Males...questions about effects of radiation on genitals.

StruTanToot
StruTanToot Member Posts: 126 Member
in Anal Cancer #1
I just started my 4th week of radiation. For the previous three weeks, the doc had cotton squares placed under my scrotum and had my penis taped down in a forward position..."up and forward" was used to describe the placement.

After three weeks, the doc stopped the "up and forward" placement, and I don't quite understand why. From what I do understand, the area has been receiving radiation all along. He changed the placement so the radiation is more equally distributed or something like that. Also, I was told my penis and scrotum will blister and burn.

Can anyone please tell me what happened with the genitals during treatment?

Thank you so much. I did not anticipate getting this info from the doc. I meet with him today and plan to tell him that he needs to better prepare me on what to expect.

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    I'm no help to you--
    But I would definitely pose your above questions to your doc. As for changing the radiation, your treatment field has probably been reduced to include less of your entire pelvic area and is now targeting only the area surrounding your tumor. This is referred to as "coning down." In most cases, people do not receive the entire 54gys (or whatever their dosage is) to the whole pelvic region. Only the tumor may receive the max dose, with surrounding areas receiving less. I hope I have explained this so that it makes sense. But please do ask your doctor to explain it to you.
  • mxperry220
    mxperry220 Member Posts: 496 Member
    #3
    No Blistering for Me
    I did not have any blistering anywhere. My groin area was like a sunburn without the blisters, but again everyone is different. My radiation doctor said I had healthly skin tissue which avoided the blistering a lot of people get. I was lucky in that regard.
    Mike
  • kirby77
    kirby77 Member Posts: 48
    #4
    I have 7 Rad treatments to go, and now really notice the burns
    This past week was one of my worst in terms of proctitis and burning. I was up only to use the toilet, multiple times, very painful. I had just finished my second chemo, which by the way started on day 29. More nausea this time, and way more cramping and diarrhea.

    Overall, the weekend sucked. By Monday, I was prepared to begin my final 7 days of radiation when the Rad/Onc office called to say the machine would be down for 3 days minimum. I was pretty disappointed, because I just wanted to get this out of the way and start healing.

    Today, I feel differently, having noticed that my scrotum, thighs, and groin are dark brown/red with tiny little black dots. My proctitis is slightly better, using Proctofoam HC at least 2 times a day. My skin seem to suddenly appear burned, itchy and sensitive. Plus lying or sitting on my tailbone is very uncomfortable.

    This past week, has likely been the worst I have felt. I am now grateful for the unplanned treatment break but still resent that it delays completion. I am anxious to start healing for good and return to work.
    As for other good news, Saturday, once I completed Chemo2, my PICC was removed, that was great. Downside, is that I didn't feel well enough to enjoy a shower until today.

    All said, I am grateful to sitting here, typing this message and for your support. I know, my experience is not unique. I am ever hopeful to be on the otherside of this soon.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #5
    kirby77 said:

    I have 7 Rad treatments to go, and now really notice the burns
    This past week was one of my worst in terms of proctitis and burning. I was up only to use the toilet, multiple times, very painful. I had just finished my second chemo, which by the way started on day 29. More nausea this time, and way more cramping and diarrhea.

    Overall, the weekend sucked. By Monday, I was prepared to begin my final 7 days of radiation when the Rad/Onc office called to say the machine would be down for 3 days minimum. I was pretty disappointed, because I just wanted to get this out of the way and start healing.

    Today, I feel differently, having noticed that my scrotum, thighs, and groin are dark brown/red with tiny little black dots. My proctitis is slightly better, using Proctofoam HC at least 2 times a day. My skin seem to suddenly appear burned, itchy and sensitive. Plus lying or sitting on my tailbone is very uncomfortable.

    This past week, has likely been the worst I have felt. I am now grateful for the unplanned treatment break but still resent that it delays completion. I am anxious to start healing for good and return to work.
    As for other good news, Saturday, once I completed Chemo2, my PICC was removed, that was great. Downside, is that I didn't feel well enough to enjoy a shower until today.

    All said, I am grateful to sitting here, typing this message and for your support. I know, my experience is not unique. I am ever hopeful to be on the otherside of this soon.

