Radiation therapy

Hi Didi

I have recently had 2 planning CT scan appointments in preparation for the radiotherapy, the second one was done as I had too much gas in my body!, at the first one. At the second one, I had gone for a poo that morning, but was told the scan was showing I had too much matter, so they asked me to use mini enema at hospital, and pointed me in the direction of the loo. It wasn’t a problem using the enema, and it works in about 10 mins, so was just told to go to loo, use the mini enema and wait in the loo.

re the bladder half hour before scan I was asked to go for a wee, and then given half litre of water to drink. I will need to do the same before each treatment.

i was reassured that unlikely I would have to use the mini enemas before treatment, it was for me they just need to be stricter when they are doing the scans..so hoping as it looks like I have middle of day appointments, and I can poo before heading off this won’t be an issue! 

Also when I used the mini enema, and it worked in 10 to 15 mins, there wasn’t any more “activity” after that, and it wasn’t diarrhoea when it did work.

hope this helps

Thank you, this is very reassuring.  This is a difficult decision for me because I am worried about long term damage.  I already have tinnitus from chemo that was not there prior to treatment.   The tingling in my hands is better since the oncologist cut the Paclitaxel by 20%.  I also did not have much trouble with joint pain this time.  Two more chemo treatments to go.

Hello DidiOntario

At my hospital mini enemas were used for the first 10 days and then stopped. I was told that was because most people would not need them after that as the treatment effects would naturally mean they weren't needed. 

For the first 10 days I was told to come in about an hour before my treatment time. This would mean using the mini enema on arrival and giving it time to work. Once it had worked I would then go to the unit and have to drink 3 cups of water and wait for 30 minutes. I would then have my treatment. 

I had a lot of tummy effects from after the first couple of sessions but was told that I still needed to use the enemas. To be honest they worked quickly and the thought was worse than actually using them. From day 3 I was given loperamide to help prevent the diarrhoea and this then progressed to 3 other medications to get things mor under control. For the journey home I was advised to take more loperamide. My journey could take around 45 mins to an hour. 

Any diarrhoea, urgency etc for me came from the treatment side effects, not the use of the enema. The mini enema just makes sure the lower part/rectum is empty and I was told to use one, even if I had already been. They only work if something is in there, if not nothing happens. 

Jane

Thanks Jane.  That helps.  I’m still terrified about the treatment and looking for studies to help me decide.  I’m somewhat leaning towards having the treatment now. 

I was scared too. I did have side effects but on the whole they could be managed with medication. It wasn't an easy thing to do but wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and once started it went quicker than I thought. 

At my hospital they seemed to do a lot of the pelvic radiotherapy at the same time as there were lots of men there having it for prostate cancer. Because you are going in everyday you soon start to recognise people and it was good to talk to people going through the same thing. 

I remember going into my consents appointment with the radiotherapy consultant and not really wanting to be there at all. After finishing chem I was ready to quit. I had had enough of hospitals. As with any treatment, it is your choice whether to go ahead or not and like with chemo, I knew I could stop at any point. 

If you are worried about accidents then you can get a toilet card and just having one can be reassuring. 

Using public toilets | Macmillan Cancer Support

I do not regret either treatment, they weren't easy but nothing as bad as I had feared. I was well supported at the hospital and that makes a big difference. 

I am now 2 years post treatment. 

if there is anything in particular worrying you, then please ask.

Jane

• I've just finished my sessions and was worried about the enema as my hospital asked me to do them at home two hours ahead of session.  I then had a 50 minute bus ride and was terrified of an issue but nothing happened as my body processed the enema before I left