Radiation side effects

So sorry that you’ve had to deal with hip replacement and osteoporosis along with anal cancer. I’ve not had any osteoporosis issues since completing treatment in January, 2017 for stage 3b anal cancer. I did have a bone density scan done a few months after treatment to ensure I didn’t have any issues and had a baseline. That scan five months after treatment showed normal bone density in the hips, pelvis and back. I too read that there may be issues with osteoporosis after treatment, but so far I’ve had no issues and it has been almost 4 years since treatment ended. I did have pelvic floor therapy to break up scar tissue and did yoga for flexibility along with taking calcium supplements. Best wishes and hoping you get better.

Janise - There sure are side effects on the bones surrounding our anus!! The doctors are not saying anything, they must have a some sort of allegiance to promoting the treatment of dealing with cancer... I am saying that because with all the different medical professional that I have had to deal with have gone silent when I have asked if the radiation treatment has caused my ongoing health problems. The only time I have heard a doctor mention that there were side effects was when they were discussing a young cancer patient on a documentary.

I have had a fistula between my anus and my vagina (very embarrassing when one 'farts' through their vagina!) All healed now, operations later

Now I am dealing with moving around like an arthritic old woman. I have been having cortisone injections and epijurals to help stop the pain. I also have inflamation between the bones, a fracture of L5 + S1 and deteriorating bone density of my lumber spine.

I first noticed numbness and pins and needles in my leg and toes after sitting on the toilet for ages (waiting for the last few nuggets of bm to make their way out). The pain increased after I had been babysitting my grandchildren. A day later I pulled up with pain in my leg, and an aching back, to the point that I couldn't walk without an aid. I used a hockey stick as a walking stick. Originally I thought that I had pulled a muscle so I persevered believing that it would heal and go away. It didn't go away, I went to a physio who gave me exercises and recommended I see my doctor, for a scan of sorts, to make sure it was nothing else. Ct scans a MRIs later, I find now that the pain and reduced power in my leg is because of damage to my lower vertebrate. 

I haven't done anything out of the normal to cause the problem in my back. My GP said it is most probably due to the radiation. I am alive and the cost of the treatment has given me life to live a bit longer. I am 5yrs post treatment and it seems that the consequences of cancer treatment does come at a cost. My mental health has only recently started to improve but the pain from my back really does me in. If I don't have pain relief, I can't do anything and need to lie down in an effect to stem the aching. And yes, bending over is something that is painful. Getting up and down from a chair is a slow process so I don't hurt anything - stiffness is a plroblem. Swimming is really the only time that pain and moving are not an issue.

The injections helped a lot, but they have started to wear off so, I'm lining up for more. I am trully grateful to be alive. My anus gets sore, I bleed every now and the 'tenderness' are all part of life now. But I can still poop and don't always have to wear a nappy. I do hope you start to feel encouraged, even if life is a 'different one' to what you had before cancer. My prayers are with you xx 

It has been over 4 years since finishing my radiation and chemo treatments.  I know exactly what you are talking about Janise.  I still have trouble tying my shoes and bending in certain ways.

This all came about after the radiation.  I was not aware of the side effects until I personally began to experience them but to be honest, I would still do what I did as I am now cancer free.

I have had the intermittent bleeding which my surgeon explained is because my intestines were in the process of healing and it takes time.  He did say not to get constipated and he is right.

I do have osteoporosis but never thought to blame the chemo and radiation.  After all I am 77 years old.

I now have PAD in one leg.  That is where the blood is not flowing through the veins properly.  I continue to enjoy my life though.  Even with this pandemic.

Life is too precious not to live it to the fullest.  I thank God for my Surgeon who discovered my cancer at an early stage and my oncologist who took wonderful care of me.

Also the nurses who were so compassionate and caring.  And last but far from least, my husband who was there for me every step of the way and all the other fine people I met during my recovery.