SRT continue..new thread

For those that were interested, thought I would continue the Salvage Radiation Treatments I am in the midst of, as the original thread was getting kind of long.

Today was 4 of 30 scheduled.  Got there ahead of time, no one else in waiting room, thought, oh this will be fast.  Wrong, again, for 3rd day all kind of alignment problems, they had to stop in the middle and come out and readjust after the zapping began.  They said I was wiggling below the waist, but I swear I was as still as a corpse.  Finally, they continued,  today was different, the first 3 were zaped in 7 positions of the machine, today, it was 9 positions and zaps.  Was told it would vary as the radiation oncologist studied the previous zaps.

On the SP Catheter, today was the 8 day on it, finally not as sore, think the suture is healing at last.  But have started to get some weird bladder spasms, quite different than all the ones I got on the Foley catheters.  This balloon sits up higher in the bladder, and the spasms feel higher up too.  Hurt pretty bad, but not as long or as deep as the other kind.  Hope they don't increase, no fun.  May have to hit the ditropan sooner rather than later.

After wards, visited my son nearby working, but within an hour of the treatment, started getting that yucky low level nausea again.  Four treatments, four bouts of nasuea, so much for not feeling it.  lol.  It was like this for me before with radiation 10 years ago.

All I know, the last 35 sounds like a long time in the making.  If still nauseated after tommorows 5th, will talk to the dr. Monday when I see her again and let her know.  At home resting, sure don't want to eat anything.

David in SC

Sephie, glad John's tests came out clean, that was leaning in his favor. His radiation oncologist will need proper time to plan his treatment, just like mine did. She wanted to look at every slice of every scan they took, she read all of my surgical notes, and even went back 10 years ago to study the previous cancers I had then, and the radiation I took back then. While I do not like this SRT, I feel like I am in safe and educated hands with this doctor.

I never felt a wiggle, that's subjective and I am laying on my back on a hard table with this silly body cast below my waist. Not much way to move, lol. BTW, never had a spasm lying down, usually standing up, often if I am running water from a faucet. Weird.

I have always been hyper sensitive to meds, OTC and prescription, so I am not surprised on the nausea front, in my previous radiation (head and throat), I was getting burned like a bad sun burn within the first week of treatment, they said that wouldnt happen for 4-5 weeks. Every body is different in how it reacts.

My best to John, and you, and yes, looking forward to a repreive on the weekend. Its my mother's 82nd birthday and I am suppose to be taking her to lunch.

David in SC

Jennifer, last time I was on radiation, which was around 35 treatments, I lost over 25 lbs. It's a tough diet, but it works lol

Hi David.  Sorry about the nausea.  I don't get it often - last time my doc gave me some fancy pill that cost about $20 a pop.  I took about 3 at the prescribed intervals and nothing - no help at all.  My wife the nurse called the doc's office and said these aren't working - he needs the old fashioned treatment.  Sure enough just a couple of hours after using the suppository my nausea was much better.  Sometimes newer isn't always better.  Just a thought.

Trust you will have a good weekend - get some rest.  Just discovered another thing we have in common - my Dad will be 82 in just a few weeks.  My Mother is having knee replacement in a couple of weeks so we are going to see them and then my wife the nurse will stay for about 3 weeks to take care of them during my Mother's recovery.  I not only have a great wife she is an excellent daughter-in-law as well!  David

David,

I haven't been keeping up with the boards so I want to tell you God Bless. You are a very brave man and I , as everyone else here, wish you all best through the next 5-1/2 weeks and beyond. Do talk to your doc about the nausea...there are things that may help and worth trying.

Joey

 

Hi David,
I believe all it takes is a few millimeters of movement to detect. I still think it's good news that they can detect the small movements and fix the alignment before and during treatment.

Divide it up into thirds.
Before you know it, you'll be at treatment 12, where you'll be 1/3 done - treat yourself to something. Then next thing you know you'll be at treament 24...2/3's done!

Sorry about the nausea. I sure hope that it gets better moving forward. I would hate for you to have this for the next 35 treatments.

Squirm the good thing about all these delays, the machine wont fire radiation until all the parameters are met, and there is no override of that system I am told. And eating, lol, I am lucky right now to eat 2 small meals a day. When I get nausated, last thing I want to do is eat anything. Had some mild soup for dinner last night late, and that was all I could handle.

EdC - will talk to the doctor about that on Monday. That's why I lost so much weight last time I went through radiation.

David in SC

Hey Sephie,

Sure my safety is paramont with these alignment problems. And even though it is expensive and sophisicated, still just a machine, no better than its operators.

Planning on a good chill weekend.

Hope you and John are well too.

David in SC

David,

Been on the road and just had the opportunity to check in. Man it sure seems like you are way overdue for a little break in the problems with everything arena. Will be sending a few extra prayers your way for a little relief.

about the alignments problems, I would be inclined to ask the oncologist to do a little checking about how long they have had the machine, other alignments issues, tech experience levels and so on. Maybe the dern machine is due for it's 3000 mile oil change, lube job or whatever and it's time to bring in the mechanics to check it out. Sure seems like a little too much. Have her ask if the others going through the treatments at the same time as you are having the same issues. That would be a quick check and validation of what is going on.

Oh yeah, and about the tech who says you shouldn't be having any nausea problems. Don't say anything, just go right ahead and barf all over their shoes. Tell them that it's just a figment of their imagination.

Looking forward to seeing you at the end of the week. Hope you are feeling up to it. Send me an email if you aren't.. You aren't that far from my sister's place in Atlanta. I'll just make it up the next time I go see her.

Take care brother, blessings and prayers are with you always.

Sonny

David,

Ain't planing to short the family on this trip. Seeing you and having a chance to talk in person is a part of the trip. It was planned before I left Orlando and nothing is changed unless you aren't up to it. I'm in middle TN right now, heading to east TN in a few days, then down to Easley to stop by your place, then on to Atlanta to see my sis before heading home.

See you in a few days. I'll call with that 36 hours notice you need.

Hang in there. May your days get a little better every day.

Sonny

Definitely be making an unscheduled visit to my uro/surgeon in the morning. Been in a lot of deep pain deep down inside the SP catheter tube. My wife checks it and checks the gauze every day, been 10 days now since the surgery. The outside portion that can be seen appears clean and clear. But pain been pretty sharp since Saturday evening, and twice this evening, fair amount of fresh blood accumulating in the bag. Hoping its not some kind of infection on the bladder side of the catheter. Want to know what is going on before I submitt to tommorow afternoon's radiation treatment.

David in SC

Sorry to hear that David, perhaps it is an infection....hang in there...