    Hi Kirby--
    I know at this point in time, things are getting intensely painful for you. I'm so sorry. Like you, due to a machine breakdown, I had to take a break towards the end of my treatment. However, for me it was only one day. Still, I was so very disapointed, as I just wanted it over with! The technician was there working on the machine when I arrived for treatment and they told me if I wanted to wait, it might be fixed. I waited for over an hour (with a very full bladder, I might add), only to be told it was going to take longer than expected and I was sent home.

    Use this downtime to get plenty of rest--your body will thank you for that. I'm glad you no longer are dealing with the PICC line, but sorry the shower had to be delayed. Hang in there and know that we are all sending you positive thoughts and prayers. You will be finished with this before long and you will heal quickly--something I know to which you are looking forward!
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    #6
    Sending you prayer and well wishes!
    I am glad to hear that you are progressing in your treatments. As far as the protocol, I know that my treatment had to be altered a couple of times due to low blood counts. You are right to ask your doctor. Good luck. Hang in there!
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #7
    S.T.T.
    Things got very red and burned...no blistering...but skin peeling...to the degree that it would "stick" to your undergarments.

    Keep on creaming the area as often and liberally as you can....one week left to go.
  • rds711
    rds711 Member Posts: 113
    #8
    My groin creases were the
    My groin creases were the first areas to show slight burns with the small brownish black dots. That area was intensely itchy at times. My scrotum and penis did not seem to get it as bad, no blisters or peeling. I had some peeling on both sides of groin but no blisters. During my treatments everything stayed as it landed, no taping or positioning of my penis or scrotum. The worst burns were in the crease of my buttocks and around my anus. The silvadene ointment was a lifesaver for me.

    You are almost there Stru and Kirby! Take it one day at a time. Soon you will enter the healing phase and for me it happened fairly quickly. At day 9 post treatment the pain stopped as if a switch had been turned off. Get extra protien in to help with healing.

    Keeping you both in my prayers,

    Randy
  • StruTanToot
    StruTanToot Member Posts: 126 Member
    #9
    rds711 said:

    My groin creases were the
    My groin creases were the first areas to show slight burns with the small brownish black dots. That area was intensely itchy at times. My scrotum and penis did not seem to get it as bad, no blisters or peeling. I had some peeling on both sides of groin but no blisters. During my treatments everything stayed as it landed, no taping or positioning of my penis or scrotum. The worst burns were in the crease of my buttocks and around my anus. The silvadene ointment was a lifesaver for me.

    You are almost there Stru and Kirby! Take it one day at a time. Soon you will enter the healing phase and for me it happened fairly quickly. At day 9 post treatment the pain stopped as if a switch had been turned off. Get extra protien in to help with healing.

    Keeping you both in my prayers,

    Randy

    Thank you all who replied. I
    Thank you all who replied. I seem to be doing okay, but I did start taking the prescription pain killer.

    Randy...the groin creases seem to be the most bothersome for me as well, especially the itching. Things are tolerable though.

    11 days to go!!!
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #10
    StruTanToot said:

    Thank you all who replied. I
    Thank you all who replied. I seem to be doing okay, but I did start taking the prescription pain killer.

    Randy...the groin creases seem to be the most bothersome for me as well, especially the itching. Things are tolerable though.

    11 days to go!!!

    Hang in there!
    StruTanToot--

    You are going to get to the finish line! Just hang in there, take each day at a time, and know that we are all virtually standing beside you cheering you on!
  • StruTanToot
    StruTanToot Member Posts: 126 Member
    #11
    mp327 said:

    Hang in there!
    StruTanToot--

    You are going to get to the finish line! Just hang in there, take each day at a time, and know that we are all virtually standing beside you cheering you on!

    I feel your support and
    I feel your support and cherish the love and sense of community this site gives me everyday. I'm forever grateful.
  • Cheyenne
    Cheyenne Member Posts: 77
    #12
    StruTanToot said:

    Thank you all who replied. I
    Thank you all who replied. I seem to be doing okay, but I did start taking the prescription pain killer.

