Radiation side effects

[Grouser]

Hi All,

I am a caregiver for Grouser. 20 years ago he had rectal cancer and was treated with surgery , 5fu , and radiation (before and after surgery ) currently recurrent Prostate cancer with no spread. He was treated a year ago with 37 radiation treatments and currently on Eligard . . One year later he is unable to pass (sorry guys ) poop he only passes liquid. The result of prior rectal cancer treatments (?) and more radiation He has no appetite and has lost 15 pounds. Down to 140 . Gi doc and Gi surgeon have said nothing they can do. His Oncologist said nothing can be done . They have not ordered colonoscopy because they "feel" it will not show anything. Off to see another GI doctor and a new Oncologist but getting appointments takes months. We were promised that this new radiation method ( I forget the name) would spare the bladder and bowel no where in his chart does anyone admit that radiation is the culprit. They call it constipation. Trying hard to get him to eat but if he eats he suffers bowel incontinence. I wish I could explain the attitude we are facing from the professionals . I get the feeling they look at a 78 year old man who has survived rectal, lung and now prostate cancer and feel he should be happy to be alive. He is not! Quality of Life is out the window. Reaching out to see if anyone out there has had similar issues. Thank you all and I wish you all God 's Blessings with your struggles.

[Tall_Allen]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Yes, that can make life a living hell. 3 cancers!

[Grouser in reply to Tall_Allen]

Tall-Allen living with the results of the treatments is hell but that is the price.

[BadNews4me]

Trouser, in no way have I had the experience you have described. But I have had Drs seemingly walk away after treatment failed. I also have a Dr that is a 20 out of 10. Just an amazing man. Don’t ever give up the fight. You both deserve much much better care.

[timotur]

I wish you and Grouser the best. Have you tried high-fiber food and supplements, like oatmeal, grape nuts, Metamucil, prunes, edamame, etc. ?

[Grouser in reply to timotur]

Thanks for the suggestions but makes the urgency worse.

[Dont08759]

Wow, my experience in many ways but it started 32 years ago next month. Even with the lung metz (2x) at 4 and 5 years post op. But, I was told by several RO that my previous radiation 30 years ago (5580 rads) meant I was not a candidate for additional radiation. I’m guessing like me they determined he was not a candidate for a prostatectomy due to the extensive dissection and adhesions associated with a lower anterior resection for rectal cancer? Best of luck finding new docs, depending on travel time to new docs office, mention you are willing to come if they have cancellations….

[Grouser in reply to Dont08759]

You are exactly right. Not a candidate for any surgery . The radiation last year we feel was experimental but they did not tell us. New Toy in the office and they wanted to play. I was told by the appointment secretary Covid has caused long delays in getting appointments and the list for folks waiting for a cancellation was long too. Thank you Dont08759 wish you well.

[j-o-h-n]

Why not post where you are located and ask if anyone knows a good M.O. (or any doctor) in your area. You may want to post those doctors names that screwed up your husband. It's all voluntary!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 08/24/2021 8:31 PM DST

[Grouser in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thank you for your suggestion that is what this site is about . We are unhappy with the radiation folks at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia . No follow up and no help when we call to tell them what is going on. We had been patients there for over 20 years things have changed. They should never have suggested more radiation .Now we know!