Incontinance with radiation therapy

seeker44

New Member

Joined : Feb 2008

Posts : 8

Posted 10/3/2008 5:42 PM (GMT 0)

I will be grateful if you do not mind sharing what effects radiation theraphy may have had, or not had, on your continence.

I will begin salvage (adjuvant) radiation therapy in November. I had a RP in February with gland-confined cancer; however, the path report showed Gleason 8, contrary to the initial biopsy report of Gleason 6. Due to the lower biopsy findings, my surgeon did not remove the lymph area. Although I have had less than .1 psa's since the surgery, the doctor advised salvage radiation due to the Gleason 8 and the fact that my lymph glands were not removed. I agreed to begin the radiation. The only drawback, as I understand, is anything from minor to major incontinence since the sphincter muscle closing the bladder normally is damaged by the radiation.

Any experience with this that you care to share?

don826

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2008

Posts : 1010

Posted 10/3/2008 8:01 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Seeker44,

I am three weeks post radiation treatment. I had no incontinence either during or since the radiation. In the fifth week I did develop some diarrhea but this was controlled with immodium. I was getting a full pelvic for the first 25 treatments and as soon as this stopped the diarrhea resolved and has not returned. I did have some fatigue in the fifth through the seventh week. I work out regularly and had to stop for the fifth week only but I was not at 100% for the remaing time. I am getting back to my pre treatment strength and endurance now. I did have some problems with urinary frequency particularly at night and a little bit of burning sensation that started in the fifth week. Flomax resolved this problem. I have been told to discontinue the use of the Flomax when the current bottle runs out. about three more days.

Good luck with your treatment.

Don

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