Need help deciding which radiation treatment system i should go with.

@packman7
I'm interested in the Prostox test. I'm still waiting on the test kit to arrive- it's been more than a week. Did you find it helpful?

Doesn't appear to be included in the “standard of care “ however I think it's accurate for urinary issues associated with radiation treatment and I asked my RO and he ordered it. Easy inside cheek swab then return UPS. PD

@quaddick
I know a number of people that have found it quite useful and have told them that SBRT radiation would not be good for them. Would cause a lot of side effects.

They can also, in a separate test, tell you whether or not IMRT radiation would be a problem.

A few people have declined to have SBRT radiation as a result.

I had SBRT delivered as 5 treatments over just less than 2 weeks after a Prostox test confirmed low risk for long term RT side effects. I did have hydrogel spacer and the most severe bladder and bowel irritability subsided within a few weeks though minor symptoms persist (currently I am 5 weeks out from final radiation treatment). Lingering fatigue I presume is likely due to ADT more so than radiation side effects, but I am pushing through and back to cardio-exercise activities. In fact just reviewing today’s MCC updates after an 18.4 mile bicycle ride 🚵‍♂️

@rbtsch1951
One interesting thing they brought up during the PCRI conference this last weekend was that riding a bike does a lot of damage to the ability to get erections. Apparently, the pointed bike seat that has very narrow sides is the reason for the problem. It’s the side of the seat that does the most damage.

The doctor mentioned that getting a wide seat can resolve the problem.

Riding as far as you are talking about with a narrow seat is what causes the problem.

This is whether or not you’ve had surgery or radiation.

@jeffmarc

Thanks Jeff, that is good information. I have a fairly wide, cushioned gel bicycle seat and wear cushioned bicycle shorts as well. I will keep your suggestions in mind. My RO advised I could bicycle as long as I wasn't getting any perineal discomfort.

@jeffmarc

Interesting on the bike riding as I am a former racer and like my narrow seats but do have ED post radiation. Could you point me to a reference on that? My RO told me there wasn't an issue with riding. Thanks.

@roxy2017
It was mentioned in the PCRI conference last week. You couldn’t listen to the video, but I can’t promise you when it occurred and it’s over six hours. You would learn a lot watching it.

A quick search finds this, which is exactly what was discussed?

Yes, prolonged or improper cycling can affect the ability to get an erection by compressing nerves and blood vessels in the perineum. However, this risk can be mitigated by proper bike fit, choosing a suitable saddle, and taking breaks to change position. The cardiovascular benefits of cycling are also important for overall sexual health, so cycling shouldn't be completely avoided.

@jeffmarc Thanks. I think I will take a pass on listening to six hours of video. That said what your search turns up is spot on. Back in my racing days we used to get "pecker palsy" but bike fits and proper equipment have all but eliminated that.