link on some recommendations regarding diet which you might find helpful. It is important to make sure you have enough protein of the right type in your diet in order to preserve muscle mass as the HT may have an effect on this.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/practical-emotional-support/diet#:~:text=Low%20in%20red%20and%20processed%20meat%2C%20saturated%20fat%20and%20salt&text=Choose%20chicken%20or%20fish%20instead,oil%20and%20use%20small%20amounts.

Thanks Scampidoddle, I’ll check it out. No alcohol

Hi

Yes, the dietary advice was for when I was having RT,  and for a little time afterwards - we were advised not to go back immediately, or in one go, to a normal healthy diet.

Regards

Stuart

Thanks an again Scammpidoodle. I predict an uncomfortable 3 months(or more) ahead but with a successful result

best wishes 

bob

Good advice Stuart. We were also given the same advice on alcohol during RT and chemotherapy but celebrated the end of treatment after a month with a small nip of a very good whisky - sheer nectar.