Upcoming Radiation: Any advice about process, prep, time commitment?

@bwparker
I looked at all my removal and radiation choices. I narrowed my choice down to Proton or the Mridian radiation machine because it was one of two machines in the marketplace (The Elekta Unity being the other) that had a built in MRI so everything the doctor treated was in real time so the margins around the Prostate that exposed healthy tissue were less (2 mm vs 3-5 mm with most other radiation machines including Proton). That meant fewer side effects and better quality of life.

I was treated with 5 doses and finished in February of 2023. I was 69 with 3+4 Gleason, low Decipher and cancer was contained in my prostate. Get pre-prescribed for Flomax. After the third treatment, I had greater urine restriction which Flomax took care of overnight. Be aware that they will be checking the amount of liquid in your bladder as they need to balance the help you get from it being filled and away from your prostate and your comfort level. They can see that in real time as well because of the bult in MRI. Have a plastic hospital type pee bottle in your car as a temporary side effect for me was having to get to the bathroom faster for a while and I was happy to have it. Do get Spaceoar or one of the gels inserted to try and avoid any rectum damage.

Also, ask questions about why they choose a specific machine or treatment. Every institution has its own protocols and process for their choice and given that most choices, they say have equal outcomes, demand for a doctor or a specific type of machine can impact whether you get your choice or not.

After undergoing radiation treatment and taking Orgovyx x 1 per day my Mono#kul and Imm granulocytes blood tests were high while my RBC, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels were low in my CBC tests

Prior to the radiation and Orgovyx treatment all these levels were fine but shifted when I started the treatments .

I experience some minor fatigue and hot flashes and shortness of breath with exertion.

Will these levels stabilize over time or could there be another underlying concern I should be discussing with my doctor(s)

@crawdog
Having the low RBC, Hemoglobin And hematocrit are not at all unusual, you went on ADT. I’ve been on it eight years and my blood count for all three of those things have always been low. They’re not low enough to cause anemia.

Your fatigue could very well be due to the Orgovyx (ADT) Alone. It is very common for people to feel minor fatigue have hot flashes, and shortness of breath. They are just normal side effects of ADT. Believe it or not exercise can frequently help with a minor fatigue a lot. Running on a track or even the sidewalk, and doing weight exercises can all help with The other side effects of ADT, and help with the fatigue. You may notice you’re getting a belly and your muscles will definitely get weaker unless you regularly do weight training exercises.

I had terrible hot flashes on ADT at first. Still get them eight years later while I’m still on it. I’ll get from 2 to 8. Hot flashes a day. Nowadays, they are mild, Usually. Had one last night where I had to blot the sweat off my forehead with a towel a few times to stop it from dripping in my eyes. Happened while I was brushing my teeth and an electric toothbrush, a real pain.

If you have severe hot flashes, there are drugs that can help, Come back and ask For help if they are really a major problem. I have found many Solutions.

@bens1 Thank you, this is very helpful and lines up with my treatment plan. I start the process for 5 radiation treatments in June. Glad you are doing well. Thanks again for the advice.