side effects...and something new

js927 · New User Joined: 07 May 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Illinois

I was diagnosed w/prostate cancer in 2003. PSA 12, Gleason 4 + 5=9. Had rp, psa never went to zero and mass was detected in prostate bed via DRE. Followed up w/radiation and 2 yrs. of hormone therapy. PSA undetectable ever since. I have extreme urinary incontinence and, since radiation, have had bowel incontinence, too, though generally able to control with diet (fasting when I need to travel, etc.) and OTC anti-diarrhea meds. Couple of days ago, I had extreme abdominal pain and testicular pain, too. After a long night, I developed what could best be called "projectile" diarrhea that is totally out of control, plus painful urination. Not really concerned if I just have an intestinal "bug," but am a little concerned about the accompanying urological prob. Does anybody think I be concerned about pc mets? If I go see a Dr., should it be my urologist or a gastro person? My wife calls me the poster boy for side effects. but this takes the cake.

Replicant · Moderator Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 177

My layperson's bet is that with an undetectable PSA, your problems are not from metastases. No guarantees with PCa, of course, but your cancer doesn't appear to be one that presents with low PSA. So I wouldn't sweat that.

Personally, I'd go see the uro first and the gastroenterologist next, if you're still having bowel problems after seeing the urologist. But flip a coin if you have to--and get seen.

Have you tried a "low residue" diet? That might be something to ask a doctor about. Basically it's foods that move slowly through your digestive tract. It helped me when I had bowel irritation from cancer. You can Google the term to get an idea of what to include and what to limit.

Best wishes.
_________________
Replicant

Dx Feb 2006, PSA 9 @age 43
RRP Apr 2006 - Gleason 3+4, T3a, N0M0, pos margins
PSA 5/06 <0.1, 8/06 0.2, 12/06 0.6, 1/07 0.7.
Salvage radiation (IMRT) total dose 70.2 Gy, Jan-Mar 2007@ age 44
PSA 6/07 0.1, 9/07 <0.1, 12/07 <0.1, 4/08 <0.1
http://pcabefore50.blogspot.com

brainman

Hi js, I agree with Replicant that it does not sound like it is a recurrence of your Prostate Cancer. However, it does sound like something other than a virus. You do not only have GI symptoms but Urinary symptoms as well. I do not know what cause your symptom combination but you are right in terms of seeing a doctor. I also agree that at this time it really is a flip of a coin choice as to which specialist should see you first.

Good luck and keep us informed.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Replicant · Moderator Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 177

I wrote "when I had bowel irritation from cancer." I meant, "when I had bowel irritation from radiation."
_________________
Replicant

Dx Feb 2006, PSA 9 @age 43
RRP Apr 2006 - Gleason 3+4, T3a, N0M0, pos margins
PSA 5/06 <0.1, 8/06 0.2, 12/06 0.6, 1/07 0.7.
Salvage radiation (IMRT) total dose 70.2 Gy, Jan-Mar 2007@ age 44
PSA 6/07 0.1, 9/07 <0.1, 12/07 <0.1, 4/08 <0.1
http://pcabefore50.blogspot.com

johnw100

I recently read an article about "Hyperbaric Oxygen" treatment for delayed radiation injury.

It might be worth asking whether it could be of advantage, and which hospitals have the facility.

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