Pelvic fracture after radiotherapy

Hi Newboots 

I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you're having after radiotherapy. I'm not sure if my case is any comparison for you but I have experienced pelvic fracture. Whilst waiting for treatment to start (chemo and 5 sessions of radio) I stood up one morning and was suddenly in extreme pain. I didn't know the reason for it at the time and assumed it was just cancer pain becoming worse. I realised I couldn't get through with only paracetamol and codeine, spoke to GP and was advised oromorph with a view to long acting morphine tablets.

I had the chemo and the radio was slotted in alongside it so I couldn't tell which symptoms were caused by which treatment. Anyway, fast forward about 6 months post treatment and the oncologist tells me about an anomaly they found on CT. There had been a pelvic fracture on the left and pelvic bone was healing because of treatment. The right pelvis had a hole in it. These changes had been caused by cancer and I could pinpoint the extreme pain to when it had happened. 

I had been a runner prior to cancer, not sure if that is relevant to you. I also had sudden toileting urge after radio but not incontinence. This has mostly resolved now. I would say it took a good 6 months to resolve but still now have the odd occasion. My profile is on if you would like to read my story. Just click on my username to read. It's a good idea to write a profile yourself as it helps others in their replies to you and saves you repeating yourself. I wish you well going forward.

A x

Hi Newboots, I feel for you having this issue. I had my hysterectomy in January 2021 and radio April-May 2022. When I had my first oncologist appointment after my histology results, she explained my treatment plan, including the possible risks/possible side effects, one of which was the possibility of pelvic bone thinning, meaning possible increased risk of mini fractures. I was then given a consent form to sign which mentioned all these. It does concern me that you may not have had the same sort of pre treatment chat and form, and if this is the case I’d recommend contacting PALS at your hospital. Because of that possible risk, combined with my age and being post menopausal, my oncologist said she’d arrange a bone scan for me after treatment. I had that 4 months after treatment finished, and it showed that I had moderate osteopenia - ie loss of bone density/weakening/thinning  - which can lead to osteoporosis. So I was started straight away on calcium supplements and will have a repeat bone scan next year, though I may request that I have it sooner, as I’d be interested to know if the calcium has improved things at all. I hope you get woke positive news soon,

Thanks Sistermoon . I read your profile and see you’re having a hard time of it so commiserations.I’ll try and do my profile too.

my GP has prescribed Naproxen which seems to control the pain ok and he  says to mobilise within the pain !Hopefully I’ll get more detailed advice from the physio team.

Thanks Marmitefan59. Yes I did have concerns about the radiotherapy more so than the chemo. I did talk through the possible side effects with a friend who is an ex Gp and with the oncologist. The more extreme side effects were classed as very rare. I did get a pre treatment chat and knew what I was signing up to. It’s still a big shock and my first thought was will I walk properly again having been a keen walker . I am 73 so want to keep my mobility.

Hopefully I’ll learn more from the Physiotherapy team about what I can and can’t do whilst healing and then what the prognosis is for the future.