7 DOWN. 32 TO GO.

What is prostate cancer radiation treatment actually like? What happens during an appointment? How do you prepare? And what about the side effects?

After completing the first 7 of my planned 39 radiation treatments for Stage 4A prostate cancer, I wanted to share what the experience has really been like—from the daily preparation and positioning on the treatment table to the emotional side of showing up day after day.

In this episode of Jonesing For The Journey, I walk you through 7 things I've learned from my first 7 radiation treatments.

I talk about:

• What I expected before starting radiation—and what actually happened.

• The daily routine of preparing my bladder and bowel for treatment.

• What happens inside the radiation treatment room, including positioning, imaging, and treatment delivery.

• Why those little alignment marks matter.

• How long the appointments actually take.

• The radiation side effects I've experienced so far—and those I haven't.

• How Sue and I are adjusting to what I call "a new normal. For now."

One of the biggest surprises? After those first seven treatments, I hadn't noticed any new problems with my energy, urinary function, bowel habits, or physical discomfort.

But that's my experience after seven treatments. It doesn't mean the remaining treatments will be the same, and everyone's cancer journey is different.

This is also another chapter in a much bigger story. Following my radical prostatectomy, we learned that my prostate cancer was more advanced than originally believed. Then, just as radiation was approaching, another unexpected discovery—prostate cancer cells in tissue removed from my bladder—added another detour.

Now, with radiation and ongoing hormone therapy, we continue moving forward.

And through every appointment, Sue has been right there beside me. Because cancer doesn't just affect the patient. It changes life for the people who love and care for us, too.

If you're preparing for prostate cancer radiation, currently undergoing treatment, or supporting someone you love, I hope hearing about my experience makes the unknown a little less intimidating.

We're not medical professionals. We're sharing our personal experience, what we're learning, and the questions we're asking along the way. Always follow the guidance of your own medical team.

RESOURCES FOR YOUR JOURNEY

🌐 Jonesing For The Journey:
https://jonesingforthejourney.com

🧭 Our Resource Map — trusted cancer, patient advocacy, and caregiver resources, conveniently gathered in one place:
https://jonesingforthejourney.com/journal/the-resource-map-for-the-journey/

💙 ZERO Prostate Cancer:
https://zerocancer.org

🛒 Products and everyday essentials we've used throughout our journey:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/jftjjourney

Some product links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Have you been through radiation treatment? What surprised you most? Or, if you're preparing to start, what's your biggest question?

Share your experience in the comments. Your story might help someone else facing the same uncertainty.

Follow Jonesing For The Journey on Spotify for more firsthand stories about prostate cancer, treatment, recovery, caregiving, advocacy, and finding a way forward when life changes the plans.

Remember: Never make an important decision on a single piece of information. Ask one more question.

Real Life. Real Journeys. Real Hope.

And so…the adventure continues. 💙