A New Journey

Hi Everyone! My Husband was recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer this past November. He has a terrific Urologist who has been very helpful and informative. My Husband choose to have Radiation Treatments. Today, he had markers positioned on his prostate to guide the radiation beam. It sounds very exact to the prostate, not affecting any other organs. The only symptoms he is expected to have is fatigue and perhaps diarrhea. Treatments start next week.
We both have been doing crazy research on line since the diagnosis and quite frankly, for me, I am maxed out.
However, I am still committed to supporting my husband the best I can.
Since the start of the New Year, we promised ourselves to take better care of ourselves by eating better and exercising more, well, and just living life better. (Getting news like this really gives you a wake up call! Who would have thought, right????)
Just for some background information ... he's 62, his PSA doubled from last year to this ( 2.4 to 4.5). Gleason Score was 6 (3+3 bilateral) and contained to his prostate, difficulty with urination and pathetic sex drive.
I'm not sure what I'm looking for here. I guess some support and knowing there are others out there are as scared, anxious, frustrated and pissed off as I am.
Again, I just want to do whats best for him!
Well, I guess that's it for now.
Thanks and be well!

Welcome to HW.

It's kick in the head, isn't it?

Glad you made a treatment choice. RT is a good way to good. Fatigue is what hit me the most as well as some bowel issues. The RT should knock the PC out of there.

Keep us updated on your progress,
Andrew

Welcome Melch, and good luck. With a G6, chances of this all being history in a year or less are very high.

Hi Melch,

I assume he's having 40-44 treatments of IMRT? (I assume he's not getting SBRT or HDR brachy, which can also entail planting of fiducials and are highly conformal.)

I think patients should be told about even the low probability side effects that may occur. Some doctors don't mention them, but I think it ought to be a print-out handed to each patient, the same way one gets a list of possible side effects for every drug one takes. To my mind, if one crops up, you are not surprised, and you know how to deal with it.

Here's a list for IMRT if you want to see it:
Adverse events of primary, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

With radiation, urinary difficulties are apt to get worse before they get better. It will probably improve to better than what he's experiencing now, but that can take a year or two. I think it's a good idea to take an alpha blocker (like Flomax) daily from the start of radiation and continue it throughout. He might also take a daily NSAID like Aleve or ibuprofen to help prevent inflammation. Discuss this with his doctor.

Unfortunately, men with poor erectile function (I'm not talking about libido, which is a different thing) get worse after radiation. There's conflicting evidence about whether daily doses of ED meds begun at the start of therapy and continued for 9 months afterwards, may prevent some erectile dysfunction. Because he has lower urinary tract symptoms, his urologist can prescribe daily Cialis for that, and insurance should cover it when prescribed for that purpose.

The best thing he can do to prevent fatigue and other side effects of radiation, and to help the radiation work better, is to vigorously exercise every day. This is not the time to "take it easy."

PSA doubling time is not used to assess risk of untreated prostate cancer. There are just too many factors that affect PSA for that to be a useful indicator. If he is taking Proscar or Avodart, it may be a better indicator.

Melch-may I ask where he is having his radiation done? I too am a wife of a newly diagnosed hubby. You are ahead of our ballgame. We are still looking at options. I know I will feel exactly as you are feeling. I wish you strength and courage.
My hubby and I are in central NY - some call it upstate NY
Good luck with the New Year and all your goals.:)

InquisitiveOne said...
Melch-may I ask where he is having his radiation done? I too am a wife of a newly diagnosed hubby. You are ahead of our ballgame. We are still looking at options. I know I will feel exactly as you are feeling. I wish you strength and courage.
My hubby and I are in central NY - some call it upstate NY
Good luck with the New Year and all your goals.:)

Hi There!
My husband is having treatment from Radiation Oncology Department associated with his Urologist here is NE Pa.
As a matter of fact, he had the fiduciary placed yesterday and will be scheduling first treatment next week. Scary and anxious ... YES!!! But at the same time looking forward to getting it started and getting it over with!
I wish you the best! I'm finding much needed support and encouragement from this forum.
Take care of yourself and Be well!

As for exercise a brisk 30 minute walk each day will do wonders....both physically and for the mind. It doesn't have to be hours in the gym. Also, be sure to have a full bladder and empty bowel before getting on the table. I benefited by eliminating caffeine, acidic, and carbonated beverages and reduced meats and fats in my diet. I had no urinary problems and the only bowel side effects were increased frequency, never had diarrhea. However, I carried Immodium D at all times just in case. I did not have any skin burning nor fatigue.

SheepGuy, my son lives in Ithaca and we visit each year. Let's get together next time.

Hello Everyone
My husband is having his first radiation treatment tomorrow. He's mapped, fiduciary in place,his spirits are good and he is ready to go. We are both very anxious to get started and very anxious to put this behind us.
thank you all!