Hi Just arrived

Good evening John67, My OH has just started RT and he’s got his 3rd tomorrow. Can I just ask how it’s going with you. Best wishes,

Majestic

My OH. Is due to start the process of getting the Gold Fiducial Markers 7th November and then palliative RH thereafter . We would be interested in how you are doing with the RT .

best wishes 

Liz & OH 

XX

Hello John67 and a warm welcome. My husband had 33 sessions of EBRT. The radiotherapy caused some 'bruising' which gave him a bit of pain but we found that talking to the radiographers about all of the changes to bowel and bladder meant that they could offer help to deal with them. The main side effect he had was tiredness which gradually increased with more sessions he had. We stuck to the diet sheet we were given which was to avoid wind producers, caffeine, fizzy drink and alcohol. We also found that eating little and often ensured regular bowel habits but at my husband's hospital he did not have to use enemas, his only requirement was a full bladder. Did the treatment work - YES - that was 4 years ago today that he finished his radiotherapy. The radiotherapy continues working for 18 to 24 months so expect a PSA decline during this period until the nadir (lowest level) at around the 18 month mark. The end of the radiotherapy can be a bit of an anticlimax as suddenly all the tests and treatment comes to halt. It can take a little while for the pelvic area to settle down so it is important to keep an eye on urine flow and report any changes, particularly if you are finding it difficult to go.

If you have any questions then please ask and we will try and help but please let us know how you fare.

Hi John67 I was another on 37 sessions.  Not many side effects and all tolerable, but let the radiotherapy team know if you get any side effects, however small.  Fatigue and boredom were the two main issues for me.  Keep going.  David

Hello Majestic its going much like they explained to me. Fatigue, poor sleep, sweats and a brain like a sieve. Ive now completed 13 sessions. Peeing is a bit uncomfortable, Having an empty bowel and full bladder has definitely lost its appeal. All the best to your HO 

Hi Johnam it’s very tiring and getting an empty bowel and full bladder is not fun. Other than that fatigue is the main issue. Hope that helps

Thanks Alwayshope. Im only having 20 sessions and im at No 13 now. I was given Movicol which has made a difference. I had a spacer fitted which keeps my bowel out of the way.  I still need to have an empty bowel and full bladder. Quite the trick. Fatigue and poor sleep are the main issues for me. Im exercising as much as is possible and concentrating on the out come

Thanks David I am experiencing all the normal side effects but like you it’s all tolerable. Fatigue and poor sleep are the main thing, but as you say just got to get it done.

My husband finished radiotherapy in May. He didn’t suffer from fatigue but had quite bad bowel problems for about a month after 

In July he suddenly deleloped urinary retention with no warning so had to have an indwelling catheter for three weeks before it was removed

Now I would say he is pretty much back to normal which has been a relief

So good luck with the rest of the radiation and do mention any side effects however minor you feel they are 

Hi. I've just finished session 15 out of 20.

Today I was told that I could stop the enemas.

A small joy.

Today, after being trundled into the machine , I was soon trundled back out again.

Apparently the CT scan showed that my bowel was too full and was sent to the toilet to deal with it....but I was told to empty my bowels but not my bladder.

Bit like tapping your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time.

Just five more sessions, then a real coffee.