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Starting my IMRT What to Expect

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Posted 5/16/2018 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Since I was diagnosed I've been on here quite a bit for support , as I had sever urinary side effects after Brachy due to my enlarged prostate. This coming Tuesday the 23 I start my IMRT of 25 treatment here .
I was wondering if some of you can share some insight to any side effects and how you death with them my biggest concern I guess has been issues with frequent urination , Im still very active at work which requires extensive global travel and im hoping to be able to continue to do what I do so all suggestions and comment's are appreciated

John



Age 64 Diagnosed Aug 2017
Gleason 4+3 =7 biopsy 11-17 , PSA13 , Brachy 1-31-18 88seeds PSA10, PSA 4-10 3.21

Post Edited (JohnMorales) : 5/16/2018 2:03:17 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/16/2018 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
It's boring. Drink water. Lay on table. Watch machine. Get off table. Repeat.

day after day after day.

Side effect are different for everybody. I had increased urgency - just learned how long it took a cup of water took to become an urgent need to pee. When you enter a new place find out there the toilet is first. Some guys get bowel issues (don't trust a fart) and fatigue is another issue. Exercise (walking is really good) is best to avoid that.

And get to know the staff and a complain about everything. They can do things to help with most problems you face. Likely you'll meet with the RO once a week for a checkin and there is always a nurse around to talk to. If you're having problems the technician can get the RO there to help you out.

You'll be fine. It's an endurance test.

Andrew
Posted 5/17/2018 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
I concur with Andrew's endurance test comment. Most guys get through this with only minor issues, but I know you've had urinary issues so your SEs might be more on the end of the curve. I think it's likely you'll feel well enough for international travel, particularly since you're used to it. But if you do have any urinary issues you might need to get creative in how you deal with that. I think time will tell on this.

Do keep us posted.
Posted 5/17/2018 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
What Andrew said.
Posted 5/17/2018 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys for your advice , with the urinary issues I am learning how to deal with urgency and knowing where the toilet is is important , my Dr Suggested to wear pads to avoid potential accidents while im not inclined to do that I may try it just to see as having an accident in my line of work is not something that will work well. I will keep everyoine posted and thanks dfror the few who have responded.

John
Posted 5/17/2018 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
If you're not on it already, start taking Flomax (or Rapaflo) now. Also take naproxen or ibuprofen everyday to prevent inflammation before it takes hold. And low dose daily Cialis, of course. Avoid all supplements for the duration. Exercise vigorously throughout - do NOT take it easy.
Posted 5/17/2018 2:41 AM (GMT 0)

Tall Allen said...
If you're not on it already, start taking Flomax (or Rapaflo) now. Also take naproxen or ibuprofen everyday to prevent inflammation before it takes hold. And low dose daily Cialis, of course. Avoid all supplements for the duration. Exercise vigorously throughout - do NOT take it easy.

Thanks TA, I start the IM/IGRT in July and will ask my RO about these items!
Posted 5/17/2018 9:42 AM (GMT 0)
I suggest you eliminate carbonated drinks, cafinated drinks and acidic drinks. With the acidic I would stay away from eating citrus fruit as well since they are mainly liquid. These are all tough on the urinary system. That left me with water and green tea.

And stay hydrated. With urgency and frequency people will tend to under drink. It is actually better to drink plenty so when you go you will have a more full bladder which will help fully voiding. Also will keep your muscles in shape for the 12-16 ounce water you will need before every radiation fraction.

I was also on Jalyn. It combines Avodart and Flowmax.
Posted 5/17/2018 11:48 AM (GMT 0)
Nothing to add to the great comments above. I finished IMRT in Jan 2018. No major s/e's during treatment. No bowel issues but had some urgency. Flowmax will help that. Still dealing with hot flashes from the Trelstar ADT injection. Exercise is important even though you will not feel like doing it. Force yourself to do it, even short walks will help. You may feel like your mind is in a fog near the end of treatments so think things thru more than once before acting on important decisions. Good luck.
Posted 5/17/2018 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, no alcoholic beverages during treatment, it could irritate your bladder.
Posted 5/17/2018 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
I finished 39 IMRT sessions ten days ago.

You've gotten good advice. Everyone is different in how much water, and how long before treatment to end up with the properly filled bladder on the x-ray, it's trial and error. For some guys it's 16 ounces a half hour before treatment, for me it was 30 ounces an hour and a half before treatment.

Likewise everyone's side effects are different - I had / have bowel issues, and significant skin irritation along the radiation path. I had only minor increase in urinary urgency that was not a big deal.

Fatigue is something that affects many with IMRT, and as others have said exercise / walking really helps.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.

Cheers!

Rob
Posted 5/17/2018 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
John, Avoid popcorn, peanuts and anything with seeds and skins. Tomatoes, Grapes, etc. and keep a tin of Imodium in your pocket just in case.
Good luck, you will do fine, like Andrew said it just an "endurance contest"

Best to all

Carl
Posted 5/17/2018 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
hello JM....had 45 rounds ...81 gys....cake walk for me and actually enjoyable in my lousy situation at the time being house bound with a very sick wife......was so good to get away, and actually started a new chapter in my life pretty much.....got yelled at a couple times for moving ....DONT move a muscle while on the slab....get the hot blanket ...feels so nice !.....Good luck ...you`ll be fine ....David
Posted 5/18/2018 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Keep a pee bottle in your car, you will need it. I could never make it home from treatment without peeing, it was only a 20 min drive.
Take Metamucil, it wii soften hard stools and soften hard stools.
Posted 5/19/2018 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
IMRT is a marathon not a sprint. After a while the new wears off and it gets pretty boring. That's not a bad thing, actually, but there are things that help.

If I were you I'd put a 24 pack of 20oz Gatorade in the trunk of your car (plus one bottle to make 25). As you drive yourself to each session take out a bottle and sip it as you drive. That way you'll arrive with a nice full bladder. When you start to weary of the process make sure to look at that 24 pack -- notice how many bottles are gone, how few remain -- it helps you keep track of your progress.
Posted 5/22/2018 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Guys for all your support and suggestions, tomorrow is my 1st of 25 treatments , my Brachy I assume is still working as I have been pulled out on my last two flights I came home today and the counter was 4.o for iodine 125 ..

Anyway will keep ya all posted thanks again.,

John
Posted 5/22/2018 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
JM you can go over to the ADT and SRT Board and read about lots of guys experiences having gotten IMRT or who are currently getting IMRT. From my own experience make sure you do as much exercising as you are physically able to helps tremendously!! Get your water intake down and next thing you know it will be over. Wishing you the best!

Larry
Posted 5/24/2018 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
one more trick I used. I took a male urinal with me so that i could measure my full bladder after the test. It helped me calibrate the fullness sensation prior to the radiation with volume of urine. Occasionally i had to let a little out because I was too full, prior to the test. After a week or so, I was very steady at about 600- 650 ml. The techs were amazed how consistent I was - until i told them my secret the last day of radiation. I carried it in a gum bag along with a few magazines -so it was discreet.
Posted 5/25/2018 10:02 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Guys my urine output is weak at most 100ml per movement I was measuring for a while ,so I go often during the day , guess as long as im going im ok , I had blockage when I 1sy had my Brachy don't want that again . so far I Drink one bottle of water when I get off the exit to the Hospital and a few cups when I get in there, and have been full every time . my main concern is my urinary functions right now I can deal with what I have but don't want it to get worse.

Anyone eels have a weak stream with low output ?? im sure im not alone but would like some other opinions


3 down 22 to go .

John

Post Edited (JohnMorales) : 5/25/2018 4:10:21 AM (GMT-6)

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