Fatigue and radiation

I had proton radiation without medication with rectal cancer. I can attest to fatigue. It did seem to lessen after the first of six weeks.
With orgovyx I suspect a fatigue factor would increase gradually as you lose a certain amount of muscle. I think it important to take naps when you feel the need,but exercise can keep the tiredness at bay.
I probably disagree with your radiologist.

It’s hard to think of a physiological reason for radiation to cause fatigue, especially so soon. What would the mechanism be? I agree with the radiologist; it’s not the radiation per se. That’s not to say it’s in your head! The stress associated with treatment, the prep, the change in routine would drain anyone. Add ADT to the mix and it’s totally understandable. I agree with the previous self-care suggestion. Hopefully the fatigue will be short lived.

Thanks for the comment. I’ve been sleeping poorly due to hot flashes and the need to urinate so that’s probably the cause. I work out every day and haven’t lost any noticeable muscle mass YET. I also bike, trike, or walk every day.

"Radiation causes fatigue by damaging healthy cells, even though it targets tumors. It can kill red blood cells, making it harder for blood to carry oxygen throughout the body. Radiation may also damage the power plant inside cells,
I'm quoting something that I copied seven years ago. Not sure of the source, so don't trust it. I read somewhere else that when tumor cells die they release toxins that might be the reason chemotherapy makes us feel ill. I didn't have chemo and don't trust unsourced quotes.

Have you looked into Wisconsin Ginseng? Supposed to increase energy during radiation but I think you have to take it a few weeks before starting treatment.

I have not heard of that. I will look into it! Thanks for thinking of me.

Zytiga/Arbiterone is the fatigue cause as it keeps the LOW testosterone level. For me it’s a 1 pm nap daily. I take ASSAM tea later in the day and that definetly gets me going- it’s anti cancer derivatives for the tummy and tastes great.

Here's my clinical history...

I've had three separate radiation treatments:
SRT 39 IMRT 70.2 Gya
WPLN 25 IMRT 45 Gya
SBRT 5x 40 Gya

SRT was done as a monotherapy, the other two in conjunction with ADT, either Lupron or Orgovyx.

I did not experience any fatigue with the SRT, just the hassle with the full bladder requirement those of us wo have done that know so well and the fact that for eight weeks you couldn't take any extended vacations! When my radiation team said not to drink coffee or alcohol because of the bladder irritation, I smiled and said...

The WPLN was in conjunction with Lupron . I had been on Lupron for seven months before I started with the WPLN radiation (that was to allow me to complete the six cycles of chemotherapy and recover). I didn't do any scientific analysis but qualitatively, I did not notice an uptick in fatigue other than what I was already experiencing from the Lupron.

The SBRT and start Orgovyx were pretty much simultaneous in terms of start time. Again, qualitative, not scientific, but I did not experience any fatigue from the radiation and the side effects of Orgovyx though it dropped the T quickly, were slow in coming.

I am not saying no to the fatigue from radiation, just my experience.

Keep in mind my wife says I'm too honery to have anything bother me.

Like you, I exercise frequently, most every day at the gym riding the indoor bike, lifting weights and swimming. If not, riding my bike outside, 25-25 miles, I did that even while on treatments.

Kevin

I had 45 days of radiation and 2 years of Orgovyx. The entire time on radiation I took naps. Just about every day. When the radiation ended, my need for naps ended within days. I continued a gym routine and stayed very active. I felt the radiation definitely brought on the fatigue. I didn't fight it. Now I'm doing great.

Thank you for that suggestion. I will see if one of the local stores carry it and will try it. All the best to you on your journey with PCa.