Childhood Cancer

Childhood Cancer Survivors

Chapter 17. Muscles and Bones

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

Albert Einstein

LONG-TERM SURVIVORS of cancer may experience a number of complications to their muscles and bones. Radiation and surgery can alter both appearance and function of any part of the body. This chapter discusses the major late effects to the muscles and bones from amputation, limb-salvage procedures, radiation, and chemotherapy. It covers osteonecrosis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and changes in body shape and size. Signs and symptoms, screening and detection, and medical management of these late effects also are presented. Included are many survivors’ stories about how they cope with late effects to their muscles and bones.