Imrt radiation symptoms and conditions

I underwent prostate cancer IMRT radiation in 2005. As part of the treatment, I was given three four month doses of Lupron Depot. Men who get this drug experience a reduction of testosterone, wright gain, hot flashes, and sometime depression. I had all of those.

Toward the end of 2005, about two months after my last injection, I noticed a tingling, sometimes burning sensation in my right fool near the toes. Over the past year or so, the sensation has spread to my other foot and sometimes up my leg.

My symptoms have all the earmarks of peripheral neuropathy. So far, my motor functions are okay, and I have been checked for diabetes, and found not to have it, which is a relief.

I did have an attack of Bell's Palsy back in 1973, and it was treated with heat and cortisone. It never came back. I see from some of the web sites that there is a connection between Bell's Palsy and peripheral neuropathy, and and also a connection with Lupron and peripheral neuropathy.

I realize there is little I can do about it, but I think the physicians who prescribe Lupron for prostate cancer should also make their patients aware of this possible side effect.

My Dad is receiving Kenalog -10 injections into his mouth to help him with the effects of oral cancer treatment, he had SCC2 in the right side of his cheek, the IMRT radiation therapy, plus boost treatments, and brachy therapy did an effective job of treating the cancer, but he had problems eating, problems with saliva, etc.., the injections have been a miracle cure for him, he can now eat and drink without pain, but immediately I noticed his skin was dimply and caved in, I had no idea what medication they were injecting until today, and now I know that I was correct in my observation. He will continue to receive the injections every 6 weeks. I don't have the heart to tell him that the dimpling and caving in of his skin is from the medicine that is making it possible for him to enjoy eating and drinking again. But I sure am glad to have my suspicions confirmed. Thank you for this web site.