Half way through.

[Desanthony]

Just sat waiting for my 10th treatment so after this will be half way through my radiotherapy. I am not experiencing that many side effects. Last Thursday night really was the worst night ever and I had to get up nearly every 10 minutes. Told the radiologist about this and she said to let them know if it carried on. Thankfully, this was just a blip and the nights are back to normal where I only get up 4 - 6 times a night thanks to my overactive bladder. Last night had a little pain and a very slow stream so will ask about that again. From what I remember this is likely to be because the prostate has swollen because it doesn't like being beaten up by the RT.

Onwards and Upwards.

Des

[Roger2Dodger]

Desanthony,

I will be seeing a oncologist in a few days for treatment. It will be radiation. May I ask what kind of treatment you are doing? You say you have done 10 treatments ,and half way through. That is 20 treatment . Better than 5 days a week for several months. (EBRT) .

I am 76 years old with Gleason 7 PCA within capsule. Stage T1c.

What ever treatment you are doing if you don't mind elobrate on your PCa.

This will give me some direction on my treatment.

Thanks

[Desanthony in reply to Roger2Dodger]

Hi Roger

I am having radiotherapy IMRT - Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy the reason I am only having 20 treatments is because the daily dose of radiation is slightly higher but the overall amount of radiation will be the same as someone having a lower daily dose over 5 or 7 weeks. This is just the way this hospital and my consultant does things. EBRT was never mentioned as an option in my treatment just RP which was discounted early on by my consultant due to my pre-existing conditions and IMRT. My Gleason score is 7 (3+4) 10 samples taken on Trus biopsy and 4/5 on left are cancerous and 0/5 on right. Staging before MRI was T2b N0 M0 but after the results of the MRI this was upgraded to T3 as a bulge could beseen behind the prostate but it is seen to still be contained. I have travelled out of area - a hard thing to do in Wales so that I could have slightly more accurate treatment and to this end have had 3 gold seeds (fiducial markers) inserted into my prostate about 2/3 weeks before radiotherapy commenced.

Des

[Roger2Dodger in reply to Desanthony]

Hi Des,

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your story, and your informative information.

As I indicated in my query, my Gleason is a 7, 4+3 and stage is T1c. I will consult with an oncologist this Monday. And I want to have my ducks in a row when I discuss my treatment. I have researched radiation and found they are 2 main types, with different treatment options under each one.

I am 76 years old, and I am thinking my options will be limited. I am concerned about the side effects..(who wouldn't be). I have had two biopsy's , and I don't want another one. And the thought of cancer in my body just don't set well for me, although I have been on AS since my diagnose in March, so, I have decided to get the treatment and relieve my daily anxiety of PCa.

I must ask you, except for the one night that was miserable for you, has the radiation been tolerable for you? And your age?

I am looking a brachytherapy, but like I said depends on what is compatible to my condition and age.

G'luck Des, with the rest of your treatment!

if any one reading this and has went though the EBRT treatment, and cares to elaborate on their experience with EBRT, I welcome the comments.

All The Best,

Roger

[Desanthony in reply to Roger2Dodger]

I was 72 at diagnosis and am 73 now. As I am otherwise fit and healthy robotic RP was considered initially but then my pre- existing conditions ruled it out. Proton beam therapy was ruled out because of my metal hip and cyber knife - which inky entails a weeks treatment of higher dose radiotherapy was discounted because of the thought that the higher dose would cause side effects that would adversely affect my pre- existing conditions and possibly be permanent. Other than that any type of radiotherapy seemed to be compatible. I searched for a type that would be accurate and the best I could get - which my rad. oncologist said will only be about 2 to 5% better is what I am having with the implantation of the fiducial markers (3 gold seeds) in to the prostate to guide the radiotherapy. If you had a problem with the Trus biopsy then you may have problems with the insertion of the fiducial markers - though I found it easier and quicker key than the biopsy as there are only 3 needles inserting the teeny gold seeds. Good Luck.

Des

[Roger2Dodger in reply to Desanthony]

Thanks Des, most appreciative of your support!

[sofirose]

Hello Des my husband had that same horrible night when he was about 10 sessions into his radiotherapy treatment. After that he had very little in the was of side effects. Unfortunately 9 months further on he is having a few problems with some discomfort in the prostate area apparently due to late effects. We are hoping this will be short lived as anti inflammatory meds have been the only help,but does not want these long term either. Best of luck with the rest of your treatments.

[Desanthony]

Thanks. I am not looking forward to having any of the late side effects but I imagine I will get some so must be prepared. I don't think there is anyway to avoid them it is just a matter of luck.

Des

[Seanomad]

Good luck Des...I am a mere beginner in this world of prostate problems .

I have to admit that reading your post does make me rather frightened of what may lie ahead for me. I have second visit next week to the Urologist.. mainly to show him result of blood test which I shall take the day before the appointment.

Best wishes to you....Christopher

[Desanthony]

Really there is not much to it. On my twelfth treatment out of 20 and I have had two bad nights. I am doing my kegel exercises which do help. Just have to be aware of the late onset side effects so you recognise them and can get medication as soon as you need it now. Things have not got worse this week and it is my last treatment tomorrow. So I am hopeful to get through this now without any major problems. I am amazed because with my previous history of overactive bladder - which I have had for decades and the healed fistula from 2007 I thought I was going to have a lot more problems. Anyway, whatever side effects I may get any and all of them will be worth it.

Des