Four weeks on from brachytherapy

I'm not one to make a fuss, as Gloria will tell you, but it was as though the gods said, after last week's post, "Oh, no side-effects huh? We'll soon sort him out!" So, sure enough, come Friday and Saturday, although not bad, there was some evidence of the effect of radiation on my prostate. How did it manifest itself?

First of all, urination became a bit more extended, let us say. To the extent that I have taken to bringing my iPad into the loo with me (that should ensure no one else uses it then!) in order to browse Twitter, write my life story or simply read the news. Moreover, bowel movements have become noticeably looser - not runny, mind you, but less firm, shall we say? And they've become more frequent so, for the time being, the excellent Holland and Barrett prunes are staying in their packet.


Saturday evening was funny too. We'd decided that really we needed to ensure that "use it or lose it" was observed. To say that was a struggle is putting it mildly and Gloria was valiantly persistent until the end. Needless to say, we managed to make sure both parties were in an acceptable condition, thereafter. But, hell's teeth, this is getting a bit much, chaps!

So, Monday morning, a quick call to the lovely Emma - my urology nurse who looks after my well-being (No, not that way. Behave!) Explained the situation to her - strange how you can chat about the most intimate of details with someone half your age and not feel embarrassed. She decided that some sort of chemical intervention is necessary so the consultant is writing to my GP saying, "Give this lad the goods, so he can keep his wife happy".

It's worth stressing here that the team at the hospital are expecting this and one should not be shy of asking for help and support, no matter what the issue is. Particularly for urinary and sexual problems, there are simple and effective answers which will help to at least some degree. And, it's worth remembering, one does have radioactive seeds inside one's prostate - it's going to protest. As Emma said, "You've got one angry prostate there". Meanwhile, I carry on with Tamsulosin which is designed to keep the flow running freely and the pelvic floor exercises.

Add to all this, I'm also finding that exercise is an effort. Just wandering into town to Tesco to get a bit of lunch seems like a trek - that's the body saying, "I've other things to deal with. Just sit down and have a rest."

All in all, I'm on schedule with the side effects and, as it builds to a peak at around six weeks, these are going to get at least a bit worse. How much? Who knows. However, once that peak has been reached, we're on the home straight because the radiation will be reducing, the side effects ameliorating and my stamina will be coming back up again. Watch out Gloria!