Radiation about to start

redbelly7

I will be meeting w/ radiology on the 30th and will probably start radiation mid Sept. Right now, I am incontinent. I can hold some, but if I walk, bend, etc, I leak. The Dr gave me a foam clamp to wear during radiation, so I can keep something in my bladder to protect it. I am planning to start PT for kegels soon. Since I've already had a RP, is there anything that I can do to protect my colon and rectum? What should I be looking for during the process? I'm planning on having radiation and go back to work.

GeorgeG

You need to have enough water

You need to have enough water in your bladder to push your small intestines out of the field and protect them. My doctor wants at least 8 ounces at the time of treatment. I have seen many protocols for the prep. For me it's, keep hydrated all day to prevent a deficit, don't alter your salt intake a lot (no bags of Fritos), 8 ounces 2.5 hours before and 16 ounces one hour before, no coffee until after radiation. If I don't feel any pressure as I am checking in I drink a little more. My guy says that if you get it right 70% of the time your good. I'm running around 80%. Travel days are the hardest to get right. I am being treated out of town.

For most men, symtoms don't show up until week 5 or 6 of 8. Beginning of week five for me, I am entering the home stretch at week 7. Some guys get almost nothing so its hard to say how you will do. Report your symptoms as they come and the doctor will help you as needed. Motrin, cortizone cream, etc. The percentage of men who get permanent damage is very low at a good facility, low single digit percentages. My biggest issues are rectum irritation, fatigue and a small amount of bladder irritation. All of it has been manageable. My urinary control during treatment has not been affected. My doc says that none of my levels are an area for concern and he expects me to fully recover in those areas.

Visualize success and be glad that you have another good option in the works. Let us know how you do.

George

 

redbelly7

George, Where are you being

George, Where are you being treated?  And is the hospital helping w/ a place to stay?  I was thinking about going 3 hours N to Atlanta and stay there during the week.  However, that would pull me out of my territory for 2 months, but if it saves my other organs, it is worth it.  Of course, the same thing could happen in Atlanta, (Emory).

GeorgeG

I had RP at Hopkins in

I had RP at Hopkins in Baltimore and I am having SRT at Mayo in Jax. We stay there mon thru fri and go home three hours south every weekend.

There are a couple of housing options that serve the hospital That are subsidized by donations.

George