Hey, I’m a 36 female, was diagnosed with 10cm tumour on 1st March this year, had 4 cycles capox chemo, followed by chemo radiotherapy for 5 weeks.
I am 7 weeks post chemo radiotherapy treatment on my pelvis, I am starting to get stiffness in my pelvis and legs, particularly when I get up off the sofa, out of bed, of a chair. I will see my oncologist in 3 weeks will be mention it to her, I will be having surgery in the not to distant future hopefully, but I was wondering if anybody has had this, if there’s anything that can help with it, I have been walking but it don’t seem to help.
Many thanks
Sarah
Hi Sarah07,
Although a slightly different diagnosis (anal cancer) our treatment regimes are similar, treatment for anal cancer generally consists of 5.5 weeks of chemoradiotherapy & many of us suffer with hip & leg stiffness post treatment. For some this resolves itself over time, unfortunately for myself 3.5 yrs post treatment I’m still suffering with this although I did have early signs of osteoarthritis in my hips prior to surgery. I’ve found I’m far better when I’m on the move & as you’ve described I stiffen up so quickly when I’ve sat for any length of time. My oncologist & surgeon have both checked for damage, fractures to my hips, coccyx etc., on my scans & they show nothing only slight wear & tear. I was told that the radiotherapy as well as it’s ability to damage bone it can also shrink muscles, I’m now considering a referral to physio to see if that helps as I don’t want to be reliant on painkillers for the rest of my life!
Apologies I couldn’t be of more help but you’re not alone in this issue.
Nicola
