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Radiotherapy Sessions

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User
Posted 29 Aug 2024 at 17:57

Hi,

I am about to start 37 sessions of radiotherapy, on 9th September. I was wondering if anyone who has been through radiotherapy for a similar amount of time could give me any insight into what to expect. I know we are all different but comments I have read or overheard range from no effects or problems at all to quite nasty reactions and/or side effects. 

Just want to be prepared!!!

 

Thanks

User
Posted 29 Aug 2024 at 22:36

Stuart,good summary by Peter. Just to add make sure you know where the nearest toilet to the treatment room is and know where a back up toilet is in case the first one is occupied. I had a cover on my car seat and a urine bottle in my car and a towel, never had to use them. 

The staff said I could use a urine bottle in the treatment room in an emergency, never needed to. 

Keep hydrated on treatment days. I got to hospital checked they were on time. I then emptied the bladder and drank the required amount of water as directed. My thinking was if you are not hydrated the water can replace water in the body,if you are hydrated it will get to the bladder quicker. You could practice drinking water and see how quickly you need to urinate. 

Hope all goes well.

Thanks Chris 

User
Posted 30 Aug 2024 at 08:25

I kept a daily diary Stuart that might help you - bit boring as it's all very straightforward.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t30625-Salvage-RT-starts-here

Edited by member 30 Aug 2024 at 08:26  | Reason: link

User
Posted 30 Aug 2024 at 09:13

Hi Steve,

Thank you for the link to your diary. I have read it from start to finish, fascinating and very useful. I always feel better about these procedures if I hear about them from someone who has actually been through it.

Well done you, good luck for the future and thank you for going to the trouble of writing and posting your diary. Fingers crossed my journey will be similar.

Stuart

 

User
Posted 31 Aug 2024 at 07:56
Stuart

I completed 20 fractions of radiotherapy five weeks ago. Peterco has had a similar experience to me except I didn’t have a mini enema prior to each session - you’ll be guided by the radiotherapy team as to what they need you to do.

The hospital I went to also needed the bladder to have a certain volume in it. Towards the end of my sessions this became uncomfortable and I came to an arrangement that if the volume was at the top end of what was required they let me release some - and even releasing a small amount made the process more comfortable.

Through choice I changed my diet and avoided foods that gave me wind. Even now I can’t trust passing wind and am passing mucus which is very common due to the irritation caused by the radiotherapy. I did have bowel problems caused by the treatment with the staff advising me to take Immodium which was a great help. I also avoided alcohol and caffeine which can irritate the bladder. Again, staff will advise.

As Coolwickchris says, keep hydrated - it helps the body with the treatment. There will be fatigue and if you need a nap, have one!

The process is straightforward but speak with the radiotherapists if you have any concerns.

User
Posted 02 Sep 2024 at 22:08

You’ve been given some very good advice Stuart, I know it sounds a bit scary but it really isn’t, and the staff are wonderful in helping you get through it. You’ll soon get into a routine and as each day passes you will feel quite relaxed about it all. Try not to worry about the prep for each session, the staff are very accommodating and will advise and support you through it.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Derek

User
Posted 03 Sep 2024 at 14:01
Atter a few fractions some men become externally sore where the beam first strkes. Different hospitals seem to recommend various creams to address this. Mine recommended Bepanthen. This is a cheap cream normally used on sore bottoms of babies.suffereing from nappy rash. It certainly helped. I lightly dabbed it on as instructed rather than rubbed it in.

The 'wet farts' and mucus with stools lasted for some months after the RT. RT can be tireing, particularly when the effect is added to HT which most men are on. Try to keep active and fit. .

Barry
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User
Posted 29 Aug 2024 at 18:51
I had 37 sessions of RT to prostate&pelvis (there was slight spread to seminal vesicles). The actual RT all ok and luckily I live a short distance from the treatment centre.

Where I had my treatment (Clatterbridge) their policy,for me anyway, was mini enema on arrival, empty bladder then about 15-20 mins before the session, they advise when, have 3 cups water. That wasnt bad at all really. Not all treatment centres work that way but they will give you good advice.

