Rick

If you do a pubmed search for tissue damage from radiation treatment you will find many articles. When you had the treatment the consent forms you signed would of had a very long list of side affects from slight rashes all the way up to death!

Could it be the cause of UC? Might be a contributory factor but can't see anyone wanting to fund the research. Technically you've been cured of testicular cancer which would of killed you years ago so your on bonus time (Sorry its sound a bit cynical, but that's how its viewed in some circles).

On the other hand there a lot you can do to keep you healthy and in a positive state of mind even despite the radiation effects thats the way to go IMO :-) 

@chrisandbagpus I don’t think this needs to be an either/or situation. It is quite possible to try one’s best to maintain a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook AND want to understand the root cause of one’s difficulties at the same time. I also have suffered from bowel issues that I never experienced before my cancer treatment; if they were caused by radiation or chemo, I would want to know if at all possible. It might not change anything day to day for me, but as a person who wants as much information as possible, I would still want to know. Knowing doesn’t diminish the fact that cancer treatments saved my life, but it might answer some questions that have gone unanswered for years. 

Laurie

@tigerlily

I didn't mean it to come across as a either/or situation and I appreciate your post.

What I was trying to say maybe badly, is that radiation treatment is very destructive on living tissue and does produce long term effects. Generally speaking its left to yourself to find the methods that reduce the long term effects of the treatment. Yes I understand why Rick wants to know if it contributes to his UC. I guess it does! If Rick thinks maybe it did then its what can you do? to reduce the risk of any other long term effects. very little research in this area and some  which is unfairly discredited.

Love your input on the forum Laurie.

Chris

@chrisandbagpus. Thanks Chris - I completely agree with you. Once we have been “cured” of the cancer, we are left to fend for ourselves to deal with the after effects. I think there are a lot of “walking wounded “ out there who would benefit from some medical guidance, myself included, but finding it is like the proverbial needle in a haystack. I have found that doctors tend to know their own specialty, but are vague about anything that doesn’t fit neatly into that category, and may or may not know to whom to refer. Is it any wonder so many of us turn to Dr Google? 

Laurie

@tigerlily

I agree with you and Chris as well. I also believe that we must be our own advocates and really look into treatments and options. My husband and I did a great deal of research (and praying) before I made my final decision concerning my operation and how I would approach any-if any - treatments afterward.

My surgeon wanted me to be in this clinical study to try a new "cocktail" with radiation  before my surgery to have a colostomy There were no guarantees that I wouldn't need a colostomy after all the chemo and radiation.  After talking with the radiologist and asking hard questions as well as doing my homework concerning the chemo cocktail, I decided that I would have the Sigmoid Colostomy and not do any treatments afterward. There were many factors in my decision - every one must make their decisions based on what is right for them - but I stood just as much chance of  survival as if I had taken the surgeon's recommendations, plus, my quality of life would have been greatly compromised.  I did not make this decision lightly but have not regretted it, either. So far, I am staying healthy - healthier than I've ever been. By the grace of Almighty God, I am still here and am grateful to Him for anytime that I have left with my loved ones. 

God bless,

Stella