Radiation/ Lymphodema

[GeddyLee]

Hello, please see my bio for background (55PSA). In short, I was put on ADT for 3 mos, then RP in Feb. 2021. Gleason 9, with 3 out of 16 lymph nodes positive. Seminal Vessical invasion, Bladder neck as well. Non-nerve sparing. PSA rose to .2 in December 2021, then to .3 in Jan 2022. Had PSMA scan, CT and bone scans in Feb. 2022. Scans did not show the cancer. Told I have biochemical recurrence and need EBRT radiation to the prostate bed and lymph nodes (40 treatments). Started ADT (Orgovyx) a month ago. My concern about radiation to lymph nodes is possible Lymphodema. When I had the RP surgery, I had a drain for almost 3 weeks due to an abundance of lymphatic fluid every 24 hours. Did anyone else have EBRT and develop Lymphodema?

[Aodh]

Hi there, I don’t have lymphoedema but did have 39 sessions of EBRT to the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes in 2020. If it is of any reassurance, I haven’t had any resultant issues from the radiation except a bit of urinary urgency in the last 2 weeks of treatment, which cleared up by me taking 2 solpadeine tablets each night.

I wish you the best with your treatment.

Hugh

[GeddyLee in reply to Aodh]

Thanks! I am concerned because I had the surgery where they removed 16 lymph nodes. 3 came back positive for the cancer. Now they want to do EBRT for 40 sessions. The Dr. said my legs might swell due to treating the pelvic lymph nodes. When I look that up, all I see is Lymphodema.

[Aodh in reply to GeddyLee]

Is the doctor you mentioned a radiation oncologist? Mine (in Ireland) said that I shouldn’t have problems and he was correct; though I didn’t have prior surgery. I hope that you get through it ok, regular walking can reduce swelling but I’m no doctor!

[timotur]

After radiation and ADT I had some edema in the ankles and lower calf. It seemed to be worse if I sat at a desk in the early part of the day. I reduced the swelling by walking/running and using a stand-up desk. The swelling has largely gone away since stopping ADT over a year ago.

cancercouncil.com.au/cancer...

[MateoBeach]

You are probably at higher risk of lymphedema than average. But the salvage RT including the pelvic fields is your best and last chance for a possible cure. I would take the risk for that.

[Mjex]

I had an RP in 2014 with removal of many pelvic lymph nodes. I did develop lymphodema and went to a specialist who used massage to increase the flow and I got a massage unit that helped. Eventually, a few months later, I was able to stop using the unit and massage unit. I have worn pressure socks, 30-40 mm ever since and that has kept lymphodema in check. By the way, probably everyone over 60 should wear pressure socks as it reduces the risk of blood clots developing in your legs.

[j-o-h-n]

Greetings GeddyLee,

If you wouldn't mind,

Would you please be kind enough to tell us your bio. Age? Location? When diagnosed? Treatment(s)? Treatment center(s)? Scores Psa/Gleason? Medications? Doctor's name(s)?

All info is voluntary, but it helps us help you and helps us too. When you respond, copy and paste it in your home page for your use and for other members’ reference.

THANK YOU AND KEEP POSTING!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 03/15/2022 6:56 PM EST - Beware the Ides of March

[j-o-h-n]

FYI

Radiation - I've posted this before so to those people who have already seen this please forgive me.

I had 8 weeks of salvage radiation to "the bed". 5 days a week (not weekends) for 8 weeks minus 1 day for a total of 39 sessions at MSKcc. The actual radiation was like getting an x-ray by my dentist. I never had any side effects during the whole 39 sessions. However, 2 years later my left urinary tract was "fried" as per my urologist (or from passing prior kidney stones he was not sure). So, I had to have a urinary stent placed up my urinary tract (through my willy which is really nothing - sounds terrible but it's nothing) to aid in passing my urine (which was never a problem anyway). So I had stents in and out every three months for many years and now I'm stent free, However today 15% of urine from left kidney and 85% from right kidney, but not a problem. So make sure you get a good radiologist. Also, I don't know if this would apply to you but guys here recommend SPACEOAR HYDROGEL to be inserted for protection of parts of your body. Make sure you ask your R.O. about the spaceoar and make sure you ask here on this forum before getting fried.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 03/15/2022 6:58 PM EST - Beware the Ides of March