Severe radiation proctitis

[alysona828]

Hi, I am new here.

my 84 year old dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer (limited spread to hip bone and pelvic lymph nodes) in Nov 2023 and had radiation to pelvic area. He then started lupron in Jan. He really struggled with the radiation- diarrhea, gas, very uncomfortable. He started feeling better about 3 months after radiation. He started working again (yes, he still works! ) Working outside, gardening, and getting back to normal.

He is now having rectal bleeding. So bad his blood count has come down to 8 range. He saw a gastroenterologist who did colonoscopy and endoscopy and cauterized wounds but was concerned about a narrowing in rectum where he couldn’t get his camera through. He had a cat scan and biopsy in a few areas. We don’t know results yet. He had a pet scan 3 weeks ago which indicated no cancer but it did show “possible diverticulitis “ or something like that.

While in hospital a surgeon came in and said dad may have to have surgery to remove part of colon that has radiation damage , due to stricture. I have no additional info at this point. My dad is so down. He doesn’t want to go through a major surgery. We really don’t know our options at this point but the fact that a surgeon came in makes me very worried. so I am probably posting too early. We have to talk to the gastroenterologist once he has the biopsy results back to understand our options. My biggest question is whether he can try less invasive approaches first.

If you are still reading this, thank you. I am angry that he had radiation; we didn’t know any better to ask questions then. I am so upset. If anyone has any experiences to share I would really appreciate it.

[Jimbo65]

Hi there, sounds like you have a very independent active dad. As do I, my dad is 92 but still drives and loves his garden. He refused surgery last year for an inflammation of the gallbladder and has coped well with meds. This doesn't compare with what your dad is going through, but I understand his reluctance to major bowel surgery. Unfortunately diarrhea is a side effect of radiation which clears the cancer but creates problems down the line. No point in being angry about it but I think anyone going through radiation damage after being 'cured' of cancer goes through that stage, me included. Angry that I lost my fit healthy body to cancer and for the cure to cause radiation damage. Which continues to affect my life 19 yrs on from treatment. I would in your dad's case seek out further options to manage his issues without bowel surgery. It sounds as if he's a fit strong chap to be able to go through the surgery but he and you need to explore all avenues to give him the best quality of life that he has left. Good luck and hugs from one daughter with a feisty dad to another. X

[alysona828 in reply to Jimbo65]

Thank you🙏❤️ this is tough seeing him like this he is my buddy.

[Maggysav]

I have just come out of hospital due to obstruction in my small bowel which the specialist informed me probably due to radiation damage (I had cervical cancer in 1991 I’m 70 now). At first the doctor from A&E said I would need surgery but after seeing the specialist he said a big no to surgery as they don’t like operating on radiated bowels as the healing process isn’t good and it can cause even more scarring. They treated me with medication to clear obstruction but it’s likely it could happen again. I can only advise to get a second opinion as I was told surgery is a last resort.