Radiation and UC

No, I refused radiation following surgery for a pelvic (level 1B) malignancy over 8 yrs ago-- because it has the potential to cause gut strictures. Your decision to undergo should consider available biopsy/pathology reports; can your tumor be "staged" now? Does it meet the requirements for use of pencil-beam radiation? Sorry that you're facing this dilemma, but definitely investigate "pencil-beam" application if your doctor(s) didn't already discuss it with you, as it reduces radiation exposure to healthy tissue adjacent to the tumor. / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)

Yes, I believe IBDers do have an increased risk for gut strictures from some uses of radiation. If you're consulting at Vanderbilt there would likely be subspecialists in gastroenterology and/or radiology who could advise you RE that issue, also about pencil-beam radiation. That type of radiation is often used to treat early-stage prostate cancer, but I also heard about it helping to save the remaining eye of a 5 yr-old boy with recurring retinal blastoma-- a neighbor of mine was assisting on his case a few yrs ago. In your situation a major medical center should have professional staff with the needed expertise to help you arrive at the best treatment decision. There might be a radiologists' association Website available online that gives information on spinal condition usage for patients, if you can track it down ahead of your Vanderbilt consultation. Best wishes for you to get the information you need on Friday! / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)