Tissue and bleeding per rectum after proton beam therapy

@loid
I am glad they told you this was a common side affect. Where you told the issue is the radiation (even though proton) can injure your colon especially the blood vessels. Your body will start repairing it self and grow new blood vessels.

I was told those new blood vessels are very immature and easily can bleed especially from constipation and straining. And the time frame for this is around the 1 to 1.5 time frame.

I had minor bleeding. You can research and see what is reommended and also talk to your urologist or R/O for guidance. I was told to avoid constipation and straining. I found magnesium helpful in keeping my bowel movements moving.

Like any constipation fiber and drinking water can help along with a diet that foster good bowel movements. What you want to avoid is constipation and straining.

My bleeding was limited and my PCP and R/O was not concerned. I do not know the extend or yours but talk to the medical professional about specifics you can do. Asked about magnesium and drinking water.

The bleeding (1" blood clot and/or bloody mucus) is very limited and sporadic, 1/month, 1/week. Last 2 were after pizza and 2 cups of coffee without food next morning. I have also passed a pea size or slightly larger piece of what looks like tissue with mucus and tiny blood clot on it. That is the part that worries me-- to lose tissue. R/O was noncommital; offered referral to GI if I want. I will follow with my primary at home because of the distance. I use magnesium, ground flax seed and get proper fiber to keep everything soft-- after a lifelong history of constipation. Not wanting to rely on laxatives. Thanks for your support and info. Hope you have continued health.

@loid, I added your discussion about proton beam delayed side effects and endometrial cancer to the Gynecological Cancers support group as well as the Proton Beam support group. I believe @jjforward also had proton beam therapy for endometrial cancer and may have experience to share.

It sounds like a referral to GI might be a good thing just to rule out anything. Have you talked to your primary care physician in the meantime? Any update?

Sorry to hear about your side effects. Do you still have them, or it is gettign better?

Lastly, where did you get your proton therapy? How many sessions were there?

@soli, will you be having proton beam therapy for the treatment of endometrial cancer?

Hi Colleen.

I had prostate surgery on September 3rd and the final pathology report indicated a T3b disease. A Decipher test on tissue sample came with a score of .75 indicating a very aggressive biology of my cancer. I will have a follow-up meeting with my surgeon in a couple of weeks where I expect discussions on next steps, which will include potential adjuvant radiation treatment to proactively treat the prostate bed with or without ADT.

If my doctors and I jointly decide that radiation treatment is an appropriate next step, I have pretty much narrowed down the choices between the following: SBRT at UCLA under Dr. Amar Kishan, or proton therapy at the California Proton Center in San Diego. Like every major decision in life, there pros and cons for each choice in terms of number ot treatments required, potential side effects, etc. I am continuing to educate myself from discussions on this and other sites, so - when the time comes - I will make the most optimal decison for my condition and priorities.