Please help with this question

My partner was diagnosed with Stage 4a Cervical cancer. She was treated with 25 external radiation with Chemo once a week and 5 internal radiation. As far as we know right now all looks good. She has a fistula that makes it's so she has no control over her bladder. Her tumor as about 6 inches and when right into her bladder causing the fistula. It also pinched her kidney tubes and needed stints put in. We finished treatment in July and she has lots of back pain. Which from what I have read is from the Radiation. What my questions is, she has like contraction or cramps in her lower belly, is this normal for after radiation/chemo? Does anybody else experience this?

Thanks a bunch!

Jenn

Comments

  • beckyracn
    beckyracn Member Posts: 322
    Jenn,
    Bowel and bladder

    Jenn,
    Bowel and bladder issues are normal after receiving radiation to the abd./pelvic area. Some experience only minor issues, while others have numerous difficulties. The radiation can cause lots of edema and if surgery was involved at any point...scar tissue and adhesions. If she's had stents placed, the issues could be revolving around the bladder or kidney. Has she been worked up for this?
    I'm sorry she is having to endure this after all she's already been through. I've been out of treatment for three years now and still have GI tract issues and back pain. I've learned to deal with it as best I can, my new 'normal', and focus on all the good moments I have.
  • emotionalpond
    emotionalpond Member Posts: 22
    beckyracn said:

    Jenn,
    Bowel and bladder

    Jenn,
    Bowel and bladder issues are normal after receiving radiation to the abd./pelvic area. Some experience only minor issues, while others have numerous difficulties. The radiation can cause lots of edema and if surgery was involved at any point...scar tissue and adhesions. If she's had stents placed, the issues could be revolving around the bladder or kidney. Has she been worked up for this?
    I'm sorry she is having to endure this after all she's already been through. I've been out of treatment for three years now and still have GI tract issues and back pain. I've learned to deal with it as best I can, my new 'normal', and focus on all the good moments I have.

    thank you!
    Thank you!

    We are going to talk to her doc about it on her follow up apt. on Nov. 18, 2011. It's the apt where we find out if the cancer is still there or not.

    Jenn
  • beckyracn
    beckyracn Member Posts: 322

    thank you!
    Thank you!

    We are going to talk to her doc about it on her follow up apt. on Nov. 18, 2011. It's the apt where we find out if the cancer is still there or not.

    Jenn

    Keeping my fingers crossed
    Keeping my fingers crossed for the both of you that her difficulties are anything but a recurrance!
  • emotionalpond
    emotionalpond Member Posts: 22
    beckyracn said:

    Keeping my fingers crossed
    Keeping my fingers crossed for the both of you that her difficulties are anything but a recurrance!

    NED NED
    Just wanted to let you know it's an NED!!! Wohoo!

    Jenn
  • beckyracn
    beckyracn Member Posts: 322

    NED NED
    Just wanted to let you know it's an NED!!! Wohoo!

    Jenn

    YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope things
    YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope things resolve themselves.........time.