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Not doing well--(probable) SRT complications? Advice please.

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Posted 3/26/2011 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
I'd rather make this a separate thread.

I've had 4 SRT sessions. But starting the morning after the 3rd, I am having sudden problems. Mostly burning in bladder that varies from barely noticeable to quite noticeable. It got a lot worse starting about 2 hours after the 4th treatment. The technicians doubted that I had received enough radiation after the 3 treatments to cause any problems.

At the same time, I noticed a metallic taste in my mouth. It's a bit better today but still there. It does not impact my ability to taste food, but it is a new symptom.

No real bowel problems, but when I squeeze my butt cheeks (think kegels) it feels quite warm (not quite hot but not normal). Even my skin in the groin area is slightly sensitive to the touch. It does not look abnormal.

This may be a UTI, but I just don't think so. I will be seeing the radiation oncologist tomorrow or Tuesday. If not tomorrow, there is a nurse on duty to discuss problems.

I'm worried about what is happening.

Mel

Posted 3/26/2011 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
I think the metallic taste is a common side effect. The skin sensitivity also sounds like common skin irritation side effect. But I'm just a layman, check with the oncologist. I'm not sure how a UTI would come about.
Posted 3/26/2011 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
MEL:
I am so sorry you appear to have problems early in your SRT. I googled - metallic taste prostate cancer - and found this link - it appears that a common side effect of RT is a metallic taste in the mouth - this article has some suggestions as to how to cope with it.

www.everydayhealth.com/prostate-cancer/altered-taste.aspx

hugs,
BRONSON
Posted 3/26/2011 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
Do they use a contrast dye during the procedure?
When I had my CT scan they used a contrast dye that caused a metallic taste (copper?) within a couple of minutes. I was really surprised.
Jeff

I see Bronson beat me to it!
Posted 3/26/2011 5:58 PM (GMT 0)

Best of luck...Man you really need to catch a break! Hoping it is nothing.

Hero

Posted 3/26/2011 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
You may be on edge, the body really can play tricks with your mind, under stress. For years I"ve gotten an occasional deep hot spot that comes and goes right by the love handle area of back. No pain, No pattern, very random and not often ,but it does happen. The bladder pain is another issue and you are looking into that!
Posted 3/26/2011 7:03 PM (GMT 0)

Mel:

During my RT I developed that same metallic taste a short while in.  It too will pass. Make sure that you get your concerns resolved on Monday.  Hang in there.

Jack

Posted 3/26/2011 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

The metalic taste is a very common side effect of radiation. When I had the SRT, it was mild, but enough for me to not eat as much and thus lost weight during the 39 treatments. When I had the throat/neck radiation in 2000, metalic taste and defective taste buds made me lose a ton of weight.

The other pain needs to be strongly told to your R.O. for sure.
Posted 3/26/2011 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

The metalic taste is a very common side effect of radiation. When I had the SRT, it was mild, but enough for me to not eat as much and thus lost weight during the 39 treatments. When I had the throat/neck radiation in 2000, metalic taste and defective taste buds made me lose a ton of weight.

The other pain needs to be strongly told to your R.O. for sure.
Posted 3/26/2011 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for your very good advice.

Bronson -- thanks for that link. Very informative.

All the symptoms have improved a lot as the day went on today.

As I may have mentioned, they really peaked last night about 2-3 hours after my 4th tx.

The metallic taste is much better today. Oddly, at its worst yesterday, it did not impact my taste in food, but I can see that happening. Funny but the handouts I got only mention metallic taste for radiation to that area.

The skin sensitivity is gone.

But the bladder still remains quite Irritable, although no burning.

David -- I will mention that for sure and insist on seeing someone about this.

I don't want to follow in your footsteps with SRT!

I was not expecting any of this so soon.

Mel

Posted 3/26/2011 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Mel, you are doing your SRT with a full bladder, where I mistakenly was being zapped bone dry with a catheter in place. The metalic taste for me, was only minor with the SRT, but major with my previous RT. See what you doctor advises.

David
Posted 3/26/2011 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
David:

Yeah, unless it got a lot worse, the metalic taste is not a big thing. But that still indicates to me that all of these issues are related to the SRT

Mel

Posted 3/27/2011 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
And I fully agree.
Posted 3/27/2011 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmmm.... I was quite ill with these symptoms Friday night. It got a lot better yesterday and even better today.

All the symptoms are gone except for maybe a vague metallic taste (not even sure about that). I'd say 95% gone anyway.

I STILL think all the symptoms are due to the SRT. I guess I'll know for sure after another two treatments! I still intend to ask the medicos tomorrow.

Mel

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