Fatigue and radiation

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.

You are awesome! Thanks for sharing that.

You wrote: “When my radiation team said not to drink coffee or alcohol because of the bladder irritation, I smiled and said...”. What did you say? The reason I ask is because one of my simple pleasures in life is Starbucks, London fog, tea latte, and I’ve been staying away from it. I cheated and I had an iced yesterday and another one today. Have not noticed any difference with urinary irritation. I’m also thinking of either having a glass of wine or preferably a gin martini dinner tonight; just one mind you.

Thanks again for your comments and as always, best wishes to you for success on your journey.

I smiled and said..."ok...!"

I am not one to not be candid and frank with my medical team I also generally believe there is no such things as "TMI (too much information" when talking with your medical team either. In this case, I felt the advice on coffee and alcohol was like the "standard of care," population not individual based.

I did not go crazy, downing multiple cups of coffee or drinks. Like most things, moderation, most days, a single cup off coffee in the morning, a lone drink - Manhattan, Old Fashioned, glass of wine, Loong Island Iced Tea...in the evening. There were occasions where I may have doubled that. Had I experienced irritation, no doubt I would have pulled the plug on coffee and alcohol.

Kevin