What should I expect during 28 radiation treatments while on hormone therapy?

Many patients experience manageable side effects during radiation treatment, with fatigue and skin irritation being the most common. The combination with hormone therapy can be effective, and the treatment team will monitor progress closely and provide guidance for managing any side effects that arise.

@scottgetz. I just finished my 5th week of radiation. I started testosterone blockers about 2 weeks before the radiation. Happy to answer specific Q but my experience so far (3 more weeks to go)... The 1st 4 weeks were super easy. No side effects. Hardest thing was 'empty colon, full bladder' at treatment time. But the 5th week has been more difficult. Some diarrhea. One night of what felt like stomach cramps that woke me up at 2a and prevented me from going back to sleep. My gut is still not great.. loose 💩 and low level cramp-type discomfort. But this is exactly what my radonc guy predicted, so no complaints. Ping me if you want to comm more. Todd

Thanks Todd . I haven't gotten my starting dates yet for radiation yet. More MRI. My PSA came back 1.83 so much better than 17.32

That lower PSA is great news! Hopefully the radiation can target a localized spot or two and get the PSA to undetectable!

Was the reason for another MRI so they can concentrate on a couple of spots. I'm still waiting on Cancer Center to call . I am alone in this, so kinda worried

Finished my radiation treatments 2 weeks ago. The problem with radiation treatments is the cumulative effects of the side effects. Only ever experienced minor burning at times during urination, and diarrhea. After treatments were complete, I took Imodium, only once a day or 2 after and that definitely made a difference. Diet can lessen the effects of diarrhea also. Now, 2 weeks after treatments, and the diarrhea has all but completely went away and the discomfort urinating has lessened as well. Wasn't sexually active during radiation treatments, however tried a few days ago, and the orgasm was quite uncomfortable. The doctor assured me that would eventually subside once the prostate heals more in a few weeks to a month. Hope that helps.

Thanks Christopher

So I start radiation treatment Monday 28 treatments .

Ok! Christopher mentioned Imodium after radonc treatment but my doc said that a partial dose was fine during treatment. Just not so much that you get plugged up! He suggested starting with 1/4 dose. Ha, try to cut that tiny pill in 4, even with a pill cutter! I took 1/2 dose and things were immediately better but still a little loose. Now aiming for 1/4 per day of loose 💩. Just sprinkling the dust of the 1/4 Imodium on some food...

Todd, they told me the same thing. It just never got overly out of control till that last week of treatments, so I just held off till the last few treatments were done before taking the Imodium. The first 7 to 10 days after treatments is usually when the side effects of the radiation are the most difficult, is what I was told by my oncologist. He told me I should see markable improvements 2 weeks after treatments and should be completely recovered from the radiation effects within 4 to 6 weeks after finishing treatments. So far, this has been exactly the case for me.

I was wondering if any of you did a special diet or food that helped . During radiation treatment

Yes. Easy digestive foods. Stay away from uncooked vegetables. Make sure you get lean proteins like fish and lean chicken. Bananas are fantastic. And drink a lot of water.

Thanks Christopher

I have not changed my diet, but once the GI issues kicked in, there were some foods that I don't eat much of, normally, that I can't get enough of (Mac and cheese is one!) and others that I normally eat a few times every week that sound unappealing (salads). Yogurt for breakfast seems to help with the GI issues...

Thanks, that's a big help . Monday will be my first radiation treatment of 28 .

Good luck, Scott! I did 26 sessions just over a year ago. Bananas are your friend. I also went on gas-x for the last week of radiation. This helped. I unfortunately got covid at the last week of radiation, which complicated things! Fatigue set in a few weeks after the radiation was done. Walking has helped. I've been on Lupron since a few weeks prior to radiation. I gained about 20 pounds after radiation was done. With diet and exercise, I've lost 15 of those pounds over the last 5 months. I've got stage IV prostate cancer. It had spread to a couple of lymph nodes before it was diagnosed. PSA was at 15 then, it has been undetectable for about a year now. Hang in there. You will get through this!

Hope things continue to progress for you Richard. It all sounds super positive. Keep the faith my brother. You got this!!😎👊

Thanks. I had a PSA of 17.32 on Lupron two months now, PSA 1.83 . Gain about 10 pounds already. Lots of fatigue was riding bike, but weather changed.

Scott...my radiation treatment had zero side effects for about 23 treatments. The GI stuff hit after that. I'm on track for 40 treatments and am at 30 now...two more weeks, yippee!

Oh, that's a lot . I start tomorrow, 28 treatments should be done in December. Thanks for the help . Good luck .

Well, the second week of radiation is starting to get side effects. Food well nothing taste good no appetite. Little gut issues and tired a lot . 22 more to go . Thanks, everyone, for the info

Just hang in there Scott. You got this!!🤙👊

Yeah thanks

Scott...This is just temporary issues that will produce long term benefit. Keep that in mind and stay the course. I know that you can do it. We are your cheerleaders!

I got this right .