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← Return to Proton Therapy: any long term side effects? Any regrets?
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Proton Therapy: any long term side effects? Any regrets?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Mar 5 11:10am | Replies (101)Comment receiving replies
@dderiso
I had 30 rounds of pencil beam proton radiation at UFHPTI.
I had minor side affects. I had more problems with trying to time my drinking of water prior to treatments than anything else.
As you go through treatments the side affects usually start but not right away. You may get some fatigue several weeks in. I did but was minor and was told to expect it. Exercising really helps keep it to minimum.
About half way in I got like a sun burn on both sides of hips where proton beam entered. I was advised about this too and other that seeing it was not a problem. It went away several weeks after ended treatments.
Quite common is some urinary issues. It is caused because the radiation also hits the urinary vessels and seminal vessels. Not every one gets them and we all react differently.
Are you going to have Space/Oar. How about drinking water prior to treatments? Both can help with side affects to your colon and bladder.
Replies to "@dderiso I had 30 rounds of pencil beam proton radiation at UFHPTI. I had minor side..."
@jc76 So you had Proton beam therapy prior to, or instead of, radical prostatectomy? You mention seminal vesicles, and they are usually removed with the prostate since they will no longer be needed with the prostate. They have co-functionality.
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@jc76 I asked about the gel and the Emory doctors said they don't use it any more as it was unnecessary. I was very surprised and pushed back but they said they can control the process so they stopped using it a few years ago and have had no issues. They do stress the full bladder/empty colon requirement so that will take a bit of planning I'm sure!
Thank you guys so much for sharing your experiences. I am 72 and in great physical condition except for this prostate situation. It seems like most guys have similar experiences, some more intense than others. I will know more over the next several weeks and will be glad to share.