I have set up this website in the hope that it may be useful to people who have pelvic radiotherapy damage following cancer treatment in the pelvic area. What I have experienced is a very extreme radiation related problem. I do hope that if you are a patient about to have this treatment, you won't be put off by it. Treatment is improving all the time with the aim of as less damage as possible to normal cells near the tumor site.
It can be very difficult to talk with partners and loved ones about intimate problems with pelvic radiotherapy.
Radiation is given to destroy cancerous cells but normal cells can be affected permanently in the process. Some patients have ongoing problems which can affect their quality of life. The cell damage in normal tissue is like a severe, deep seated burn and causes a permanent scar tissue. The scar tissue is known as radiation induced fibrosis in the soft tissue, and in damage to the bone it is called osteoradionecrosis.
These damages can be so severe as to lead to physical problems, isolation and depression. For me, it was very difficult at first but as time went by I started to learn more about the disease and felt much stronger. I started to take control of my own life.
After my treatment ended in 2004, my problems started straight away. My doctors didn't have all the answers for me. I used to ring all the main cancer charities to ask if they knew what was happening to me. To be honest , the level of assessment and care one receives for these late effects are not very good. The only support group i found was a yahoo on line discussion and support forum. At that time it had about forty members, and now it has gone bigger. People can join and share their experience with others .
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/radiotherapydamage..
This website tells my story, discusses tips and treatments I have found useful and gives contacts for further information. I would like to apologies for not using my real name on this website due to personal reasons
Mercedes
This website is designed as a personal information site, and it does not engage in giving medical advise.