For me, they said to continue with normal diet tho maybe cut down on some veg etc that produce most wind, their comment was often the change in diet affects things more. Again they'll advise if necessary.

After a few sessions tiredness came into play for me and some bladder urgency.

Bowels were fine for a good while but maybe 12 months after the 37sessions, had bowel urgency for a while and depite trying to be 'empty' before going for a walk etc soiled myself a handful of times, not a great feeling but one accepts its temporary (& was expected).Immodium worked well when out for the day.

Many have discomfort with full bladder etc for the RT session, the radiographers have seen it all before and will always help.

Peter

User
Posted 29 Aug 2024 at 20:33

Thanks very much for that Peter much appreciated.

User
Posted 29 Aug 2024 at 22:36

Stuart,good summary by Peter. Just to add make sure you know where the nearest toilet to the treatment room is and know where a back up toilet is in case the first one is occupied. I had a cover on my car seat and a urine bottle in my car and a towel, never had to use them. 

The staff said I could use a urine bottle in the treatment room in an emergency, never needed to. 

Keep hydrated on treatment days. I got to hospital checked they were on time. I then emptied the bladder and drank the required amount of water as directed. My thinking was if you are not hydrated the water can replace water in the body,if you are hydrated it will get to the bladder quicker. You could practice drinking water and see how quickly you need to urinate. 

Hope all goes well.

Thanks Chris 

User
Posted 30 Aug 2024 at 08:25

I kept a daily diary Stuart that might help you - bit boring as it's all very straightforward.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t30625-Salvage-RT-starts-here

Edited by member 30 Aug 2024 at 08:26  | Reason: link

User
Posted 30 Aug 2024 at 09:13

Hi Steve,

Thank you for the link to your diary. I have read it from start to finish, fascinating and very useful. I always feel better about these procedures if I hear about them from someone who has actually been through it.

Well done you, good luck for the future and thank you for going to the trouble of writing and posting your diary. Fingers crossed my journey will be similar.

Stuart

 

User
Posted 31 Aug 2024 at 07:56
Stuart

I completed 20 fractions of radiotherapy five weeks ago. Peterco has had a similar experience to me except I didn’t have a mini enema prior to each session - you’ll be guided by the radiotherapy team as to what they need you to do.

The hospital I went to also needed the bladder to have a certain volume in it. Towards the end of my sessions this became uncomfortable and I came to an arrangement that if the volume was at the top end of what was required they let me release some - and even releasing a small amount made the process more comfortable.

Through choice I changed my diet and avoided foods that gave me wind. Even now I can’t trust passing wind and am passing mucus which is very common due to the irritation caused by the radiotherapy. I did have bowel problems caused by the treatment with the staff advising me to take Immodium which was a great help. I also avoided alcohol and caffeine which can irritate the bladder. Again, staff will advise.

As Coolwickchris says, keep hydrated - it helps the body with the treatment. There will be fatigue and if you need a nap, have one!

The process is straightforward but speak with the radiotherapists if you have any concerns.

User
Posted 31 Aug 2024 at 08:34
Thank you for the advice and I will the hospital I'm going to have been very good so far with advice.
User
Posted 02 Sep 2024 at 10:31
Thank you so much for the advice and kind words its really appreciated.

Stuart

User
Posted 02 Sep 2024 at 22:08

You’ve been given some very good advice Stuart, I know it sounds a bit scary but it really isn’t, and the staff are wonderful in helping you get through it. You’ll soon get into a routine and as each day passes you will feel quite relaxed about it all. Try not to worry about the prep for each session, the staff are very accommodating and will advise and support you through it.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Derek

User
Posted 03 Sep 2024 at 14:01
Atter a few fractions some men become externally sore where the beam first strkes. Different hospitals seem to recommend various creams to address this. Mine recommended Bepanthen. This is a cheap cream normally used on sore bottoms of babies.suffereing from nappy rash. It certainly helped. I lightly dabbed it on as instructed rather than rubbed it in.

The 'wet farts' and mucus with stools lasted for some months after the RT. RT can be tireing, particularly when the effect is added to HT which most men are on. Try to keep active and fit. .

Barry
 
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