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Die with one condition, live with other(s)

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: May 28 9:43am | Replies (28)

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@brianjarvis I don't think the GI believes my case is that severe, yet. Yes, a SpaceOar gel was inserted about 3 weeks before I started radiation. IMRT tends to blast through everything, and my body has a bent toward over-achieving. According to the biopsy report and Gleason score, the likelihood of my having lymph node involvement was about 3%. I've been treated as high risk based on the PSMA PET scan report, so had the maximum radiation. Being retired is a great advantage, but I have to be careful with my schedule and easy bathroom access.

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Replies to "@brianjarvis I don't think the GI believes my case is that severe, yet. Yes, a SpaceOar..."

@jime51 Even with SpaceOAR Hydrogel (which reduces radiation toxicity to the rectum by 70%) they still can’t blast away haphazardly and significantly overshoot the prostate. Otherwise, there may still be damage done.

I was retired when I had my 28 proton radiation treatments as well. It was easy to work it into my days. My wife later told me that the short amount of time that I was gone each day for treatment were no different than any other time when I simply left to go the gym, out for a drive, or shopping.

@jime51 I had 25 sessions of EBRT 15 months ago and have annoying Radiation Proctitis. Cauterization stopped the severe bleeding but was up to at least 8 bowel movements per day and most were before noon. Mesalamine has tempered it somewhat and some days are better than others. On days where I know I am going to be out and about or traveling I take Imodium which helps. I don't want to use it every day so that it will be effective when I need it. Also just not eating helps too but that isn't sustainable. Adding fiber has helped some, but planning helps even more. Hope you can get it resolved and sounds like you are figuring out what works for you. Congratulations on your treatment.