Bump in the road Update 10/31/2023

Well guys, everything was going well until about a month ago. Back then, I noticed some blood in my stools. Not much, but enough to get my attention. It lasted about 5 days then went away. But, came back after about a week of not noticeable blood. That bout came just as I was leaving for vacation and lasted about 5 days and went away just before I came home. I was home for about 4 days and I noticed the blood again. I called my RO and he met with me the next day. I explained what was happening and he suggested that I get a colonoscopy. My RO explained that the bleeding could be a side effect to the radiation treatment or a possible sign of colon cancer. He asked when my last colonoscopy was, but it was about 7-8 years ago. I told him who the doctor was that did the colonoscopy and he knew the doctor. He called the doctor right away and I had an appointment this past Thursday. The doctor did a physical examination and a visual examination in my rectum. He noticed some redness, but nothing to make a diagnosis. He suggested that I have a colonoscopy and I agreed. He set me up for this coming Tuesday. I'm praying that it isn't colon cancer. I'll keep you informed.

Update 10/31/2023

Well, I had my colonoscopy today. The surgeon found 2 small polyps, which he removed and cauterized the areas. He is sending the two samples into a lab for evaluation, but doesn't seem to be concerned. Also, he did find some "radiation burn," which he biopsied. He and I will review the results in two weeks, but he didn't seem to be concerned. Lastly, he prescribed suppositories to see if the medication will calm the burned area and stop the bleeding.
To everyone that responded to the original post, "THANK YOU!" I look forward to hearing from you again.

Ron (Boomer)

onthefence,

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Ron (Boomer)

Thank you Teddydog

Ron (Boomer)

Boomer, I hope and pray it's not colon cancer, and nothing more than some radiation damage at worst. or maybe just an ulcer?

Sending supportive and encouraging thoughts!

CYCLONE - # Iowa State University

Boomer -- I, too, have had a couple of bouts of blood in the stool, some years after CyberKnife radiation therapy. In my case, they were "slasher-movie" gross episodes. I thought I was going to have to have some major surgery or something worse.

In both cases I saw my gastroenterologist asap. He assured me that this was more common after prostate radiation than people think it is. He recommended colonoscopy as soon as he could get me an appointment. Not an emergency, he said. Annoying but really not that urgent. Just gross. Especially when you don't know "if this will be a fart or a splat." The very first time it happened to me, I was getting dressed in the morning and felt something warm running down my leg. Good thing the room has hardwood floors; had there been carpeting in place it would have been ruined.

Fast forward. Both times I had colonoscopies for this issue, doc found some damage to my rectal tissue, most likely the result of radiation damage. When I had my RT, the spaceoar was just coming to market, so I did not have a spacer implanted. Doc was able to treat me both times with an argon laser to the affected spots. Bleeding stopped within 24 hours.

I had two bouts of bleeding -- at about year 3 and year 5 out from RT. I am now almost 7 years out with no further issues (hope I didn't just poke the bear by mentioning it, though).

Think of this like the "check engine" light on your car. It is more likely caused by a loose gas cap than by a cracked piston. Stay positive until something gives you a definite reason to not be positive.

Our minds tend to think the worst. Your friends here tend to think the best. Here's hoping "everything comes out" all right.