Radiotherapy/Prostrate removal

My treatment was 32 sessions of RT (end 2016) with 3 years Zoladex from end 2015. I also had abiraterone,enzalutimide,prednisolone for 2 yrs on trial.

I did get plenty of side effects from HT hot flushes, muscle loss, weight gain (despite trying to exercise), depression, fatigue, trouble sleeping etc but they were expected and I was 'content' to put up with them. They disappeared a fair amount of time after HT finished. Given same choice et c I'd do same again probably as it seems to have done its job.

Side effects from RT werent too bad, I already had the HT effects, but bladder urgency was certainly affected as was my bowels leading to a few occasions of soiling myself when out despite emptying bowel beforehand etc. If out for day Immodium worked well. Bowels were a little unsettled in general with 'wet farts' being common. These were expected effects and things returned to normal.

I did not have a choice of treatment it was RT/HT that was it.

I was 59 at diagnosis.

Peter

Thank you 

Hi,

I was diagnosed t3b (very early) Gleason 3+4 Feb 2024. I had 15 sessions EBRT then one HDR Brachy at the end of the year after starting 2 year course of HT (Zoladex) in the July.

RT went ok, slight increase in urgency and wet farts. Urgency carried on a couple of months after RT finish. Bowels are pretty much back to normal, though looser than before. I didn't have any accidents during treatment or feel like I was going to, and was able to work right through (Majority of my sessions were in the evening) Should add I also had a spacer fitted to help minimise damage to bowels. It's a gel that's injected between your prostate and bowel in a procedure that's similar to the biopsy. 

With the HT side effects have been hot flushes, achy joints, fatigue, weight gain, muscle loss, loss of libido. All expected. I think I've got off fairly lightly on all these. Will be glad when its finished though!

I had the choice between RALP and RT/HT. What swung it for me was the surgeon who told me it wouldn't be nerve sparing and I would likely need salvage RT. I didn't like the potential incontinence either.

All the best with your choice. I felt a lot better once my decision was made, and have no regrets.

Edited by member 12 Jun 2025 at 09:15  | Reason: spelling, grammar, generally bad sentences!