Radiation -- what to expect

There doesn't seem to be a standard reaction. I had salvage radiation of 36 sessions, 5 days per week, beginning in Aug 2016. I didn't feel any significant tiredness until the last few sessions. My biggest problem was keeping my bladder full before treatment. I used a penile clamp & at times it became quite painful especially if there was any delay in starting the day's treatment. On more than one occasion I had to get off the table after the scan, drink more water and wait because my bladder wasn't full enough.

Hi
Agreed with copperguy, the challenge is holding a full bladder to the R. table, frequently had to rush to the Gent after the session. I had 2 occasions, when extract of the gases in the stomach is needed. This extended the session duration and was quite difficult to sustain the full bladder as the waiting period for the dr. doing the procedure took a longer time..
For the fatigue part, only came in during my last few sessions but still bearable.
Over-all, it is just another session of treatment & move on.
Suggest to be careful on ur diet during this period...avoid gassy foods.

RobLee said...

yk said...
I had 2 occasions, when extract of the gases in the stomach is needed.

Could you please explain what this means? I start in a couple weeks.

I had this a couple of times during my SBRT treatments. When the LINAC's tracking system detects motion of your prostate during treatment, it shuts off the beam and notifies the technician. The technician then comes into the treatment room and helps the patient move their legs and abdomen through some gentle movement to try to entice the gas to exit the intestinal system. As my tech put it, "This is the only time someone else is inviting you to fart in their presence." No big deal - just simple movement of the body. They know exactly what they are doing and will get your treatment back underway as soon as they can.

NG tubes are the worst. As I was about to have one in the ER a number of years ago, I heard a nurse through the curtain saying to her buddy, " I really HATE doing this to people...." Not what you want to hear. I read later people rate it worse than having broken arm set.

My DH, like many, had no side effects except fatigue toward the end of the sessions.

I have a very similar history RARP in Sept last year 5-1-17 psa .91 got 4 mo Lupron shot same day. Started SRT May 30 33 sessions just finished yesterday I could of napped if they lasted longer in and out of room in under 15 minutes. I did feel more tired just past half way point 75 mile drive each way I would nap several hours once I got home. I dealt with some diarrhea at times but was related to what I ate bacon was not good for me Imodium cured that. Bowels became irregular and urination more frequent sometimes less output but overall no SE's. Second time on Lupron first month was easy on me this second time is much tougher hot flashes fatigue and tight almost painful calves and sometimes thighs. The SRT should not be a problem, if the staff is good they will seem like great old friends in no time.