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Finished radiation therapy today, how will I know if it worked?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Apr 6 4:21pm | Replies (34)Comment receiving replies
My cyber knife radiation for prostate cancer was 12-13 years ago. I'm finding that the long term effects of radiation never stops affecting different parts of the body. My urination cycles are every 2 hours night and day and a very slow process----my bowel movements are very irregular
sometimes 2-3 days between---unable to have intercourse for last 10 years---I've developed double hernias which are caused by the long term effects of the radiation so I'm being told---now just in the last 2 weeks my left arm turned black and blue (no injuries) from my shoulder to the elbow and is very sore---an MRI indicates bone deterioration of the bones.
BUT I'M STILL ALIVE!!
Replies to "My cyber knife radiation for prostate cancer was 12-13 years ago. I'm finding that the long..."
Sorry; none of that is fun. But if this disease teaches us anything, it is to live every moment of life to the fullest. In a peculiar way the cancer does us a favor: it reminds us that we all will pass away in time. In the Middle Ages some souls would keep skulls on their tables or the phrase "momento mori" inscribed on a plaque. It may seem macabre, but think of all the little moments that pass each day which we fail to savor; wouldn't it be better to enjoy and appreciate even the smallest things? That is cancer's gift to us.
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Some info to let you know where you stand.
Cyber radiation, such as CyberKnife stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), can have long-term effects on prostate cancer patients even 12–13 years after treatment. While this treatment is effective in controlling cancer and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, some side effects may persist or develop over time:
1. Urinary Issues: Patients may experience urinary incontinence, urethral strictures, or frequent urination. Acute urinary side effects early in treatment can increase the risk of chronic urinary complications years later.
2. Bowel Problems: Radiation may irritate the rectum, causing long-term bowel issues such as diarrhea, rectal pain, or bleeding. Early bowel side effects may double the risk of chronic bowel issues.
3. Erectile Dysfunction: Problems with maintaining erections often develop gradually over years after radiation therapy. The risk increases with age and can be similar to that seen after surgery.
4. Secondary Cancer Risk: Radiation slightly raises the risk of developing another cancer, though this increase is relatively small (0.5% higher compared to non-radiated patients).
Overall, CyberKnife offers precise targeting and reduced side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy, but long-term monitoring is essential to manage potential complications
The bone deterioration could be due to ADT. Did you take any ADT or other drugs specifically for PC? Some of the PC drugs weaken the bones and you need bone strengtheners if on them for long.
CyberKnife radiation therapy for prostate cancer is highly precise and minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues, reducing the risk of long-term complications compared to conventional radiation therapy. However, high-dose radiation, including SBRT. has been associated with long-term bone health issues such as fractures, osteoradionecrosis, and reduced bone density in clinical studies