my mother is being treated for esophageal cancer stage 4 with docetaxel 80mg/oncea week for 6 weeks and radiation for 25days/5day aweek. She has shoulder pain before starting on the regimen. Still the pain is not decreased. also her mri dorsal spine shows destruction of T2vertebrae. Doctor suggested vertebroplasty which I have opposed at this point of time as she can have other problems associated. She has dysphagia also and is a vegetarian. Pl. suggest whether we have to go for vertebroplasty also or wait till the radiation is complete. Tillnow 17 radiations and 5 chemo are completed. Pl. help.
Hi, We avoid doing any surgical procedure during radiation as there is high chances of failure of surgical site healing. Since vertebroplasty is a per-cutaneous procedure there are less chances for above cited complications but since vertebroplasty is not an emergency in itself, so it is better to wait for 3 weeks post radiation and only then go for vertebroplasty. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.