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external beam radiotherapy

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User
Posted 01 Jan 2025 at 10:37

I have posted a few subjects on here in the last few months, and have been really appreciative of the time taken for people to respond.  It's been really helpful.

Now I have a new topic.  I have been waiting for radiotherapy for longer than I should have really, due to needing surgery for an inguinal hernia.  I am very happy to start the new year with dates for all of these treatments.  I have had hernia surgery before so know what to expect.  I am thrilled to now know that the radiotherapy will be starting before too long, but rather apprehensive as well. 

  I have had the whole thing explained, so I know what is going to happen, but have no idea how it will make me feel.  I have a sister who had breast cancer 12 years ago, and she said that trailing up to the hospital by bus  for 4 weeks was the thing that made her tired the most, rather than the actual treatment.  That is not an issue for me as I have transport arranged. 

I have read about the urinary and bowel side effects which I'm prepared for, but I have read a good deal about the fatigue, which I suffer a little from already due to the prostap injections.  

I'd love to hear experiences from those on her who have undergone this, both positive and negative.  What was the worst thing, what helped, what didn't.  

 

User
Posted 01 Jan 2025 at 19:18
I had 37 sessions of RT which finished summer 2018. The policy for me at Clatterbridge, Wirral was get to hospital, take mini enema once arrived, empty bladder then the radiographer would let me know when about 15-20 mins to go then I'd drink 3 cups of water. A lot of men struggle with full bladder etc but wasnt an issue for me at Clatterbridge. The planning session was obviously the same. I'm lucky enough to live no more than 10 min drive from Clatterbridge so getting there & back no problem.

I was on Zoladex (plus abiraterone, enzalutimide,prednisolone on trial)& was pretty fatigued anyway, I would say the RT added to it but must admit it was easy for me in that it was easy just to stay on couch but, I did do stuff if needed, work was really 'relaxed' about things.

I was advised to eat as normal as possible to keep things the same 'inside' but it was suggested to cut out things that cause a lot of wind. I dont drink alcohol so that wasnt an issue, some are advised to cut down.

The radiographers are really good and are there to help things go as comfortable as possible.

I did have some urinary urgency but not bad. The worst after effect was the bowel problem. Had bits of diarrhoea during RT & after, no real worry though but later on bowel urgency was a problem, soiled myself a few times whilst out walking, despite making efforts to empty bowels beforehand. If I was to be out for a while etc Immodium worked. Bowel problem did clear up.

All in all RT not a big deal. Although I've had my share of RT to prostate, I wouldnt be worried at all if I knew then what I know now sort of thing.

Peter

User
Posted 01 Jan 2025 at 21:05
I had radiotherapy as salvage rather than first line treatment, but from what I understand it is similar. Mine was 20 sessions (they call them fractions), weekdays for 4 weeks.

It wasn't bad really. Obviously you have the daily appointment to get to which will be a challenge to some, but I felt fit enough to cycle for the first 3 weeks though I chose to use the car for the last week. The biggest issue was being ready at the right time, they needed me with an empty rectum but a half full bladder. I was lucky that the mild laxative they gave me (plus following dietary advice) kept my rectum OK but others needed a last minute enema; more difficult was the bladder. The approach was to drink a large bottle of water on arrival at the hospital, but the exact timing of the session couldn't be known (depended on delays or not with previous patients) and sometimes I was sent away to drink more or to try half-emptying my bladder (an interesting challenge).

As Peter above found, the radiographers I had to deal with were brilliant and completely sympathetic about the difficulties in being just right.

While you don't actually feel the radiation, there was a definite shortage in stamina by the fourth week. I gave up cycling, and found myself wanting lots of sleep. In fact I still end up tired earlier in the evenings than I used to, but I have returned to a similar level of physical activity. Bowels were initially more sensitive than before as Peter says, but that got back to near normal reasonably quickly.

User
Posted 03 Jan 2025 at 14:29

Thanks for responses.  I am maybe thinking it won't be quite as bad I have feared.  I think the worst thing now is the waiting, and becoming slightly panicky about catching one of these dreaded viruses which may prevent the surgery and thus delay things.  I am being put into isolation by my wife and grand daughter for 12 days before the surgery!!

Incidentally, why would I need an MRI for planning as well as a CT.  I have been telephoned with a date for the CT, time to be confirmed, and then to see the Dr.  Now I have had a letter from the hospital I have been under previously (changed now to specialist cancer hospital), to attend for MRI prostate planning, a week after the CT I was told about.  

Just curious.  And rather confused.  I have been trying to contact them, but very difficult just now. 

 
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