Radiation Effect on Muscles?

markatger
markatger Member Posts: 314
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hey there hi there ho there : )

I have more questions about radiation for those of you who have "been there, done that".

I had radiation during the 2005 summer to my pelvis to shrink my rectal tumor prior to surgery. The radiation was beamed in from 4 points - both sides and front and back.

I am wondering if it is possible for the radiation to effect my muscles in that region. My glutes (butt muscles) feel sore when I go up steep stairs, or run on a treadmill. I also have tailbone area discomfort when I sit on it too long (which I'm anxious may be a bone met).

I have talked to the radiation oncology nurse. She didn't seem to want to reassure me that the radiation could be causing the butt muscle and tailbone area symptoms. I think she would rather be over cautious about possible bone mets to tailbone than over-assuming that it is nothing. But it was a little frustrating to hear from her that she didn't think radiation could be the cause - when intuitively it really makes sense to me. The beam of radiation was beamed in from four points, so it seems like the whole area would get a little fried.

So I'm wondering if anyone else out there, who had similar 4 point radiation to their pelvic area, has or had similar discomfort to the muscles and other tissues in that region. I, of course, know that most of us all experienced fairly severe anal discomfort. I wondering instead about any gluteus maximus (big butt muscle) or tailbone pain.

By the way, I have gotten a PET Scan yesterday - get results in a couple hours. And I am trying to get a bone scan as well...

Thanks,
Maria

Comments

  • nanuk
    nanuk Member Posts: 1,358 Member
    #2
    the scans should tell you a lot. There are also many late on-set side effects' You might word search on this site and google. There's a lot of information out there. Nanuk
  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    #3
    nanuk said:

    the scans should tell you a lot. There are also many late on-set side effects' You might word search on this site and google. There's a lot of information out there. Nanuk

    Sorry Maria, can't help yah there as I did not get nuked although I sympathise with you.I think chemo thought my butt pretty fair game....geez..that burnt enough so I hate to think what nuking would do to it!
    Anyway...all the best with your PET results..hope it works out for you, Ross n Jen
  • RunnerZ
    RunnerZ Member Posts: 185
    #4
    Maria, I am a 7 year survivor of stage 3 rectal cancer and I, too had preoperative chemoradiation, surgery and chemotherapy. I also had some residual soreness and pain in my tailbone region after treatment was completed, actually for about 2 years. Since my CT Scans were clear I did not worry too much and figured that the trauma of surgery along with radiation and some possible nerve damage form either could cause that mild soreness. It has gone away, but took years. I think you are fine, and yet wise to talk about it with your Dr. However...I'm here! Hope that helps,

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