Localized radiation treatment for pain

Good evening,
I was wondering if anyone has had localized radiation treatment  to reduce a tumor (to help reduce pain). I am having a bone scan next week to determine if the cancer has mestasasized to my hip bone. I am experiencing decent pain in my hip and lower right abdomen. My oncologist is considering localized radiation to treat the cancer in my lower abdomen ( my last ct scan showed an enlarged lymph node in that region..that is after he gets the results of the bone scan and an exam by my ob/gyn. I was just wondering what side effects anyone felt and how well did this treatment work? The pain makes it difficult for me to walk much and I am sleeping in a recliner. I miss my bed. Julie

[kismetfarm]

I've had radiation twice for single tumors only to stop pain (and in one case bleeding).  The treatment I have very little problem with - it was ten doses of moderate radiation each time.  The first treatment had no side effects at all apart from moderate tiredness. I had slight nausea for about three days the second treatment (nothing major at all, just ate carefully) and my whole stomach peeled as if I had had a bad dose of sunburn after the treatment had finished - again no big deal not more than very slightly sensitive and I kept it well covered in aqueous cream, just looked a bit odd (but given the scars I have I'm hardly likely to get round with my midriff showing these days so again not the end of the world)

The first treatment was very effective very fast - the bleeding stopped immediately and the tumor shrunk and the pain went within the first week.  The second treatment was slower acting but the pain gradually decreased over about a month and continued to improve (that particular tumor I can feel quite easily and I could track the shrinkage) over the following three months.  

From a negative perspective radiation does leave you with scar tissue which could pose problems later so maybe discuss the risks with the radiologist.

Hope that helps.

[Burnzie]

Hi Julie,
I had a course of a weeks radiation to the pelvis in early August, trying to shrink two main tumors and the inguinal and pelvic lymph nodes.  I'm glad I had it because I think it shrunk the main ones, however other ones have sprung up, since they can only target so many areas at a time.  The side effects I had/have are swelling, hair loss, rash and itching.  I know this sounds like alot but I feel that it did help some and definitely helped in the pain department and that sounds like that is a major part of your issue.  Good luck and I hope you get some relief.
Karen

[westajul]

Thanks for all the info and advice :)

I have already lost my hair and I will put up with anything as long as it takes the pain away so I can sleep in my bed again. I won't be running around in a bikini again...one pieces only ...so scaring isn't a big issue. I am hoping I can lay still long enough for the bone scan to be done. I am going to call the radiation dept on Monday and make sure I can take pain medicine before they do the bone scan.  Julie