Starting Radiation Therapy

[RBSW1]

So I'm starting my 28 treatments I'm hoping I made the right decision instead of surgery. I'm scared to death with this. Did anyone else feel this way. Also depressed about the cancer never thought this would happen.

[Nusch]

Yes, most if not all of us felt the same. But radiation is ok today, side effects are limited Stick to a good diet and do some exercises daily. The day of the last radiation will come soon!

[RBSW1 in reply to Nusch]

Thank you

[Xavier10 in reply to RBSW1]

yeah then you get to ring the bell. whoopie

[Murk]

Yup, we all felt the same way. Never forget my first radiation treatment. This huge big machine circling around me, seemingly looking over me in preparation for an attack. Then a broadcasted voice came over and the lights came on.

I asked when are we starting and they responded back... We are done! Felt nothing and for the amount of time I spent traveling and being there, the exact time under radiation would have been best counted in minutes.

After a number of treatments its probable that you will feel some effects like Nusch says, side effects are limited.

[Don717]

You made a decision...so THAT is the right one for you. Don't think back, go forward....and yes, it's tough accepting the fact that you have cancer. Just know that moving ahead will involve a change in your life and you must conquer that challenge! Good luck to ya!

[RBSW1 in reply to Don717]

Thank you

[MarkS]

RT is a good decision, more effective and with fewer side effects than surgery. The RT is a doddle. The only issue I had was getting a full bladder.

[RBSW1]

Thanks

[Ben2]

I decided on RT at 72 yrs. A few side effects. At 84 yrs. I know I made the right decision. The emotional trip you describe comes with the territory.

[RBSW1 in reply to Ben2]

Thank you

[EdinBmore]

Unfortunately, the emotional toll that PCa takes on us is overwhelming, even under the best of circumstances (of which there are few). While my docs may have been good body mechanics, as it were, they were universally awful at the emotional side of this disease and the impact of the treatment. For the record, IMRT, brachy boost, and ADT here. I am very glad that I chose radiation and do not look back or regret my decision at all. There were some lasting effects of the ADT - wt gain, man boobs, joint discomfort, for example - but I'm still here. Btw, sexual functioning has returned (I was in a study that provided info, toys, advice to help keep one's "parts" in working order.) So, yes, your reaction to this trauma and all of its ramifications is normal and understandable. You might want to consider either PCa group counseling and/or individual counseling to help you deal with this; it IS a life changer. And, seeking support is not a sign of "weakness;" it's a sign of awareness and self preservation.

You'll find a lot of support here too. And, some really knowledgeable and compassionate men.

Good luck to you,

EdinBaltimore

[RBSW1 in reply to EdinBmore]

Thank you

[T911]

We've all been there and felt the same. Time to put trust in your team and commit to your decision. Do whatever is needed to help the treatments be that diet, exercise etc. I found it quite helpful opening up and getting to know some of the other patients waiting for treatment in the waiting room. You will see the same people everyday for weeks. Some patients just starting and some close to finishing treatments. No one saying a word then one day spontaniously we all started talking, Introducing ourselves and sharing our stories. We became a close knit little group, celebrating those finishing treatment, encouraging the newbies and each other. It was a big help.

[RBSW1 in reply to T911]

Thank you

[j-o-h-n in reply to RBSW1]

Just think, having Ca is as easy as falling off a rock..........No problem falling, just missing the catching net is what pisses you off. Stay well and keep posting and never look back regarding Coulda, Shoulda Woulda.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[RBSW1 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Thank you

[drzaius]

Yes, felt the same way. Even after the last treatment, then all the tension of the journey came out and washed over me-felt strange for a while. I had it at 74 years old, and the side effects for me were minimum and very tolerable. I kept to my exercise routine all through it and I think that helped. I was in good shape and could have done surgery but now 12 months later, I'm glad I didn't. Radiation keeps working long after treatment stops so you need to be patient for a few years. Once you see the results working, you'll forget about not having surgery.

[RBSW1 in reply to drzaius]

Thank you

[preciousbz]

Yes , I had radiation 6 years ago 28 treatments and so far so good..don't regret my choice and shouldn't either..Just make sure your going to a good hospital, radiation clinic and Doctor...

[RBSW1 in reply to preciousbz]

Thank you

[Mgtd]

I am almost 80 and had radiation to both the prostrate and pelvic area. Some rough spots but no real lasting issues. My cancer appears to be on hold.

Suggest you buy a pack of Imodium to have on hand and I excised everyday after treatment. I was put on a very bland diet to cut down on gas. Ask your RO about that. I believe this really helped.

[RBSW1 in reply to Mgtd]

Thank you

[PTvsPC]

I'm just a little bit behind you as I'm still in the decision making phase. Surgery and SBRT are the choices presented to me. No more AS and I'm not a candidate for focal therapy. I'm leaning toward radiation due to my diagnosis. It's such a personal choice, but one doctor I spoke to strongly recommended choosing the treatment with the best chance of cure rather than the treatment with less side effects. It seems like radiation actually checks both boxes.

My reason for responding to you is to echo your concerns about making the "right" choice. It's a very difficult decision to make, especially when kicking the can down the road is no longer an option.

We're all here to support each other and I'm glad you're expressing your worries and fears. That's the first step for moving through it all. You're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing.

[RBSW1 in reply to PTvsPC]

Thank you

[Spursboy]

I had radiotherapy treatment 18 years ago for Prostate Cancer, 30 treatments for 30 days, side efects non to speak off, result, I am still hear to tell the tale.

It is only natural to be shocked when you are told that you have cancer, I know I was, just visited my Doctor after a blood test and I had hardly sat down before he blurted out 'You have Prostate Cancer, I was totally shocked, I was 66.

Put your trust in the medics, they know what they are doing and all will be well.

DevonRoy, UK.

[RBSW1 in reply to Spursboy]

Thank you

[diatom]

I choose radiation 7 years ago

Much easier than surgery

No problems

Also recommend getting brachytherapy

Dan

[RBSW1 in reply to diatom]

Thank you

[cancerfox]

Being depressed for a while after being diagnosed with PC is normal, and will probably diminish with time once you get into your treatments. Radiation treatments are no big deal, just very boring while lying there and slightly annoying if they have to reposition you or tell you your bladder is causing problems with the radiation targeting. Hang in there! 🦊

[RBSW1 in reply to cancerfox]

Thank you

[Teacherdude76]

I had 25 sessions followed by two Her brachy. Literally no issues. NEVER second guess treatments: you cannot do over

[RBSW1 in reply to Teacherdude76]

Thank you

[billy1950]

I had 8 weeks of EBRT at age 54 in 2004-5…It went very well with some fatigue around 5th week. Today, radiation is more precise…the best to you!

[RBSW1 in reply to billy1950]

Thank you