Does bone pain recur after radiation therapy?

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livingwithit
livingwithit Member Posts: 39
edited January 2017 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello all,

I was diagnosed with bone mets to upper left extremity and left illiac crest in August 2015. Specifically to the bony glenoid process of left shoulder and left humerus. The pain was excruiciating but significantly improved after 10 rounds rads and once my skin grew back! I had a horrible skin reaction.

So now I am post rads about 16 months and the pain in my arm is coming back. The pain is approaching what it was before radiation and comes and goes as far as the intensity.

Last bone scan October 2016 showed no new mets, persistent uptake in the humerus although the uptake is much less compared to my initial scans in August 2015.

The increase in pain has me worriedl/scared and I will discuss with MO at next appointment.

My question is: Does the pain relief provided by radiation to bone "wear off" over time? Has anyone else had this happen? If so was it disease progression or just that radiation pain relief doesn't last forever?

Thanks so much for any info you all can give me about your own experiences!

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  • Lindalou
    Lindalou Member Posts: 647
    edited January 2017

    livingwithit, Sorry you are experiencing pain again. In my case I had radiation to my upper rib and to tumors in my spinal cord. Pain was diminished and then returned about 18 months later, causing me the same familiar pain. I had radiation again to those same areas and got relief again, however, 2 times is the maximum one can receive radiation in the same spot. So to answer your question, yes pain can recur and progression can occur in the same spot. My RO said my cancer is radiation resistant meaning even though the treatments do kill some of the cancer, it can grow back. When do you see MO again? Can you also make an appt to see your RO, or perhaps your MO will refer you for a consult. In your case with skin reaction you may not be able to have radiation again. Now I'm 3 years since last ( and final radiation) I am getting more pain again but it is tolerable. Good luck as you move forward.

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  • livingwithit
    livingwithit Member Posts: 39
    edited January 2017

    Thank you so much for your reply. My next apointment is 1/18. I've called and left a message asking for a return call to ask if I should come in sooner.

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