3D Conformal Radiation Therapy

I am 71, dx March 99 PSA 12 Gleason 4+3 or 3+3 depending on pathologist. History of elevated PSA since 91, with three previous negative biopsies. Biopsy in 1994 was borderline.

I chose 3D conformal because I dreaded surgery -- wanted to avoid low-probability, but non-zero probability of death or serious adverse effects of surgery. Had previous horrible experience with reaction to anesthesia during major surgery.

Found side effects modest: increased fatigue, greater need for sleep, some mild peri-anal soreness and irritation. As a precaution, had internal hemmorhoids tied off before starting radiation.
I was very good about bathing/soaking daily, blow-drying affected area, using special soap and special soothing (oatmeal) bath suspension, discarding underclothing and going naked below the waist as much of the time as possible.
I was able to work almost full-time all through the radiation. My job is high stress, and demands long hours.

To decide.what treatment to choose, I consulted a number of authorities. I was particularly impressed with the research institute directed by Stephen Strum, and by the radiologist Anthony d'Amico (Boston). Was also impressed by the diagnostic work-up by Dr. Kantoff (Boston).


Am now 11 weeks post-radiation. Energy appreciably better, but not fully recovered. Hard to distinguish side-effects of radiation from those of androgen ablation, which in my case were considerably more unpleasant.

quicksilver said:

I am 71, dx March 99 PSA 12 Gleason 4+3 or 3+3 depending on pathologist. History of elevated PSA since 91, with three previous negative biopsies. Biopsy in 1994 was borderline.

I chose 3D conformal because I dreaded surgery -- wanted to avoid low-probability, but non-zero probability of death or serious adverse effects of surgery. Had previous horrible experience with reaction to anesthesia during major surgery.

Found side effects modest: increased fatigue, greater need for sleep, some mild peri-anal soreness and irritation. As a precaution, had internal hemmorhoids tied off before starting radiation.
I was very good about bathing/soaking daily, blow-drying affected area, using special soap and special soothing (oatmeal) bath suspension, discarding underclothing and going naked below the waist as much of the time as possible.
I was able to work almost full-time all through the radiation. My job is high stress, and demands long hours.

To decide.what treatment to choose, I consulted a number of authorities. I was particularly impressed with the research institute directed by Stephen Strum, and by the radiologist Anthony d'Amico (Boston). Was also impressed by the diagnostic work-up by Dr. Kantoff (Boston).


Am now 11 weeks post-radiation. Energy appreciably better, but not fully recovered. Hard to distinguish side-effects of radiation from those of androgen ablation, which in my case were considerably more unpleasant.

I just finished 8wks of radiation and 16 months of lupron/casodex.......the last lupron shot was 4 months ago and should be wearing off now. The radiation finished 2 months ago.....
BOY the fatigue is still really bad....I can work part time (which I've been doing for a year now) but not much energy for exersize etc. Wondering how long it took to get your energy back after your radiation treatment.
Thanks much (diagnosed 9/13/01 psa 71 gleason 4+3 T2b stage)
Hollis@klinefinancial.com
please reply directly to my address. Thanks