Last SBRT treatment was one month ago. Here's what I can report.
U/G Toxicity:
Still having pain/burning during 70% of my taking a leak. The flomax and Azo help......A LOT. But the AZO does stain......boy does it stain. SO, if you're like most guys, especially with longer urethras, and no matter how much you squeeze and shake, there's still a drop or two......don't wear tighty whiteys and take some paper towel and "protect" your clothing.
Ahem.
I've only had a couple of instances where I needed to go like NOW! lol. In one case, I made it down the hall just fine. In another, where one roommate can spend 45 mins or more on the can, I recalled I had a plastic juice jug on the shelf that was almost empty. It sufficed. But those are really the only two times in a month since radiation ended. That's not bad. So relatively minor urgency/pain issues with urination. Based on my research prior to the nuking, the overwhelming majority of men return to where they were (baseline) prior to treatment at about 3 months.
Rectal Toxicity
I am relieved that the bleeding I had has ceased. Only on the first day or so after the 4th and 5th treatment did I have bleeding that concerned me, but it has resolved. BMs are pretty normal and, while I still have pain if that area is "full", if I can urinate/have a BM/get real flatulent, that tends to knock down the pain and discomfort quite a bit.
I am thankful to Dr. Kenneth Chao for recommending and proud of myself for researching and figuring out how to get myself on the table for the SpaceOAR implant. There is no question that it helped protect the rectum and I am quite relieved by that. Good call Scott!! I'm also glad I had it done under general. Win/win!
Sexual Function
While it can take a while for damage to the penile bundle of nerves to make itself evident, so far, so good. I've been taking sildenafil on a prophylactic basis since before the radiation started. I continue to do so to keep blood flow to the penis increased. Erections are quite adequate so far.
Ejaculation is becoming different. As I was told to expect, when they dry up the well, not much comes out. So yeah, it's a bit less liquidy and will probably become even less so. But the good news is, at least right now, an orgasm feels as good as it always has. Fingers crossed.
Fatigue
Fatigue (i.e. - extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness) remains my nemesis. I can sleep 6 hours or I can sleep 12 and I wake up feeling wiped out. I try to at least walk or lift weights (10-15 lbs) daily. But I have a ways to go on the fatigue thing.......*sigh*
General Pain
Neuropathic pain in my extremities has experienced a slight uptick since the first of the year. Typically fairly well controlled with the meds I currently take, I've kind of resigned myself to filing this in the "This Is Just The New Norm" file.
I got a PSA blood draw (and CBC, CMP as well as testosterone) done today and I'll meet with Dr. Lo next Tuesday. It's not uncommon to see a spike in PSA after the radiation as the prostate swells so I won't be alarmed if there is an uptick. I would imagine we'll do a MRI within 6 months to see if we're keeping the tumor extensions from invading the bladder and/or rectum.
Thanks for all the prayers, good wishes, text messages, check ins and just being my kind, caring friends and readers.
You all give me strength.
