Brachytherapy - Yes or No?

[BillyBobb]

HI

I was recently diagnosed with Stage 1b Womb Cancer in July and had a Hysterectomy 5 weeks ago - all very quick. I am healing very well. It was a terrible shock as I am slim, fit, healthy, vegetarian and Yoga Teacher. I have never taken the pill or HRT. I am 59 years old and have had 2 children and no gynae problems. But apparently this was a slow growing oestrogen related cancer.

I have been booked in for Brachytherapy for the top of the vagina. Despite having discussed and researched this a lot over the last few weeks, I am still undecided about whether or not to go through with this. I know that the cancer may appear at the top of the vagina and if it does then Brachytherapy would prevent this. However, if I don't get this done know and it does appear, I can get it done then.

The side effects can be quite horrid and I really don't want to do anything that may be unnecessary and may affect my ongoing health. I have always preferred natural therapies, etc. to drugs of any sort.

I have discussed this at length with the Radiotherapy department and my cancer consultant and I am still undecided.

Has anyone got any advice?

[Nessie50]

Hi there I am 62 same dilemma but only stage 1A but grade 3 cells so I went ahead with the brachytherapy x3 .I was like you but was told that I couldn’t have brachytherapy as a treatment if it occurred later it would have to be external radiation which has far more concerns. I am ok and 1 year post treatment.I have had bladder issues before this but none since so was somewhat surprised to find the brachytherapy was not a problem for me, I wish you luck in your decision,regards Vanessa

[BillyBobb in reply to Nessie50]

Thank you. I have been told that I can have internal Brachytherapy if it should recur later in my vagina. I am glad to hear you are doing well and have had no problems. It is a very hard decision. I still have one week and a half to go before I start treatment x3 if I go down this route. So difficult.

[Nessie50 in reply to BillyBobb]

I find it is a comfort to me knowing that I’ve done all I can to prevent reoccurrence, especially when I get the odd twinge , I would be forever worrying .

[AlexaMac in reply to Nessie50]

This is a long shot as this is an old post, but, l am being given brachytherapy in about 3 weeks time. It is to be 20 shots over 20 hours in one treatment, and l,was wondering what kinds of after effects, e.g. intense heat at the site etc. and any helps to cope with this please.

Thank you Alexa 🌸🌸🌸

[AskEveTeam]

Hi there. Thank you for your post and we're so sorry to hear that you're having a dilemma about further treatment. You've already done what we would advise - talking to your cancer consultant at length as every woman’s case is different and your consultant knows your clinical details. You could perhaps ask for a further consult, taking your list of questions with you after you've had some time to think.

Wishing you all the best,

Ask Eve x

[BillyBobb in reply to AskEveTeam]

Thank you. I've already asked all the questions I can so I just have to make up my mind. Difficult. Erring on the not having it side and having it if it does recur in the vagina.

[AlexaMac in reply to AskEveTeam]

Hi l have just replied to a brachytherapy post above yours, l am 77 and due to have brachytherapy in a few weeks following partial hysterectomy then 6 weeks later completion of hysterectomy. I was wondering about heat in my abdomen afterwards is it as intense as external therapy, l am to have 20 shots over 20 hours (in one session) l will be in hospital for 3 days due to the length of the treatment and my age, although apart from the hysterectomy having to be done twice to complete l am normally fairly fit and healthy for my age,

Thank you for any helps you can give, Alexa 🌸🌸🌸

[Bruges]

Hello BillyBobb,

I hope you are well.

I have just read your post and was wondering if you went ahead with the brachytherapy?

At the moment I am facing the same dilemma and I find this to be a very difficult decision to make.

All the best.

[BillyBobb]

I didn't do the Brachytherapy and everything seems fine so far. I recovered quickly from the surgery and feel very fit and well. I am getting regular checkups.

[Nessie50]

I was in exactly the same position as yourself but I went through it.I thought if I did everything I could to stop this I should.At least I wasn’t tempting fate by doing all I could. I’ve no side effects and no more cancer 15 months later.

[AlexaMac in reply to Nessie50]

hi Nessie, l am awaiting a brachytherapy appointment that is to be 20 shots in 20 hours in one treatment. Did you experience any intense internal heat from yours as would be experienced with external radio, if so do you have any hints to cope with this please.

So happy you are now once more fit and well.

[BillyBobb]

Fantastic. What were the side effects of the Brachytherapy like?