Did anyone feel weak from radiation therapy for pc?

Hi, this is Larry from the PA forum, i was diagnosed with early PC
in March and went through the biopsy and radiation at USMD in Arlington, Texas. I just finished my last treatment two weeks ago.
my question is about how long does it take to start feeling like myself
again. I got real weak during treatment and had a lot of pee and poop
problems, in just the last three days my system has seemed to recover
and i am normal in that area. It's the weakness that i am dealing with
now and was wondering how long it took some of you guys, i took
my first short walk today, 101 degree heat, i felt a little weak maybe
i am expecting to get well too soon.
I am 72 in general good health, was very strong for my age before
the treatments.
Thank's for any info you may provide.
Larry

Fatigue is what hit me the worst during RT. Took about two weeks before I started to feel like I was recovering and maybe a full month before my physical strength was back. But then I had some sleeping problems for about a month that the doc thought was related to the radiation effects (or just the stress of treatment). Had to get some sleeping pills for about a week to rest my sleep patterns. It was about two months before I felt physically and mentally anywhere near back to normal.

Walking is what helped me, but not in 101 degrees. Try an early morning walk or just do laps around the house (or is there an indoor mall you can go to?).

I had urgency issues for long time after too. That's better now but not back to 100% of before.

I'd say if you're not feeling stronger in the next 2-3 weeks, call the doc and complain. But for now, you sound like you're on track.

Hang in there,
Andrew

Count me in as saying fatigue was one of the main side effects for me. I am a month out from SRT and fatigue still affects me to some degree. There have been days when it just washes over me and I get so weak I can't stand. If my job involved physical labor I honestly don't know if I could make it through an 8 hour day especially when I was undergoing treatment. The biggest issue now is urinary urgency. When I have to go...I have to go. Still experiencing the burning sensation and Pyridium has done little to help. Plan to talk with RO and Uro to see if there is an alternative or if perhaps I have developed a stricture that needs to be treated. One thing I noticed that was prevalent throughout treatment was increased amount of passing gas. RO said it had nothing to do with treatment and was more likely diet related. In this case I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.

I drove myself to the first 30 or so of my 45 planned IMRT sessions, but then I had to have one of my sons drive me to the final ones, as the fatigue in my case had progressed to the point that I didn't feel safe driving on my own. I also had to count on them at that time to take care of the usual things such as getting groceries, gas, etc., and any jobs around the house.

When the RT sessions ended, I was still pretty wonked out from the fatigue for about a month to six weeks or so, then gradually recovered completely.

Most generally do get over it in time.

Exercise helps more than you'd think it would. But nonetheless put me down for about six weeks before I could sit down in my comfy chair and not immediately fall asleep.

I walked about a mile to breakfast every morning before going to the treatment. I think it helped a lot. I drove the 72 miles there all 40 times. Didn't notice any fatigue. Had not bowel or bladder problems either. Lucky I guess.

Ihave been done with treatments since 21 of August. Feel normal


Carl