How did you feel after pelvic radiation was completed?

@naturegirl5 Keratosis pilaris is a very common, entirely harmless (benign) skin condition. It occurs when your body produces too much keratin—a protective protein that makes up your hair, nails, and outer skin layer. This excess keratin builds up and forms a plug that clogs the openings of your hair follicles, resulting in small, rough, sandpaper-like bumps. It's genetic. I have it now on my lower forearms after radiation, but the skin changes caused by radiation therapy are known as radiation dermatitis. These reactions only occur where the radiation enters or targets the body and follow a very different pattern than KP:
• Location: Brachytherapy skin changes are strictly confined to the specific target area (e.g., the skin over a treated tumor site or surgical vaginal cuff area). It will not cause new bumps to appear on your arms or legs.
• Acute Symptoms: Within the treatment field, radiation temporarily disrupts normal skin cell renewal. This can cause the localized skin to become pink, red, dry, itchy, or tender. In some cases, it can lead to peeling or flaking skin (desquamation). Late Symptoms: Months or years after treatment, the localized skin in the treatment path may show long-term changes, such as permanent hyperpigmentation (darkening), hypopigmentation (lightening), or mild thinning of the tissue. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment and have noticed a new, bumpy rash on your forearms or elsewhere, it is likely due to an entirely different mechanism:
1. Chemotherapy or Targeted Drugs: Certain systemic cancer treatments—such as chemotherapy or specific targeted therapies (like BRAF inhibitors or anti-EGFR drugs)—are widely known to cause dry, bumpy, acne-like, or "KP-like" skin rashes on the arms and torso. Regrowth of Hair: As body hair begins to grow back after systemic treatments, it can occasionally cause temporary, tiny follicular bumps that look similar to KP. THIS IS WHAT I BELIEVE I HAVE. IT'S HAIR BREAKING TROUGH THE SKIN.
I bought a brand name of hair and skin products called "Vanicream" for facial moisturizer. Vanicream body moisturizer, and Vanicream for my very dry flaky scalp - currently bald with peach fuzz starting to grow. It is for sensitive skin with zero harsh chemicals/ It's hydrating. I like it. My skins been so dry, flaky and itchy. Reasonably affordable. Walmart, Target, CVS. I hope that this helps. Linda from New York.

I am five months out from radiation to my abdomen and pelvis. The main complaint I have is the lower back pain that has now begun to move up my back and I have also began feeling more fatigued. Hoping these things will resolve themselves eventually. Take care.

Hello - yes I have finished with the radiation treatments ( first week of Oct) I still am experiencing back and hip pain which is concerning, but I am trying to look into alternative treatments for my pain and not let the anxiety get the best of me. I am praying it is nothing else. Thank you for asking.

@sm22 Have you finished with the radiation treatments? How are you feeling and has your back and hip pain lessened?

@jeanadair123 I sure will. Happy Thanksgiving to yiu.

Let me know how if it helps you? Happy thanksgiving

@jeanadair123 I've never thought about doing that. It also sounds relaxing as I'm waking up in the morning. Thank you sharing that suggestion.

@terradean That is a significant history involving your intestinal tract that I would think radiation oncology will want to know. That will help the radiation oncologist figure out what is best for you and minimize side effects. It's good that your appointment is coming up so soon so that you will have the answers that you need to make your decisions about radiation.

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.

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.