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How did you feel after pelvic radiation was completed?
Gynecologic Cancers | Last Active: Mar 1, 2023 | Replies (25)Comment receiving replies
@terradean I had the same number of radiation treatments as your treatment plan. I did not have chemotherapy. I can tell you about my experience.
I have osteoarthritis that affects my lower back. I am often quite stiff when I get up the morning but once I move around the stiffness lessens. My stretching exercises help.
It's been 10 months since I completed radiation therapy and I have had no increase in lower back pain or anywhere else.
My radiation oncologist told me that there is a possibility of fractures in the pelvic and lower back area. I found this to be frightening, of course, but my bone density scan was good (bone density actually increased as a result of taking Fosomax and weight bearing exercise).
My advice is to be sure to bring this up with your radiation oncologist when you start radiation therapy. You will meet weekly with the radiation oncologist during radiation therapy and will be asked about any and all symptoms that could be related to the radiation so they can help you minimize any severe effects.
With what I knew before I started radiation therapy I did not hesitate to follow the treatment plan.
I hope this helps give you hope. Do you have other concerns?
Replies to "@terradean I had the same number of radiation treatments as your treatment plan. I did not..."
I also had radiation and brachytherapy and have lower back issues. I always stretched before getting out of my bed and recently my girlfriend said her doctor told her to put a heating pad on her lower back before she gets out of the bed in the morning for 15 minutes. So I tried it my what a difference no more stiffness when I get out of bed, who would have thought something so simple could help so much.
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Thank you for your suggestions, I have an appt. with the radiation Dr. on Dec. 1st and this will help. I am very worried about my intestinal track be damaged with scar tissue and narrowing.
For years starting 15 years ago I had proctitis though was told it was ulcerative colitis to start with and had to use cannas for years till insurance company told me I should only need to use for 4 to 6 weeks. So, asked Gastroenterologist and he said try stopping and had no trouble stopping, and no troubles since. Prior to stopping trouble with dysentery off an on very loose stools and gas daily. Last colonoscopy stated it was totally gone. Hate the thought of going back words with radiation.
Will be bringing that up also, because not sure they were aware of that history of mine.