Side effects for prostate radio therapy

Iam receiving 35vdays radio therapy for prostate cancer, also hormone injections. I am 80 years of age and yesterday received my 27th treatment. Side effects have been minimull tiredness being the worst. After yesterday treatment my rectum is extremely sore and feels very raw. Difficulty urinating has become worse, producing the urge every couple of hours but producing very little and very slow. I have not have the urge to poo but very little comes out. I have piles which have become more troublesome. When I mention these things to the radiographers, they all say it's side effects and I wondered if you can suggest any crem that could help, I have a gell which I think is steroid gell but only to be used occasionally. It does seem to help with my very sore rectum. Thank you

  • Hello Edward_R and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear you are undergoing radiotherapy and the side effects are worsening. Unfortunately with radiotherapy the side effects do accumulate and tend to get worse towards the end and for a couple of weeks after the last session.

    There is more information about side effects of prostate radiotherapy on our website. It is common to feel sore on the skin and the areas being treated. I'm afraid we cannot recommend a specific product to use and this needs to be advised by your specialist or the radiology team treating you. Do ask about the best cream to use at your next radiotherapy session to help ease things for you.

    In the meantime it should be okay to use the steroid cream you have been given, although this should be used sparingly and for a short time only.

    I hope the rest of your treatment goes okay and that you start feeling better in yourself soon.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi