Next stage of treatment

[Ianrs]

Next week I will progress to the second stage of treatment following initial diagnosis in February with PSA at 64 and thee mets (two small). Hormone treatment (zoladex and xtandi) have brought PSA down to 0.04 and testosterone to undetectable. So on Tuesday I will have the first weekly radiation treatment of six at 6 gys. Any advice out there on how I should prepare and what to expect?

[Jvaughan0]

Seems you are all set. The treatment itself is a non-event, actually sort of a peaceful time to practice mindfulness. Drinking a bottle of water to fill your bladder just before each session offers some protection, but the radiation equipment today is excellent. I was teaching when I had mine, had it done during lunch and never missed a class.

[fireandice123 in reply to Jvaughan0]

I was in and out every day in about 20 min. The worst part was drinking a bottle of water and having to hold it each day.

[Tall_Allen]

Radiation to the prostate is a big nothing. Some doctors want you to do an enema before each treatment or evacuate your rectum. Important to drink enough water to have a comfortably full bladder. You go lay down on a bench and (depending on the linac) it's done in 10 minutes. I strongly recommend exercising heavily throughout. I took daily Cialis for 6 months to preserve erectile function.

Here's side effects you can expect afterwards - usually mild and transient:

prostatecancer.news/2018/10...

[Ianrs in reply to Tall_Allen]

Many thanks for the insights

[londoncyclist48]

The whole thing is a huge anti climax. Just carry on life as normal, as the radiographers tell you. Had my last session in mid July. Feeling really good now. I admit I felt a little tired during treatment but I'm not sure whether this was due to the treatment or working during treatment. I did find that I was getting up more during the night to pee during treatment and I got a buzzy feeling in my prostate after treatment. Some stinging sensation when I peeed. Drink lots of water after the sessions to flush the toxins through. Thoroughly recommend this. Two months on and my urinary function is now much, much better than before. I sleep all night without getting up. I had exactly the same doses as you.

[j-o-h-n]

It's like sex..... sometimes the expectation is more than the execution....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 09/17/2021 6:29 PM DST

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

Rodney Dangerfield:"Sex with my wife is Magic".

"I walk in the bedroom and she disappears".

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

LOL, Oh Rodney where are you now that I need you.. Thanks Campbellszoup.....

On our second honeymoon, this time I locked myself in the bathroom and cried.........

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 09/17/2021 7:20 PM DST