Post Treatment Troubles, Need Answers

Hi! my name is Tom. My wife was diagnosed with stage IV cervical cancer last May. She went thru radiation 5 days per week for 5 weeks and had chemo overnight in the hospital on each monday of the 5 weeks. Following these treatments she had two radiation implants 2 weeks after completion of regular radiation. The implants were 10 days apart, with the last being done in Oct. 2003. She was able to return to work in Sept. with very minimal difficulty. In Jan. 2004 she started experiencing some swelling in her lower back (tailbone area). We discussed this with her doctors and they did not seem to be alarmed. They ordered the normal ct scan, mri, doppler and blood work, which all came back negative. She has gone thru all of these test 4-6 times each since Feb., with the latest being done in July. Still nothing negative. Since Jan. the swelling has increased and she can no longer work because of the pain in her hips and legs. The 3 doctors who are treating her have put her on numerous medications, but non are getting rid of the problem. The swelling has gone down a little but not completely. She has recently developed some fluid on her lungs and is scheduled for a cat scan next week Aug. 18. They have no ideas at this point what has caused this problem either. Has anyone got any clues to help us or have been thru something similar? We would greatly appreciate any response on this. If just to know that we are not the only ones that have had this problem, that is how our doctors are acting.

Hi Tom, ny name is Terry and I went through the same cervical cancer treatment your wife did. I had and still have some of the same problems your wife has with regards to joint pain in my lower back, hips, legs, shoulders and neck. According to my doctors it's a side effect of the radiation. It can take anywhere from a year to a couple of years for it to all go away. (Great thought I know) Their recommendation to me was Advil for the pain, hot tub soaks, aquatic therapy, massages and maybe a chiropractor for an adjustment. I know the implants were very hard on me because of having to remain in one position for three days straight at a time.
Hope this helps and tell your wife she's not alone.

Hugs and prayers...Terry