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Can anyone tell me what their experience has been with this treatment: discomfort and side effects in particular. There is some evidence that external beam radiation therapy can cure cancer for those who have had surgery and then experienced rising PSA - per Sloan Kettering website. Thanks for any responses. Located in the U.S.
I had RP in January, 2006. Just finished 37 treatments of radiation for persistant PSA, most recently .47. Have not had another PSA since completing radiation approximately one month ago. Hope for the best
Re: Re: Re: radiation therapy post surgery for rising psa
Not significant. During treatment, urgency to urinate, slight bowel irratation. Since ending treatment symptoms have decreased. I exercised 3 to 4 days a week which really helped minimize the fatigue.
I had only 30 treatments of 2Gy each, last fall. For a small but persistent PSA after surgery. PSA has been undetectable since then. No urinary side effects, but my bowels do seem more sensitive now. Maybe I feel gas pressure more often, and not confident about just letting it out without some soiling perhaps. Consequently I am at the toilet several times a day for that. No pains, no bleeding, it seems like quite a small issue. Probably ED recovery gets set back somewhat, seems like that. But I think the research points clearly towards getting the radiation followup, and while the PSA is as low as possible. Side effects were quite small in my case.
I found a blog that I found interesting and I think it relates to your question.
I am attaching the link below. Go through the archives and start at the beginning. You will find him to be honest about what to expect.
http://pcabefore50.blogspot.com/
I just finished 40 radiation treatments after a failed robotic surgery. My oncologist also used ADT. There are two sets of side effects to watch: short term and long term. I experienced an irritable bowel (frequent diarrhea, frequent urination, fatigue, skin discomfort and depression. The long term effects may include continued bowel and urinary problems as well as a chance of radiation-induced cancer in previously healthy tissue. I think all things considered, radiation is better than doing nothing.
I just completed my fourth week of EBRT and to be truthful, I expected more side effects than I am experiencing. Second week in some diarrhea which was cured with an over-the-counter med, once in a while some slight irritation while urinating. The only thing I complained to the oncologist was being tired, however working 50-55 hours per week in not helping.
Had surgery 3 years ago and PSA started rising. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have but looking at some of the replies, I think you've got it covered.
Good Luck with whatever decision/therapy you go with.
JoJo, forgot to mention that you should talk to your doctors/advisors about Cone Radiation (linear accellerator) that has minimal effect on surrounding organs such as bladder, rectum, etc. Reports on this relatively new technique are slow coming in but logically, sparing those organs of the radiation makes sense. That's the route I took after talking to many.
Re: Re: radiation therapy post surgery for rising psa
Not mentioned so far is Hormone Treatment. I have been on Intermittent Casopdex treatment far the last seven years after failed surgery. Little to no side effects.
If you are interested in more details, feel free to contact me.