← Return to Salvage radiation therapy after radical prostatectomy

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@edo

Sorry you have to go through salvage radiation, but it is likely necessary. Based on my experience (salvage radiation beginning 11 months after RP due to a PSA of 0.5), you may anticipate side effects to your bowel, bladder and sexual function. In my case, Imodium and high fiber helped with my bowels. Although I was told bowel problems would cease about a month after radiation they persisted for about 10 months. Increased urination especially at night which I attributed to ADT, resolved itself once the ADT left my system. Leakage still persists but is not a significant issue except in the bedroom. More on that later. Assuming you’ll be on some form of ADT, expect a low or nonexistent libido. That should improve a few months after the ADT ends. Urinary leakage during sexual arousal remains a problem for me. I have started using a condom for intercourse, and that helps insure I will not dribble in my partner. For me, the side effects of salvage radiation were much worse than advertised. However, given that I have been cancer free for more than a year now, salvage radiation was definitely worthwhile.

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Replies to "Sorry you have to go through salvage radiation, but it is likely necessary. Based on my..."

2 years of lupron. Been done for 3 years. Bad side effects. Still have bad hot flashes. 3 different meds and none work. Muscle loss and weight gain. But 5 years since radiation and still here and psa undectable. Good luck . HBO also caused problems. Have a great day