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Brachytherapy and Fatigue

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Posted 3/18/2013 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
I had brachy 3 weeks ago and have had only minor side effects. I have not needed Flomax, though urination comes with strange sensations. It's well short of painful and steadily improving. I've had more bowel changes than urinary, but nothing substantial and a stool softener makes things easier. More frequency with both, but not to the extent that it is much more than a slight nuisance.

I'm feeling fortunate and I am thrilled with my choice of treatment, but lately I have been feeling fatigued, at times.

I read in historical threads that others have experienced fatigue as a side effect of radiation, internal or external. All I know is that I am wanting to nap and that is new. I am only 60 and pretty active.

The abosrbed dose is still increasing at this point, so I am not surprised that things may still be changing.

I read some comments about avoiding caffeine, but it seems to me that a mild stimulant is not a bad idea. Caffeine makes you pee more, but I am not having a problem with elimination. I am just needing a boost from time to time.

OK troops. I'd invite your advice and suggestions.

 

Posted 3/18/2013 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't experience radiation fatigue. I had HDR brachytherapy and IMRT. I did cut out all caffine, reduced the fats and red meat, drank green tea and exercised daily. Either some, or all of that, helped....or I was plain lucky.
Posted 3/18/2013 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
'Mornin CTUmp - as you know I had LDR Brachy, and the only time I noticed a slight fatigue was when the seeds were at their hottest, as you eluded to. But for me is was really mild - didn't stop my from my 10-11 hour days plus hour commute!
Posted 3/18/2013 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
Jeff did suffer some fatigue, nothing major but it was noticeable to him.
If your body is telling you you need to take a nap – do it (well maybe not at your desk when the boss around of course). Give your body time to heal.
Wishing you well.
Susan
x
Posted 3/18/2013 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
CT Umpire I am about two weeks out from implantation and am feeling a bit tired. I can't say if it is from the radiation or from the entire ordeal.

I've noticed some changes: urinary urgency and my bowel movements seem to be a hardening. I also feel something going on that is hard to pinpoint. Odd sensations. Doctor's office said it just means the radiation is doing its job.

I take Rapaflo daily and that's it now. I was taking Medrol but that's done. I drink a lot of coffee and don't feel any issues there.
Posted 3/18/2013 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Single biggest side effect for my husband was fatigue after seeding.  Remember, the body heals while it's sleeping so if you're finding you need a nap take it - he took one every single day and it wasn't worth fighting it - take the nap and the healing that comes with it- there were many times when I wanted to crawl in with him LOL
Posted 3/18/2013 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
CT, it's been so long ago I'm sorry to say I can't remember. Of course I don't recall what I had for breakfast today either!

It could be from the seeds working or maybe just a natural letdown from the angst of the overall PCa or maybe just a little withdrawal from the lack of caffeine. In any case I suspect it will pass, especially if you take a hit or two of a caffeine drink.

Let us know...

Jim
Posted 3/19/2013 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
I certainly noticed an increase in fatigue for several months post Brachytherapy-- an afternoon nap along with a daily Guinness looked after it-
Posted 3/19/2013 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't notice fatigue...I didn't cut caffeine either...nor alcohol. Just being honest.
Posted 3/19/2013 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all.

I love the "Guiness and a nap" therapy!! That was a LOL. Dewars also works, but a great single malt is the world's greatest painkiller if taken in apprpriate quantities. (One quart at a time).

I took a nap today... I might take one tomorrow. I am very lucky that I can, and it's not an overwhelming feeling, but it is a real help to manage the second half of the day. After my nap, I felt much better and I cooked my darling wife a great dinner. (I love to cook.)

As I listen to my body, I am finding that I have slightly increasing urgency and I think fatigue is a concern, but not a biggie and maybe just a passing fancy.

I really recommend a stool softener. It's a mild med and it might help you as it hs helped me. It didn't make things normal, but it helped me take care of things, whenever the urge hit. It is not a lavative, it just makes it easier when nature calls.

Rectum, bladder and certainly the prostate all have reason to complain with radiation. ("Some SOB just put a molecular A-bomb in the house!")

When any or all are irritated (and irradiation does irritate human tissue), they send out nerve signals and your body tries to interpret them as it have always interpreted them: 1) I NEED TO PEE. 2)I NEED TO POOP. 3)I DUNNO WHAT IS HAPPENING BUT IT HURTS.

#1 and #2 are becoming familiar to me, but they have not been a really big issue. Visit the loo before you go out and drop in to a McDonald's if you get caught on the road. I have not had any emergencies, but a few "Oh, Thank God" moments.

If #3 is closer to your situation, CALL THE DOCTOR.

 

Posted 3/19/2013 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
I suffered very debilitating fatigue beginning the day after seeding but I was also a couple months into HT and celexa, an ssri. I got a bit better and then I started IGRT. about three weeks into that I was once again very tired and weak.

I could still work and go to the gym but my output was less and I would take 1-2 hours naps almost every day.

ed
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