Hi folks
has anyone had radiotherapy on their spine?
I have been suffering a lot with pain in my lower back and over the winter really struggled with walking. It has improved a bit as my chemo is starting to work on slowing down the progress but my last scan showed no change - the mets in my spine are still there and apparently a lot of them. I asked my consultant to refer me to a cancer specialist physio as I said the hardest thing is knowing if its safe to do certain things or if I'm making the problems worse. She had a team talk and they decided I needed radiotherapy.
For some reason I find this terrifying - its my spine - what if it goes wrong?
also I remember how awful it was when I had radiotherapy only shoulder. I was in bed for weeks and could nearly move - surely having it on my back will mean restricted mobility?
So please if you know about this or have experience can you tell me your story
Thank you Eddie
this has helped me to understand a lot of what may be ahead. I can see I'm on a slightly different path for now as my mets are small but in multiples so that is defintely something for me to ask about. The RT on my shoulder was much more understandable as it was one large and two smaller ones. They tattooed dots so they could make it pinpoint accurate. I was very impressed with the space-age machinery. It took a lot out of me but in time gave me back my movement.
I think I need to ask some more about positioning of the mets and possible problems that might cause. Also to ask about some of the different treatments -would medication be better if there are so many and why have they not tried that yet? Maybe as you say it too strong with all the rest of the treatment I am on.
I have had problems with a physio in the past and that's why I wanted to know what they had to say about it. Interesting that they said no.
I used to love swimming and it was the only thing that helped me when I had pain following a car accident but gave it up with covid. I wonder if/how it might help now and if its ok with the worry about infections?
Mobility is my biggest worry. I think I worry about that even more than the cancer! I know at some point the treatment may not work and have come to terms with that. Its what will happen in the in-between bit...
Someone gave me a card that says 'Worry is a misuse of imagination' - That's the problem! I have an overactive imagination!
xThea
Hi Thea, I'm glad to help any time, but you must always ask questions, there's no such thing as a stupid question, only not asking it, I'm flattered you ask me these questions my friend, but my understanding of possible treatments is all prostate cancer related, ask about cytotoxic agents, radiopharmaceuticals and corticosteroids, your team know so much more than me, and I'm pretty certain any good physiotherapist wouldn't touch anyone's spine if it had tumours, but if you can get a safe environment to swim, then do so.
Wise words on that card my friend, I used to worry about my mobility, and knowing it's almost certain I will get SSC, with good reason, but I've made my wishes clear for that eventuality, so I can get on with life, you can use an overactive imagination for positive things my friend.
Eddie xx
Thank you Eddie
you have helped me to focus my thinking and to have the right questions. It may be a different kind of cancer but once these mets begin spreading they do the same kinds of damage. you understand that mobility is the big thing and I get what you are saying here. I too am a know what's possible prepare for it and then get on with enjoying what is still possible. It snuck up once once but it won't get to do that again!
Here's to enjoying life's possibilities
x Thea
Hi Thea, thank you, but I think you already knew the way forward, though sometimes a similar voice helps. PS I never mentioned targeted or immuno therapies, as ours, if possible will be totally different. I've had a good day, had a cry early doors, on receiving some bad news about a friend, but had reflexology, and my daughter took me for lunch, and surprised me, by telling me she's getting married, Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best, comes to mind.
Eddie xx
Oh Eddie
I know those rollercoaster days only too well. I had bad news about a friend day before yesterday and it sent me into a spin. We have out ways now of coping but some things just cannot be avoided. Sending you hugs. And congratulations for your daughter. It's a reminder to us all that life goes on and there is often something beautiful just around the corner. Sharing her happiness is a wonderful moment.
x Thea
Hi Thea, thank you, the wedding was all sorted before we, mum and I, were informed, but we are so happy, and only have to wait until June 28th for the big day.
So sorry you've had bad news too my friend, though good to hear you have coping mechanisms to help sometimes.
We, Sheila and I, are still hopeful of getting married, 3rd time lucky, maybe. We have a few things to look forward to, but not everything, we have to accept, the good and the not so good news, and not dwell on the bad.
Eddie and family xx
Hi Eddie
weddings are such a happy time and I love how it brings the family together. It sounds like your daughter has been thinking of you and taken the stress out of the preparation stage so you just look forward to the Big Day. June weddings are special with the spring flowers and their nod to all the hope ahead for good memories to come. And I hope you mange that for yourself too.
x Anthea
Hi Anthea, thank you, sadly our daughter had a very negative view of mum and dad's prognosis, which we were happy to remind her was so.We love weddings too, and looks like 3 for the family this year, which is wonderful for everyone, and maybe a couple more christenings.
Eddie xx
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