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SpaceOAR concern.
Looking for input regarding the SpaceOAR (organ at risk) gel. I have been on Orgovyx for about 10 weeks now and starting EBRT in March for 44 treatments. I’m a Gleason 7 (4+3), high risk seminal vesicles invasion, Oncologists said he uses the SpaceOAR (between Prostate & rectum) 95% of the time, but not in my case. Said it would cause problems with the amount of cancer I have in that area of my prostate. Of course I’m concerned with too much radiation getting to my rectum. Wondering if anyone here has had the same experience or concern. Appreciate any input. Ken
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That's tough to hear. If you have rectal bleeding after radiation therapy, make sure you coordinate any treatments with your radiation oncologist. When I had my Proton Therapy, I was told not to have any colonoscopies, or other "fishing around" in there by anybody without them coordinating with my treating doctor at UFHPTI. There's a reason for this. Most proctitis symptoms will take care of themselves without intervention by a gastroenterologist. The rectal wall likely is healing itself and very susceptible to damage by unnecessary probing around. Be cautious. Be careful. Before my treatment, UFHPTI made sure I had undergone a recent colonoscopy so a repeat wouldn't be necessary for 4 to 5 years. Again, it is so there's no poking around in there that could cause more damage where the proctitis will likely heal on its own if left alone. So please coordinate with your treating radiation oncologist. In my case it is Dr. Bill Mendenhall. He happens to have a background in Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, so I'm going with his recommendations. And no, I didn't have a gel spacer inserted because the doctor called it off during the procedure. I had to go with the endorectal balloon. After 10 months, I'm seeing a little bleeding after some bowel movements and suspect a mild proctitis, as does Dr. Mendenhall. I'm keeping him up to date. No interventions are scheduled at this time.
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2 ReactionsOne Year and two months after SBRT.
I had a colonoscopy yesterday. No signs of any radiation burning anywhere. My gastro said it was because of the SpaceOar's protection
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3 ReactionsThat’s not great to hear, but EBRT is a very broad term and different machines have the ability to shape the beam around the rectum, avoiding proctitis.
Also, I have read many posts on this forum alone by men who say that no dietary guidelines whatsoever were followed or suggested by their team- WTF?
When I hear questions like “what’s a no gas diet?” By someone who’s having any kind of radiation it blows my mind🤯