Hi there

I was diagnosed in November...and began combination chemo/radio in December..

It was 5 weeks 3 days (28 radio session) with chemo in week 1 and week 5.

In terms of coping - I found the biopsy that had prior to diagnosis more uncomfortable.

The treatment itself was OK...its the side-effects of the radio that are tough.

Its NOT easy

The most intense...the skin damage from the radio- that becomes most intense in the last week...and then the week / 10 days post treatment...then the skin starts to heal...I finished early Jan and things are now settled...certainly in terms of pain relief...though other side effects still persist- but they are more inconvenience..

The effect on the prostate.... makes toilet habits a bit erratic.

Advice...

Listen to the radio/chemo teams...they know and will help...so be open and honest with them

DONT try and be brave...take the pain relief on offer...and do so early...dont wait!!

Drink LOTS

MOISTURISE...LOTS...youll get specialised items - I found Flamigel RT was excellent.

A rubber ring to sit on towards the end of treatment / post treatment.

Humour helped me get through.... and some amazing friends...I found I became far to comfortable talking about anal/bottom/***/nether regions with almost anyone!!!

Any questions.....Please just ask 

Hi there

thank you so much for all your information it has really helped me .. I am just starting week 3 of my treatment and really wanted to ask you about the Flamigel RT cream. I have got some in your advice but really wanted to check that you can use it everywhere .. meaning around the genetal regions and bottom as it doesn't actually say on the leaflet .. sorry not a great question but though I would check before slapping it on!

Hi

I know exactly what you mean!

Id read that and wondered the same thing...but was advised that it was ok to use it....

I was also prescribed 

FLAMINAL forte...which was much 'thicker' consistency....and particularly relevant /appropriate when the wounds were 'exuding'...

If you are 3 weeks in...then I would imagine that the RT is more relevant ...

Even when using the flaminal ...on the area that was worst affected....I was using the flamigel around the wider area....

I applied liberally!!!

Thank you so much .. how are you now?

Thank you so much .. how are you now?

Have my 12 week post treatment scan early April

But at last consultant review just over a week ago...she said she  was really pleased...and that given the digital examination she was confident that everything is looking good!

Next review booked for May...she will call if there is anything to discuss - but she really does not expect to be calling me...

(Given the location  of the original mass/lesion - she feels that the digital exam is as reliable as the scan...though obviously will get the scan to be totally sure....)

So it's good...fingers crossed.

So pleased for you x