VMAT Radiation Treatment side effects

[Doseydoe]

Last week I completed 20 VMAT sessions with little to no side effects or discomfort. However this week, fatigue is setting in as well as frequent loose bowel movements. I still have my Prostate and it is pretty sore as well. I was warned frequency was likely to occur, so I'm not surprised. I know everyone is different, but I was wondering if anyone else has experience with this issue and if so, could you please advise how long I can expect these side effects to last? Cheers, 😎DD.

[Tall_Allen]

For me, it lasted about 2 weeks.

[Doseydoe in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks TA

[Magnus1964]

I used Imodium when needed, This should pass.

[Doseydoe in reply to Magnus1964]

Good idea Magnus, I have some in the cupboard, I'll give them a go, thanks cheers.

[doc1947g]

I guess I was lucky but I did not have Bowell problem, but the fatigue I had. Not sure if it was due to VMAT or Lupron Depot and/or my Lymphoma.

[tom67inMA]

I had radiation to the bladder this past summer, and it took a week or two after the last treatments for the side effects to peak. There seems to be gradual improvement since then, but every time I get my Atezolizumab infusion it causes all the radiation side effects to "wake up" for lack of a better description. It's so hard to figure out which drug or treatment is causing which side effects when there's so many to choose from.

For humor, they added in a flu shot with this treatment. Oh wait, it gets better. There have been two hospitalizations in my circle of friends and family members in the last two weeks, and there's still 25% of the year 2020 to go!

[Hidden]

I was offered 20 sessions of VMAT so I'm watching your results carefully. Thanks for the post DD and good health going forward!

[Doseydoe]

Hi BF, I went ahead with VMAT in an attempt to primarily kill the tumor in my bladder, with the view to getting this uteral stent out. The VMAT also targeted the prostate and pelvis. My PSA was 0.03 when I started VMAT and according to the RO, the measure of its success will be a reduction in PSA. However, I will measure it's success by what the Urologist finds when he performs my next Cystoscopy to change my stent. Here's the thing, my PCa has extended into my bladder but my PSA is low following chemo and ADT. And the rub is I've had CT and PSMA PET scans which are unable to show what's going on inside the bladder. From my experience, actually getting in there and having a look is the only way to see what's actually happening. I'll keep you posted as I learn more, cheers 😎DD.

[doc1947g in reply to Doseydoe]

Wish you GOOD luck.

Have a good day.

[Doseydoe in reply to doc1947g]

Thanks Doc, we all need a bit of luck, cheers, 🍀😎DD.

[doc1947g]

Do you now how many Gy they give you in your VMAT?

I got 60 Gy in 20 Fx. That was 3 Gy/day.

Half way through my VMAT, I started to have urinary problems like incontinence (3 days), burning on miction (still ON), increase of frequency (still ON but getting better).

I now remember that I had increase of bowel movements but "little pellets" like rabbit's shit.

Now I was on ADT too so I do not know if the ADT is not responsible a little bit of all those problems.

I am 73, PSA was 13.7 pre-biopsies, G(4+3=7) Grade 3, VERY aggressive PCa, Unfavourable Intermediate Risk. 20 days of VMAT and 6 months of Lupron Depot. Last lab tests: PSA = 0.18 μg/L and Testosterone =2 nmol/l or <5.768 ng/dl.

Next Monday: R/V in person with my RO for the new results.

[Doseydoe in reply to doc1947g]

Hey Doc, I had 20 (5x4 - weekends off) x 60 Gy sessions. Five days after the last session, I started to have lower intestinal cramps and then loose bowel movements. Magnus suggested Imodium which is really helping. My PCa is GS9 and I still have my Prostate. It does sting when I wee but not all the time and is happening less and less, so that's a good sign. I'm on Eligard but stopped taking Casodex four weeks ago as I couldn't stand it anymore. The nurses emailed my Oncologist to let him know, but he still hasn't replied with any feedback. I'm seeing him in two weeks time so I guess I'll find out his thoughts then when we have our next doseydoe, all the best Doc, cheers 😎DD.

[doc1947g]

Burning on miction came back and for the duration of the miction. Miction starts weakly and burn the whole time. Miction stops and by pressing on my bladder, it will give a small jet and I press again and small jet and I think the bladder is empty.

Something new is I wake up twice per night.

I am seeing my RO tomorrow, so I made my list of questions.

[doc1947g]

Just came back from RO, My emphysema has gotten worse with the VMAT & AST.

Good news: PSA = 0.03 μg/L and Testosterone =2 nmol/l or <5.768 ng/dl.

He is very happy of my PCa reaction to the Rxs.

Next R/V in March 2021 in alternance with the Urologist.

GP tomorrow teleR/V.

[Doseydoe in reply to doc1947g]

Great news Doc, hope your peeing has gotten better. All the best with your GP, 👍DD.

[doc1947g in reply to Doseydoe]

To bad for, it is not getting any better.

[Doseydoe]

Hey Doc, Ural may help with the stinging and Tamsulosin may relax the muscles and help with your flow. That was the advice I was given at the cancer centre from my RO, 👍 DD.