    Randy...the groin creases seem to be the most bothersome for me as well, especially the itching. Things are tolerable though.

    11 days to go!!!

    On the weekends when you are
    On the weekends when you are not going for treatment, apply aquaphor liberally. Don't worry about staining anything. Just coat those creases!

    ETA: I forgot to mention the ice packs. I used gallon sized zip lock bags and put ice in them and had one on each side. They were VERY helpful! I sometimes also positioned one in the back to ease that discomfort.
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    #13
    Strutan and Kirby
    I just remembered what helped me with the burns. The nurse at the hospital told me to get the Powder thst goes into aquariums and put it into a sitz bath. It is blue and is sold by the pound. It really helped speed the healing of the skin, which for me, was badly burned and painful. I used it a couple of times a day and it provided a great deal of relief.

    Apparently, this is evidence based because the hospital only recommends treatment which is tested and proven effective. Has anyone else heard of this? I do recommend it.

    You are both getting to the end of treatment and I hope that you feel better very soon! Hang in there.

    Prayers and hugs.

    Mary
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    #14
    Strutan and Kirby
    I just remembered what helped me with the burns. The nurse at the hospital told me to get the Powder thst goes into aquariums and put it into a sitz bath. It is blue and is sold by the pound. It really helped speed the healing of the skin, which for me, was badly burned and painful. I used it a couple of times a day and it provided a great deal of relief.

    Apparently, this is evidence based because the hospital only recommends treatment which is tested and proven effective. Has anyone else heard of this? I do recommend it.

    You are both getting to the end of treatment and I hope that you feel better very soon! Hang in there.

    Prayers and hugs.

    Mary
  • kirby77
    kirby77 Member Posts: 48
    #15
    Marynb said:

    Strutan and Kirby
    I just remembered what helped me with the burns. The nurse at the hospital told me to get the Powder thst goes into aquariums and put it into a sitz bath. It is blue and is sold by the pound. It really helped speed the healing of the skin, which for me, was badly burned and painful. I used it a couple of times a day and it provided a great deal of relief.

    Apparently, this is evidence based because the hospital only recommends treatment which is tested and proven effective. Has anyone else heard of this? I do recommend it.

    You are both getting to the end of treatment and I hope that you feel better very soon! Hang in there.

    Prayers and hugs.

    Mary

    Thanks for all the well wishes on completing treatment.
    Getting to the end has been difficult, your support and advice lessen the isolation that goes with getting there.
    I am a little fearful of using something like the aquarium powder but I am open to reading the more about and possibly trying it.
    Hugs back for all the support.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #16
    kirby77 said:

    Thanks for all the well wishes on completing treatment.
    Getting to the end has been difficult, your support and advice lessen the isolation that goes with getting there.
    I am a little fearful of using something like the aquarium powder but I am open to reading the more about and possibly trying it.
    Hugs back for all the support.

    Hi kirby--
    I'm not sure on what day you finish or finished your treatment, but I would just like to say that I am so proud of you for hanging in there. I know it was rough, but you have shown what a trooper you are. It is hard to believe when one is in the roughest part that healing will happen and life will return to normal, but it does. When you have healed, you will be able to encourage others who need support. As soon as you are up to it, I hope you will do something special for yourself--you certainly deserve it!
  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    #17
    kirby77 said:

    Thanks for all the well wishes on completing treatment.
    Getting to the end has been difficult, your support and advice lessen the isolation that goes with getting there.
    I am a little fearful of using something like the aquarium powder but I am open to reading the more about and possibly trying it.
    Hugs back for all the support.

    Aquarium powder
    Lol. Can't say that I blame you about the aquarium solution. It did feel rather strange going into the local pet store to purchase it for medical purposes. It worked for me and was quite soothing in the sitz baths. Hang in there! All will be well very soon!
  • LaCh
    LaCh Member Posts: 557
    #18
    Marynb said:

    Aquarium powder
    Lol. Can't say that I blame you about the aquarium solution. It did feel rather strange going into the local pet store to purchase it for medical purposes. It worked for me and was quite soothing in the sitz baths. Hang in there! All will be well very soon!

    what powder?
    What's the powder called?

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