HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Radiation therapy after surgery

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/5/2008 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
I mentioned this in the middle of another thread, but am reposting separately with the hope that it might receive some responses.

My urologist will probably recommend radiation in a few months, despite an undetectable PSA.  The reason is that a very high Gleason score is an indicator of a likely recurrence eventually.

For those who had radiation after surgery, please share your insights.

Specifically:

1. What type of radiation did you undergo, how many sessions and so on?

2. What obvious side effects did you experience - tiredness, bleeding, incontinence, other?

3. If you had regained all or partial erectile function prior to radiation, what impact did the radiation have upon your erectile function and recovery?

Posted 5/5/2008 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
DanmanBob,

I had 37 treatments (IMRT) 66 gys from 4/23/07 to 6/14/07. I had minor side effects. I did get some tenderness in the anal area which was relieved easily with Preperation H. No tiredness whatsoever, I was told at my age I wouldn't have any problems with that. No bleeding at all.

I was pad free for a few weeks before treatments but during the procedure I reverted back to 1 pad a day and still have some stress incontinence problems 11 months after finishing treatments.

I regained partial erectile function prior, maybe 50 - 60% and now I would guess 70%, that is without ever using any aids mechanical or medical. But erections are short lived and require continuous stimulation.

Ken
Posted 5/5/2008 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
My father had 8 weeks of IMRT following his RP. He had Whole Pelvic Radiation Therapy (including the lymph nodes) . He just completed the IMRT and is doing very well! He had a little fatigue, however, he is also on Lupron. He had a week or two of an upset stomach, however, his symptoms were easily controlled with Imodium. He did get a little sore in his abdominal area, however, it was short lived. Overall, his experience was VERY good and the side effects were nothing in comparison to what he had expected.
Not to sure about the ED, however, being on Lupron has killed his libido, therefore, I can't imagine things are great in that department. Good luck and God Bless!
Posted 5/5/2008 9:04 PM (GMT 0)

I had 37 imrt treatments ending oct 07, no real side effects except some anal discomfort but was given suppositories and that took care of it

the ED was not any different after radiation ,with pills I  have some results

As a whole the only thing  difficult about radiation was going to the hospital everyweekday for 8 weeks

Posted 5/5/2008 10:53 PM (GMT 0)

My treatment history is in my signature line....

about half way through the radiation, I got a little tired at night (walking helped this A LOT).....  I had some urinary discomfort, which pyridium cleared up, and some anal problems, which meidcation also helped.

I was completely dry post-surg, but now have a bit of stress incontinence --- usually if I'm lighting alot or jogging--- I just wear a pad when I'm in those situations.

Can't comment on ED --- I had a non-nerve-sparing RP.  My sex life is different now, but actually pretty good with a few adjustments now that my hormone therapy has worn off!

Radiation was pretty manageable--- more of a nusance than a big burden.....

Posted 5/6/2008 2:17 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Danman,

Thanks for asking this question.  I will meet with oncologist Friday with 6 week PSA.  I am betting I will have to make a decision because of my bad margin regardless of PSA. 

Good luck with yours and keep us informed how it goes.

Frank

Posted 5/8/2008 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Appreciate the replies.

Posted 5/10/2008 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hey, Frank.

Some of the guys commented in this thread about their experience with radiation and ED (the nerve thing you asked about today).

DanMan

Posted 5/11/2008 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
I just got done radiation and it certainly was not as bad as I feared.

A little bowel and bladder irritation that seems to be clearing up.

And there was a little tiredness.  I am not sure whether the tiredness was from the radiation or all of the 40 mile trips to Burlington which were certainly a pain in the anus.

Anyway in my humble opinion it was worth it, particularly since this offers the hope of killing all the cancer.

Posted 5/12/2008 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
I had 30 treatments of IMRT the only side effect I had was more frequent visits to the bathroom to urinate. Other than that I will have to side with Mozart that any fatigue I had was from the daily drive.
Posted 5/13/2008 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Found this very article from Dr. Catalona about radiotherapy after prostate surgery......

http://drcatalona.com/quest/quest_article_v8n3.htm
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply