Two week post SBRT update

[Info_Search_JMA]

Hello All,

I completed my 5 SBRT sessions on 5/1/2024. My results have been very similar to ToolBeltZia so I have not posted repetitive daily entries. Here are some items that may be of interest.

1) Very similar issues with constipation as ToolBeltZia had following SBRT. That is just now improving at the post 2 week mark. I have not noticed any blood in the stool.

2) I have experienced urinary difficulty during and after the process where my RO recommended taking two 0.4 mg of Tamsulosin (Flomax) daily instead of just one. This seemed to help a little. Still taking two daily now.

3) I required a full bladder for each session where the recomended 16 ounces of water was not enough if I finished it 1 hour before the procedure. For me, 25 ounces finished 1 hour before the procedure worked and I was careful to drink the same amount for each session. I found I could hold it for the additional 20-25 minutes or so that I was on the machine (Varian TrueBeam) without being too uncomfortable. This was important because I had a 1 hour drive to get to the hospital and I had a mid-morning machine time that would mess up everyones scheduling if I wasn't ready to go.

4) I did have the gel spacer and I was told that they could see it was in place correctly because it contained contrast that showed up on the scan before the radiation treatment was done. I was not aware of the contrast.

I am happy with how the whole process went and time will tell if SBRT was the right choice. I have a good friend that chose RP ten years ago and he swears by that decision and is happy with his results. It is a tough decision and it took me months to get there. It helped that I was told I was past AS as an option and I needed to do something. This forum was also key in my decision with the entries from ToolBeltZia, Tall_Allen and others who provide priceless information and updates.

I see my RO in August and my PSA will be taken at that time to start a new baseline.

Best wishes and best possible outcomes to All!

[ToolBeltZia]

Way to go Brother!! You are doing great! As of today I am at 141 days post treatment and I am still wondering if the machine was turned on. Like you said, time will tell, but so far it has been unbelievably easy.

Keep us informed please.

And Stay Strong Brother.

[Info_Search_JMA in reply to ToolBeltZia]

Congratulations ToolBeltZia!!

Great way to put it, - "Wondering if the machine was turned on". The treatments seemed to be over so fast with no surprises after the months of learning about options and risks... It feels great to be on the other side of those ten days. Let's keep the great day counts going!! Mine is now 18.

I will post any updates as others do. It is so important to have all of this info available here beyond all of the official doctor's input.

My best wishes and great health for you!

JMA

[Teegolf47]

Thanks so much for the update. I am starting SBRT the first week of June. I realize that everyone will have different issues, but I feel it’s beneficial to take all of that in to minimize the worry. One quick question; did your side effects appear after the first treatment or did they gradually get worse over the span of the treatment? I’m just glad to get started and get it over with.

Terry

[ToolBeltZia in reply to Teegolf47]

I had some reduced urine flow after the second treatment, but any other side effects did not appear until the fourth day after the final treatment and essentially resolved within two weeks. Check my profile for my journey.

Stay Strong Brother.

[pd63 in reply to Teegolf47]

I finished 5 sessions SBRT 3 weeks ago and apart from a little more frequency needing a pee all seems normal now but everyone's different, good to see you are getting treated best regards for the way forward

[Info_Search_JMA in reply to Teegolf47]

I also had reduced urine flow after the second treatment. I increased the Tamsulosin to two 0.4 mg pills a day. I switched back to one pill 10 days after treatment. I am urinating better on day 18 but not back to pre-treatment.

Also, I had an issue after the third treatment where I was feeling very uncomfortable like the sore feeling just after a biopsy. I blame this on eating large meals for lunch and dinner the same day of the third treatment knowing I had the weekend off before the fourth on Monday. I did not have that same feeling after the fourth treatment. Lighter meals with lots of protein is definately the way to go. That feeling did show up again through the following 10 days post and subsided over the last week.

You will be through the ten days before you know it! It goes by quick once you get started. Please keep us posted.

My best wishes for you!

JMA

[Chasbearcat999]

I’m 6 months out. Noticed I’m peeing more. Stream isn’t a problem, but doesn’t seem quite as powerful. No ED but I didn’t have it going in and was given 5mg Cialis daily.

I wondered if the machine was turned on too. Because my PSA was higher 60 days post treatment than pre-treatment. Luckily people in this group explained why that could happen.

So far everyone is happy. 4+3 no adt.