Prostate Treatment Possible Side Effects

During the radiation treatments, you may or may not experience some of the following symptoms. Below is a list of possible side effects of radiation to the pelvic area as well as tips on how to manage. IF you experience any of these side effects please notify one of the therapists or nurses so that they may be able to assess the situation accordingly.

  • IF you are experiencing FATIGUE:
    • Fatigue may occur around the third week of radiation treatment as a result of the radiation interacting with the body.
    • What to do:
      • Exercising will help give you more energy.
      • Take a short nap (15-30min) if needed to help restore energy.
  • IF you are experiencing DIARRHEA:
    • Diarrhea is the presence of frequent, soft or liquid bowel movements which may be accompanied by gas and cramping. Diarrhea may begin 2-3 weeks after treatment starts and can arrive for about two weeks after treatment is completed. While diarrhea can be uncomfortable and distressing, relief can be obtained.
    • What to do:
      • Follow residue restricted/minimal fiber diet - restrict fresh fruits and vegetables.
      • Eat foods high in potassium. These include bananas, apricots or peaches, fish, potatoes and meat.
      • Take Imodium after having a bowel movement and continue taking Imodium until diarrhea is gone.
      • Drink plenty of fluid that is at room temperature - 2 to 3 quarts daily. Avoid extremely hot or cold fluids. Take liquids 1/2 to 1 hour before or after meals but not with them.
      • Avoid gas forming foods and drinks such as cabbage, beans, chewing gum, beer and carbonated beverages.
      • Avoid milk and milk products except for cottage cheese, yogurt and non-fat boiled milk.
      • AVOID ALCOHOLIC AND CAFFEINATED BEVERAGES.
  • IF you are experiencing INCREASED GAS:
    • Increased gas may occur during radiation treatments.
    • What to do:
      • Try using gas X or any other over the counter medications similar to gas X.
  • IF you are experiencing URINARY FREQUENCY:
    • Increased frequency or urination at night almost always occurs during the course of radiation treatment. This may lead to increased urination during the day and/or waking you up throughout the evening.
    • What to do:
      • Continue taking the amount of Tamsulosin Dr. Tokita prescribed. (other drugs include: Hytrin and Cardura).
      • Drink fluids only when you are thirsty.
      • Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
      • Avoid drinking fluids after 8pm to decrease the amount of times you are waking up throughout the night.
  • IF you are experiencing BURNING DURING URINATION:
    • What to do:
      • Take Pyridium (a prescription is required)
      • Take AZO Standard (over the counter)
  • IF you are experiencing HEMORRHOIDS:
    • Hemorrhoids or rectal irritation can be aggravated after the HDR treatments.
    • What to do:
      • Use calmoseptine or apply preparation H (ask your therapist for ointment)
      • Do a hot sitz bath 2X's a day
  • IF you are experiencing CONSTIPATION:
    • What to do:
      • o Take 2 teaspoons of Metamucil twice a day with plenty of water.

What to Expect After HDR (If Applicable)

After completion of the first Brachytherapy HDR treatments, you should be on the following medications to alleviate some of the side effects:

  • To alleviate Frequency, Urgency, Nocturia (excessive urination at night):
    • Flomax (as prescribed)
  • To alleviate Dysuria (pain when urinating):
    • Aleve or Ibuprofen
  • To alleviate Obstruction (unable to urinate):
    • Catheterization

Once External Beam Radiation is started, you can expect the following:

  • Week 1: Urinary symptoms from the HDR surgery will continue
  • Week 1 - 2: Anal irritation may or may NOT occur
    • If so, use Calmoseptine, Betamethasone, Vaseline, A & D ointment