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Posted 1/13/2008 9:34 PM (GMT -5)
Hi everyone, I have 8 photon beam treatments to go, have had most of the symptoms associated, burning rear end, stomach upset, frequent bowel movement, but the doc gave me stuff to counteract this, have been very tired, but having a nap in afternoon, frustrating thing is the Oncologist said they won't be taking a new PSA for 3 months after the treatment finishes, so won't find out if it has been a success 'till April, anyone else had this experience?

regards Mal.

Correction! since i posted this thread I have found out that my treatment was Photon, not Proton, so I apologise for that...see my post "May have lead you slightly astray" also my first post treatment PSA is now on 24th Feb. (the above 3 month waiting time was quoted to me by my oncologist's registrar)

Regards Mal.

Posted 1/27/2008 2:34 PM (GMT -5)

tongue  Hey ~ Mal,

This thread got by me ~ threads are moving at a quick pace! 

I wanted to drop in and let you know you’re in our thoughts and prayers as you continue to move forward ~ after treatment.  Please continue to stay close.  Hugs from Lee & Buddy 

Posted 1/27/2008 3:16 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Mal,
Hope you are feeling better. Strange thing that you had such side effects with Proton treatments. i had IMRT and no side effects. It does show that radiation treatment, no matter the delivery mechanism, can be a source of discomfort. I know it's different for everybody. But I hope you are well now. God Bless you , and we'll keep the prayers coming.

Tony
Posted 1/27/2008 3:38 PM (GMT -5)

Mal:

Sorry to hear about your side effects - Proton is usually quite easily tolerated and don't think I've heard of anyone with as many problems as yours.  As for the PSA - they are done at 3mos and then every 6mos for 5yr.  The PSA does not go down as quickly with radiation as it does with surgery.  It took mine almost 5yr to get to my nadir and I may still have some lowering.

Dutch


Posted 1/27/2008 11:19 PM (GMT -5)
Dear Mal

Sorry to hear that you have had to endure a double whammy in your treatment (i.e., surgery followed by photon or x-ray radiation).  As you can see from my footnote, proton radiation was my only treatment.  Hopefully your side effects will quickly dissipate after treatment (mine did).  I did not experience any fatigue, upset stomach or anal burning during my treatment.  Changes in urinary functions and bowel moments during radiation treatment is quite common whether it be IMRT (x-ray) or proton radiation.  The bottom line is that your cancer will hopefully be eradicated after the radiation treatments.  Good luck to you.  God Bless!

Dave

P.S. For those treated with radiation only, it can take 24 months or longer to reach the PSA nadir (low point).  Inasmuch as you have already had your prostate removed, perhaps you will reach you nadir more quickly after your proton radiation treatment.  Did your doctor discuss this point with you?  I don't really know the answer in your situatoin.

Posted 1/28/2008 1:32 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Mal,

Sorry to hear of your problems with your radiation treatments....I guess some patients are just more susceptible to complications than others. I hope your remaining treatments don't cause you anymore distress. I had my first psa test a little over two months after I completed IMRT treatments.....I believe that is probably the norm, two to three months I presume to let the radiation do its work. Do you know what type of machine the rads were administered with? I believe that with some of the newer equipment the doc is able to block the radiation more resulting in less side effects. I wish you good luck with your future psa and hope you recover soon from your side effects with the rads. JWB
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