Looking for answers

[divvykev]

Diagnosed with stage 3b Rectal Cancer in July 21. Chemo / Radiotherapy for 5 weeks in October 21 and APR with permanent colostomy on December 21. Thankfully am still NED 18 months later.

One of my symptoms was lower back pain which was really painful but this eased up after the op as it was obvious that the tumour was pressing against my spine.

Started back in work in March 22 part time (Social Care Trainer) but struggled to get anywhere near my old self struggling with fatigue and forgetting words etc. Also had painful aching legs.

Hernia repair in October 22 led to stoma refashion after it was found the bowel had narrowed. Stoma started working much better and has been ok since but I never really recovered leading to giving up work in December 22.

At the moment I have the following symptoms which fit into PRD in my opinion.

Fatigue

Painful legs when doing any exercises

Sexual Dysfunction

Wind (tried food diary etc but no cause found)

Weakness in the legs and sore lower back around the area which caused pain pre op.

Pins and needles in hands and feet with numb areas in fingers and toes extremeties

I have had blood tests etc and all levels are as expected. A recent MRI of the spins found Anterolisthesis at the exact area of the pain but no metastasis.

Qualified for Support ESA and PIP but for my own sake I just want some answers if it is post radiotherapy stuff. I live in Chester and wonder if there are any specialists around here who specialise in this.

Thanks for any input

Kevin

[Sarah_PRDA Partner]

Hi divvykev

If you are concerned that your symptoms could be PRD we would advise raising this with your healthcare team in the first instance (with your oncologist if you are still under their care). We have a symptom checklist that helps aid the conversation with them and will highlight the impact the symptoms are having on your daily life.

You can signpost your healthcare team to the Best Practice Pathway for PRD to help them assess your symptoms.

If you require to a late effects service, we have a list of UK Services for people with late effects of radiotherapy.

Find the symptom checklist, the Best Practice Pathway and UK Services for people with late effects of radiotherapy on our resources page: prda.org.uk/resources

Best wishes

Sarah

[divvykev in reply to Sarah_PRDA]

Thank you for your reply.

I have tried to direct my GP to your website and organisation etc but he seems happier to go with food diaries and physiotherapy at the moment.

Would I need a GP referral to one of the services as there are none in my region but I am happy to travel.

Many thanks

Kevin