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Colon problems from Radiation!!

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Posted 4/3/2012 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
The rectal balloon is used in proton RT. I have never heard of if being used in photon (which is what I had - IGRT with Calypso markers). Understanding the process, it would add time and discomfort, so there is likely some trade-off. Statistics would raise their ugly heads again....

For the urinary side, my uro says that he can, as a last resort, use a laser to cauterize the damaged areas. I've not had a colonoscopy since surgery.

Posted 4/5/2012 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Nickanick,
The colon procedure that was mentioned in a topic on RT treatments was suppose to help with the burning pain. I thought 142 might have remembered as he was on that post.

I have never tried a scan on this website, but try scanning colon pain or rectal pain. Maybe you can locate the procedure. They mentioned it helped them.
Posted 4/5/2012 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
I had BT/IGRT treatments in early 2010. Have had no bowel issues that I can pinpoint. We were already eating a lot of fibre before I was dx'd and continue to do so. Maybe that has helped. Or it could be that my 25 IGRT treatments were not as intense as others who had salvage RT. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have a delayed reaction.

Joe
Posted 4/6/2012 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
JoeFL-i see you did not have a prostatectomy? Just the seeds and radiation?What was the reason for that? How is the ED going or you do not have that?
Posted 4/6/2012 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the encouragement. :)

Skeeter... Ironic that you should bring up the balloon!

My husband had his markers inserted and got tattooed. They also did a simulation to make certain everything is where it is supposed to be, and yes... they are using a balloon with IMRT.

I know he has to be tired of having stuff stuffed up there, but the balloon brings some comfort (bad choice of words right there!) in that it keeps the things positioned properly for treatment.

He'll be ready to begin in two weeks. 44 sessions at 80gys.

I do hope that things improve/resolve for all those suffering from the side effects....
Posted 4/6/2012 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
After moderating here and managing live support groups for multiple years, I have observed that the radiation oncology industry is no less susceptible to sugar coating side effects than any other core competency in this business. Adjuvant, salvage, or primary treatment with radiation can be just as debilitating as other forms of therapy. In some cases it is soon after treatment and in some cases it happens later, many times much later. Radiation oncology is the science of mapping the treatment program, designing the appropriate program based on individual physiology, and delivering the treatment ~ which by the way is seldom done solely by the radiation oncologist. We know that radiation can in fact be delivered well, I can speak for that, but we have also learned than no form of radiation delivery is flawless.

That stated,
Nickanick the appropriate doctor to turn to for the SE's from radiation is the gastro-entorologist. Once damage to the intestines is done, they have the best tools to deliver therapy to resolve or ease these SE's.

Tony
Posted 4/6/2012 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Ms Worrywart-encouraged to hear they will use the balloon on your husband as he undergoes RT-I think all precautions should be taken.I wish him the best of luck and prayers for you both.Hang in there.
Posted 4/6/2012 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
MsWorryWart,

Tell your hubby not to be uptight about the balloon. I had 44 treatments of proton beam radiation, plus two or three simulations where the balloon was also used. It does not hurt. Repeat, it does not hurt. Uncomfortable? yes, at times. Embarrassing, yes at first, but you quickly get over it. One thing for sure--he will quickly appreciate the techs who have a particular gift for inserting the balloon easily and painlessly.

Not many IMRT places use the balloon, so I am impressed. Sounds like he is in good hands!

Steve
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