SBRT treatment: Any tips about food, drink, supplements?

North, Sloan Kettering pounded this into our heads every day. Did you eat this? Did you eat that? Did you move your bowels today? It was a very stressful time; all I wanted to hear was that machine turn ON and start its arc around my body. That meant I did everything right that day.
Phil

Here is a list of food issues

If you are undergoing SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) for prostate cancer, certain dietary adjustments can help minimize side effects and improve comfort. Foods to avoid include:
• High-fiber foods: Whole grains, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, and dried fruits, as they can cause bowel irritation and gas.
• Fatty and fried foods: Processed meats (sausage, bacon), fast food, and high-fat dairy like cream and butter.
• Gassy foods: Beans, lentils, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and carbonated drinks.
• Spicy and acidic foods: Hot peppers, chili powder, citrus fruits, and tomato-based products.
• Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages: These can irritate the bladder and bowel.
• Raw or undercooked foods: To reduce the risk of foodborne illness due to a weakened immune system.
Stick to a low-fiber diet with soft, bland foods and stay hydrated to manage side effects effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

I was not required to take any enemas for my 20 sessions of prostate SBRT. There really wasn't much I had to do, except arrive with a full bladder (there was a handout with foods I could limit if I experienced discomfort, which I didn't at the time).

Not sure I understand their rationale on the pre radiation BM.
I took enemas 4 or 5 during my 25 sessions - one even during since I had a gas bubble that wouldn’t move.
In fact, they make you take an enema for simulation set-up so I don’t get it.
If you’re one of those lucky guys who can have a second BM at will, I don’t see any harm in that either. I would advise further clarification from your team. Best
Phil

Thanks for this info @heavyphil I am surprised that I got very short list. I was asked to stop my herbal drink. No caffeine (coffee, tea) and no carbonated drinks. I found "unusual" that I need to eat many small meals (read: not my usual full breakfast, lunch, dinner that aren't small meals). Also I told my care team that I regularly move stool in the morning, and I planned to move a second time during the day an hour before SBRT. I was advised to not do the latter.

Vircet, I can’t believe you did not get that list of foods to avoid / it is KEY for successful SBRT!
Also, if there’s anything not on that list, but in your experience causes gas, bloating or burping, don’t eat it.
I ate nothing at all from dinner at 7PM to my treatments at 2PM the next day - and I still had some gas or stool in the wrong places.
Also, don’t SLURP any liquids! Seems like a small thing, but a dish of hot broth or cups of coffee can turn into intestinal gas and move your prostate to the wrong spot.
Phil

@gshep
I had 5 Mridian machine treatments that finished in 2023. Before I started treatment, I asked for a prescription of Flomax in case of urination issues. After the 3rd treatment, I needed it and overnight, it gave me relief. I was happy that I had it on hand.

Thank you for that information. Yes yours is starting before mine. Best wishes and please stay in touch

@gshep My SBRT treatment is probably ahead of yours. Mine is from April 9 to 21.
@scottbeammeup Thank you for list of foods to avoid. I didn't have that. But I got instructions to "eat many small meals and snacks throughout the day" and "avoid caffeine (coffee, tea) and carbonated drinks. Avoid sugarless gum and candies with sorbitol -- acts like a laxative."
@gshep I was told to stop taking my herbal drink. My radiation oncologist started me 10 days ago on Orgovyx and vitamin D. I asked by email if I can also take calcium, but I'm still waiting for response. I will ask again when I see my RO in person.

I was in my mid 50s, but my cancer was already at stage 4, so I wasn't going to live 12–15 more years to have those problems you mentioned if I didn't get the SBRT (both to my spine and prostate). I also wouldn't have benefited from super precise radiation, because since the cancer had spread to my spine, there was a good chance of undetected local spread around the prostate, and better to have a shot at catching that as well.

I hope to live long enough to see new, milder treatments developed for stage 4, so that I can grumble and bore people about how tough we had it in the old days. 🙂