Radiation : How safe is radiation for... - SHARE Metastatic ...

SHARE Metastatic Breast Cancer

6,792 members8,415 posts

Radiation

lynzer profile image
5 Replies

How safe is radiation for bone mets? Does it weaken the bone more?

Written by
lynzer profile image
lynzer
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
5 Replies
PJBinMI profile image
PJBinMI

I have generally heard of radiation being used to alleviate pain in bone mets and it's my impression that it can be really helpful in doing that but I haven't a clue about any other impact it has on the bones. A question for your onc.

Garnet131 profile image
Garnet131 in reply toPJBinMI

After being hospitalized for a week in October 2017 for pneumonia/shortness of breath, I ultimately received diagnosis of MBC in various places, including hilar nodes in lungs and numerous bone mets. Surgery was mentioned because left femur was possibly on verge of breaking; however, because I had no pain on left side, orthopedic oncologist decided against surgery. Instead I had 5 very brief (seconds long) radiation treatments to femur for 5 consecutive days, which I was told were to strengthen the bone. Then had to use a walker for 6 weeks as a precaution. Ironically, any discomfort in my hip area was (and continues to be) always on the right side, not left (and pretty minor/random). When I went back in December for x-rays/follow-up visit with OO, he said my hips were "solid and sturdy" so I was able to resume tai chi and have since added cardio, pole walking, and with doc's permission, even back to my first love, tap dancing! At the next follow-up visit, I voiced my surprise at how I had been using a walker not long ago and now could be so active. He said it was a combination of the radiation, calcium/vitamin D, Zometa (every 3 months), and weight-bearing activity, which builds bone--not that the mets is gone, but "it's the best it can be."

tmills64 profile image
tmills64

I had a complete spinal cord compression with most of vertebrae in the throrasic back collapsed and crumbling, I had 10 rounds of radiation now my vertebrae are hard as stone. I didn't help the pain to much but saved me from my spine collapsing .

lynzer profile image
lynzer in reply totmills64

Thanks for the reply! So I got a 2nd opinion from a radiologist at Sloan Kettering and he suggested

, kyphoplasty, treatment of vertebral compression fractures

Used for refractory spinal pain due (severe chronic pain) to myeloma bone disease or metastases.

Basically they inject cement in between the vertebra. This website explains it pretty well.

mayfieldclinic.com/PE-Kypho...

I’m considering getting it since there is no active disease in the vertebrae’s, just shrinkage.

Lynn

Lordmandy profile image
Lordmandy

I’ve had stereotactic radiation to my T 10 spinal vertebrae. Seems to strengthen and reduce pain.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Radiation pain

Has anybody had pain after radiation? I am having right humerus and 4/5th rib on back radiated and...
Books48 profile image

Radiation

My MBC is to the hip bone. Just wondering if others have had problems with healing radiation...
8576 profile image

radiation or screws for fracture?

Hello ladies! So I have shared that a have a pathologic nondisplaced fracture in my iliac crest...
Dragonfly2 profile image

Radiation with scans? How often is too often?

Has anyone had concerns over radiation levels with CT/bone scans? I had been having scans every six...
oilermama profile image

Radiation

I start radiation today, for the 1.7 cm in my lymph node. I Wanted to share with everyone. I have...
kduck profile image

Moderation team

See all
Jslanovich profile image
JslanovichAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.