Begin SBRT Thursday 21st

I've been posting elsewhere but the thread has gotten long.
I had the Ct Scan and simulation a couple of weeks ago. I am claustrophobic so was not too happy about it but I got by okay (used a mild sedative without telling them so I'd not have to bring a person along to take me home, I used public transit anyway so no real need)
So the real radiation starts Thursday then Monday, then Thursday-Monday, Thursday again making it five sessions over a three week period.
My only worry is urinary retention because I had that after 4 sessions of IMRT however, I've had Greenlight laser since then and am voiding quite well. Before I started IMRT It was suggested I have a TURP or Greenlight but for some reason I did not. I do not mind a mild case of retention but just fear having to wear a cath for life.
Otherwise, I'm quite calm and ready to get this done.

Glen

Glen…Good luck. You should be on the other side in a few days.

Hang in there, Glen. I'm sure you will do just fine. The worst is behind you. For me, the worst was the fiducial implant, which in my case was done with no sedation. Just some topical lidocaine gel. Ugh!

If you are worried about urinary retention, just ask the RO to prescribe some FloMax or Rapaflow to take for a couple of weeks. Many of the RO's routinely offer this.

Yes, there may be some urinary or intestinal discomfort. I had both. Both resolved on their own. My only longer-term issue is some radiation proctitis resulting in some rectal bleeding about 5 years after treatment. In my case, my RO and my gastro believe that I am more likely than average to have this complication due to my history of irritable bowel stuff. If you don't have IBS (or other such long term issues), you probably will not have the side effects I did. Even in my case, treatment was simple and effective.

Go for it! We'll be here when you come out. . .

Thank you all for the good luck's and information. I'm upstate at my other place with my wife as we await our wood floors being finished. Hope the contractor is done by the time I'm finished (4:20pm) I assume the floor will be done as he started Monday morning.

As with everything, I deal with it one day at a time. Actually I'm only stressed over whether the floors will be done otherwise I'll have to take the Metro North train back upstate after radiation

Glen

Yes Cyclone that's why we're rushing to get the floors done.
We are close to finished or at least to be able to show off 90 % of the apartment. Just a new bathroom mirror, drapes some new bedroom stuff and carpet and it's done
My wife is a perfectionist so it's been dragging up until now.
Anyway, I have my fleet enemas ready and I'm catching the 1pm train tomorrow.

Glen

BTW I thank you all for the information and support here. I really feel a fondness for all even though we all may be miles apart in distance, politics, age and social station.
Gratefully,
Glen Heinsohn

Thank you Cyclone.
All we wear are t shirt and socks. One gown open back and the other open front.
I'm not modest at all so when it all gets pushed aside. No worries!
All in all the session was no big deal.
I was surprised to see my RO come into the room. Usually it's just the tech's who by the way are wonderful folk.

Glen

2nd treatment done and it was not bad. Same pain issue with lying on my back. Played Frankie Valli and 4 season,s music. At the last minute we found out the concert we had tickets for was rescheduled until March 6th
They took a urine sample to rule out infection and doctor Deutsch had me empty out after the session. I retained some urine but he's not too concerned. He did say if my urgency and mild retention persists he may prescribe steroids. But 20 minutes later i rushed back to the clinic and emptied out and had a forceful stream. No middle of the night urinating. I Am however up early and have mild irritation and slight burning and urgency.
I'll await the urine sample result

Glen

Paxton said...
I very graphic reminder that "this, too, shall pass."

And rapidly, I hope.

Thanks Paxton and Halbert
Funny but I do have my Fleet bottles lined up and am down to 3
My urine was not good. No bacteria but protein and s couple of other indications were abnormal
Protein was 100 plus my left kidney area has been achy.
I'm diabetic and my A1c went up to 7.2 from 6.5
I'm addicted to candy. I eat healthy and not a lot but night time I eat massive amounts of candy.
I must wean off. I am kinda ashamed about it.

Glen

Sounds good Cyclone. I think this was the straw that has broken my rationalization back. I'm diabetic and have been ignoring the facts.
I will start to taper today.

Glen

Cyclone, OK...I'm in also (or out -- when it comes to candy). I'll accept the candy-free challenge. Let's give Glen the encouragement he needs.

Jim

Thank you mattam.
On another subject my urgency issue was a ball and chain today. I had to stay close to the apartment. I think I'm feeling mild improvement. I hope it passes.

Glen