Starting Radiation tomorrow

You seem to have it all down - you’re good to go. One thing to add- the changing room and treatment rooms at Sloan are freeeeezing!!
They have to be since much heat is generated by all those machines.
I told my buddy to wear a heavy sweatshirt under his hospital gown and he told me it was great advice. Guys were literally shivering in there!
Phil

I start IMRT next Wednesday (9/24)--38 sessions, like you. No ADT. I’ve been taking a Senna-S in the evening, which has ensured a BM every morning. Keeping my diet very regular too. My BIL, who is an integrative medicine doc, recommended melatonin to boost skin repair from any radiation damage. He recommended 20 mg, but I’m taking 5 mg, which is a normal dose. There does seem to be some medical literature that supports his recommendation.

Best wishes for a successful outcome and minimal side effects.

Yeah, John, I think we all fear that to some degree. You have a few spots of concern in addition to the ‘normal’ need for salvage therapy.
The only way you’ll know is after you’re off ADT (firmagon?) and your PSA remains low. If it does not, then another PSMA, and possibly spot SBRT to mop up.
You have a long way to go before any of this even becomes an issue - and hopefully it does not. So try to relax, know that what you are doing is pointing you in a positive direction and in no way will be considered useless or futile in hindsight.
This miserable disease is like a huge tree hanging over your house; you have to take it down in pieces, little by little, until you get the job done. You got this…Best,
Phil

I had 7 1/2 weeks of radiation and didn’t have any skin damage of any sort. I was 66 At the time, so maybe that’s a factor. I’m really surprised they are not giving you ADT. It does reduce the growth of metastasis and even shrinks them noticeably which makes the radiation more effective. They gave me a six month ADT shot two months before the radiation started.

I wonder why they didn’t give you ADT. Are you at a center of excellence?

Hi Phil, thank you. This is a very reassuring and encouraging reply. I really appreciate you for writing this! 🙂
Today’s radiation was uneventful. Everything went well. 1 down, 37 to go.
Not sure I’ll ever go off ADT though. Hasn’t been bad so far. I’m on Firmagon and zytiga and so far I just get a little sweaty during the night. Nothing a ceiling fan can’t overcome.

Like the episode of Seinfeld..Girl sees George's package after he has been swimming...and then they get off into shrinkage factor.. with Elaine..who finally says " I dont know hoe you guys walk around with those things..!"

After my biopsy with 2 nurses in attendance, I guess I can handle this..later today !

Like the episode of Seinfeld..Girl sees George's package after he has been swimming...and then they get off into shrinkage factor.. with Elaine..who finally says " I dont know hoe you guys walk around with those things..!"

After my biopsy with 2 nurses in attendance, I guess I can handle this..later today !

yes, well I got my spacer today- same exp as you...4 people in the room...tape up your junk so it wont be in the way..but the tape came loose and one of the nurses held it out of the way til doc ( he looked like he was fresh off golf course) finished..now ordinarily this might have been a kinda fun event..however, no drug except very local..it was extremely uncomfortable...and yea, lots of on lookers..I asked if everyone had paid..and pls remove all tools and orange work cones when done..drew a few laughs but all in all, a tough crowd..I will not play that venue again.. ;=(