Why won't my Gynecologist let me have Radiother... - My Ovacome
Why won't my Gynecologist let me have Radiotherapy. ... instead of Chemo ( ive decided against Chemo.. long story now) Better than nothing?
This is a common question, the answer we tend to get is that radiotherapy tends to be used only on a single site not multiple sites. Since most ovarian cancer patients have multiple sites then it would only be used to ease symptoms if one tumour was causing problems. Therefore chemo in most cases is the only sensible way forward. Hope this helps. Love Paul xx
Radiotherapy is directed straight at the affected area, most ovarian cancers are spread over a large area making it more difficult to treat the whole affected area,
Chris
Like others have said radiotherapy is targeted at a specific tumour, but ovarian cancer (even if it is not widespread) often is too close to other organs to give radiotherapy, it would then damage vital organs so chemotherapy is the best option for abdominal cancer, your oncologist therefore is acting in your best interest.
best wishes love x G x
As all above say, despite raidio therapy being wonderful, I have had friend who had it with success on her leg, it is not suitable in any way for ovarian cancer! I would ask your oncologist, if you definitely won't go the chemo route, if there are any other forms of treatment and what the results are! Although when I started my chemo I didn't want to do it and I was told there are other treatments but with a then 8 year old son that it would not be the best option as they would clear the cancer cells like chemo. At the moment I am free of anything and my sn is now 10 just! The chemo wasnt as bad as I thought though! Good luck and best wishes Lynn
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. Its as I thought and my cancer nurse said. I had heard it may be possible but realise it isnt. I am doing very well although my Ca125 has gone up slightly the last 2 tests im feeling pretty positive... its all we can be isnt it!!
Although I haven't been able to have Radiotherapy on all of my tumours - I was able to have it to try and shrink one on a rib in my back that causes me pain. As the others have said - it's the position of the tumour that decides.
I'm not sure why you have decided against having Chemo. I was terrified and really didn't want to have it. However - I didn't want to leave my lovely family more - so I DID go for it and it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I'd envisaged. That was getting on for 7 years ago and I'm SO glad I did go for it. I hope this may help you if it's fear that is stopping you from having Chemo.
With my sympathetic best wishes, Solange
Thank you Solange. Not having Chemo was a very hard decision but I suffer from a terrible phobia with hospitals and especially needles and drugs. Had to have major counselling before I could even think of having the op. My husband was given special permission to sleep by my side 24 hrs a day till I was allowed home. It is an absolutely horrendous phobia which has made me have to make the choice I did. I did try going to the chemo suite but was a total disaster. Even the oncologist saw it was pointless. They have others they need to treat. So I made the decision. I am absolutely gutted and terrified but its how it is. I thought Radiotherapy would be better than nothing but understand its not possible. I am stagec1c but unfortunately grade 3 which concerns the oncologist as they are pretty bad cells. I have to live with my decision but so wish I could have it. But also understand there is a window of opportunity which has now gone. Best wishes to you x
I TOO HAVE A HUGE PHOBIA WITH ANYTHING INVASIVE. JUST GOING TO MY PREOP APPOINTMENT HAD ME CRYING HYSTERICALLY. THEY GAVE ME ATIVAN TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE LAB WORK. I CRIED ALL THE WAY INTO SURGERY. BUT I SURVIVED. THEN CAME STAGING. I HAVE III GRADE I. I WAS ONLY ABLETODO FOUR OF SIX CHEMO TREATMENTS. I DID HAVE A LONG TERM PORT INSERTED AND TOOK ATIVAN PRIOR TO EACH TREATMENT. YES, HAVING THE PORT INSERTED TOOK TWO VALIUM PLUS I CRIED THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS WITH THE NIRSE HOLDING MY HAND. BUT I DID IT. I HAD SUCH SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS TO THE CHEMO, NOW USING A WHEELCHAIR DUE TO CHEMO INDUCED NERVE DAMAGE. FOUR WEEKS SINCE MY.LAST TREATMENT I AM BEGINNIG TO SLIGHTLY.FEEL.BETTER. SFILL HAVE NAUSEA, DIARHIRRAand PAIN. Next, 25 rounds of radiation. I can so relate to your phobia. Everyone JIST knows I close my eyes Nd cry. Cry a lot. Lots of empathy and kindness hE seen me through. I wish you the best and KNOW I fully understand your phobia.
Could you not get some psychotherapy or other psychological treatment for your phobia? I am a retired GP who has a variant of ovarian cancer. I am sure such treatment would help. Plus maybe heavy sedation before the chemo?? It would be worth looking into.
All best wishes.
Eileen xx
