← Return to Proton Therapy: any long term side effects? Any regrets?

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@5galloncan

I had proton therapy at UFHPTI in March/April of this year. The only issue related to hands that I experienced was that both of my hands suddenly cramped and turned into useless claws when I was driving home. I've never had my hands cramp like that before and am not sure what, if anything, proton therapy has to do with it other than I was drinking a lot more water than usual during treatment. To alleviate the cramping and restore the use of my hands, I ate some salt. This is something I've learned to do with leg cramps in the past. I start with a quarter teaspoon of salt and chase it with some water. With me, the cramps go away almost immediately. And I know to take some electrolytes as soon as possible and so carry Medi-Lyte(R) packets, each which contains two little pills consisting of small amounts of Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium. Now I also carry a bottle of Sodium Chloride (salt) 1 gram tablets for emergencies. This takes care of the muscle cramping. The only other issue I'm experiencing is I walk slower and notice both hips are fatigued on long walks. I attribute this to the proton beams shooting in through my hips on each side for 29 sessions. Bike riding is fine, so I do that more than even thinking of going on hour long walks anymore.

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Replies to "I had proton therapy at UFHPTI in March/April of this year. The only issue related to..."

@5galloncan
You mentioned bike riding. Did you have the Space/Oar done? If so asked your R/O about bike riding. I was told not to bike ride.

I went to same institution you did. My treatment was May through July in 2023. I had 30 rounds of proton radiation with the Blue Team and R/O was Dr. Mendenhall.

I got the sun burn type marks on side of hips also. But had not issues with any pain or discomfort. Did not even know the sun burn type discoloration was there until my wife mentioned it. I had minor fatique about 4 weeks in but was able to keep walking, swimming and doing water aerobics. I had more issues with frequent urination and urgency than anything else. All after treatments stopped slowly went away.

I was asked not to bike ride as can interferre with Space/Oar and also can irritate the prostate which is already under bombardment with radiation.

Electrolytes are very important to prevent cramping.