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Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Aug 1 5:01pm | Replies (150)Comment receiving replies
I had similar experience during Proton Beam treatment. It was a strange "pain" or discomfort and then slow urination. Spoke with oncologist and well as urologist and it was suggested that inflammation of the prostate can cause these symptoms. It can also be impacted by the SpaceOAR hydrogel which was injected to reduce potential damage to rectum. Symptoms started to recede after 3 1/2 months and are now largely gone. It was recommended that I take ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. This seemed to help. These symptoms are uncommon but I have heard of many experiencing them.
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I had discomfort from the Space/Oar. But totally accepted it to keep rectum away from radiation. I did experience less velocity and force on urine flow. I also had increased dribbling. The biggest issue with Space/Oar is I was not allowed to ride bike. The discomfort from Space/Oar is now gone (1 month after treatments). I was told initially is about 3 months discomfort would diminish and gel would be absorb by body. That was right on.
I had 30 rounds of proton radiation (pencil beam). About 3 weeks after last treatment I noticed less going to bathroom, and increased velocity of urine. This was something my radiologist/oncologist was constantly asking about to ensure I was emptying my bladder.
So I guess I am one of the lucky ones to get relief quicker than expected. I really don't notice now much different than before treatment to now. I was told during initial exam (DME) that my prostrate was small and not enlarged. I think that help keep my symptoms lessor and improved faster.