Has anyone had a rectal balloon during radiation treatment?

Rectal balloons (also called rectal spacers or hydrogel spacers) are commonly used during prostate radiation therapy to help protect the rectum from radiation exposure. Many patients in this community have experience with this procedure, and it's completely normal to have questions about what to expect. The medical team will guide you through the process and ensure your comfort during treatment. Others here may share their experiences to help you feel more prepared for your upcoming February start date.

Gel spacers and gold fiducial markers emplanted near the prostate. Markers help techs align external beam radiation treatments and spacer moves rectum out and away from the radiation field to prevent long term rectal complications. Procedure done in office with minimal pain and unfortunately no anesthesia. Worst part is being awake and spread eagle room full of female staff

Hello guys, I just had my first radiation treatment. It went well. The bad thing about it. It is for me is having a full bladder and holding it in

You are correct it is a challenge. However, when I did my five weeks of five days a week I got into a routine. I knew how far time wise in advance to empty my bladder. Then when to start drinking water so I arrived with a full bladder but not on the verge of exploding. You will get into a routine with it.

At one of my 45 radiation treatments I was kept waiting unnecessarily while the technicians held an impromptu hallway meeting. Fearing an accident and the need to reschedule, I got out of my chair and confronted them with the urgency of my situation. Threatening to pee in the hallway redirected their priorities.

At another radiation session, an old guy (anyone older than me) paced while muttering that he couldn’t remember whether it was bladder full and rectum empty , or the other way around. It was a lighter moment in an otherwise morose waiting room.

Thanks for sharing these humorous things with us! It's very important to keep your sense of humor through all this, you're doing a great job!

Hello guys I was finally diagnosed with intermediate grade prostate cancer in January 2025 , got my radical prostatectomy in April.Unfortunately there was some cancer cells left in seminal vascular tissues and couple of lymph node s, so my doctor advised radiation therapy along with harmons therapy I started my radiation therapy this week. Had two sittings, so for no problems.I am taking Nubrqa300mg two tablets morning and evening.Can anyone tell me how the coming days are going to be for me.