Radiotherapy for OC in lymph nodes

[Numi]

Hello ladies. I wonder if those on here in England, who have had radiotherapy, could please tell me which hospital trust you had the treatment under. My oncologist still says they don't use radiotherapy, though I know many of you have had it.

I'm on my fourth recurrence and currently on weekly taxol, but two lymph nodes are still growing, though my CA125 has come down a lot from the start of treatment, but has been very erratic in recent weeks.

My oncologist wants me to carry on with the taxol as I tolerate it well, but one of the nodes has become big enough to feel and cause discomfort, so I want to explore other ways of keeping it under control.

[Lyndy]

Hi Numi

I think you could ask for a second opinion specifically around the option for radiotherapy.

You are right that it is routinely used and they are now able to target very accurately. I don’t know where you are but the Royal Marsden is a specialist cancer hospital that does use radiotherapy…maybe start there? xx

[Jud15]

Hi NumiI had radiotherapy on lymph nodes last year. It was undertaken at my local hospital that has the service for the Trust,East Kent. But all medical oncology is provided in trust by the Kent Oncology Service a specialist centre in Maidstone. I should add that I had 2 separate treatments on my abdomen and chest. My last scan showed that my lymph nodes had continued to reduce in size, (this happens with radiotherapy) and were stable. I hope that helps. Judith

[Yorkiepudd]

Hi Numi, I had radiotherapy but wasn’t for my OC but womb cancer. However it was done as part of all my first line treatment and I’m at The Christie in Manchester x

[BadgerBright]

Hi Numi I am on my second recurrence and I have some enlarged lymph nodes in my abdomen. They were stable at my last scan but one is pressing on my sciatic nerve so I have a numb leg at the back down to my knee. Also I have been in alot pain now quite controlled with pain killers. When I saw my consultant oncologist at The Royal Sussex and County Hospital in Brighton in November 23 she said that if I continued with the pain she would recommend me having some targeted radiotherapy to see if this would reduce the node. She said it would probably only need one or two sessions. I am seeing her again in Feb after my scan ( which is due today). So we shall see how this goes. So as Lyndy has said it is worth asking for a second opinion. It is your health do not hold back from finding out. Good luck. BB. xx ps there are also other hospitals you can be referred to.

[Numi in reply to BadgerBright]

Would you mind telling me who your consultant is? I’m actually being treated by the same health trust, just not in Brighton, though I had my initial surgery there. I had been hoping to get on a trial at Guy’s, but found out the other day, they don’t have anything suitable, so the radiotherapy route has now become more important as I’m getting quite a bit of pain from a lymph node behind my ribs. Thank you.

[BadgerBright in reply to Numi]

Hi Numi Yes my consultant is Dr Rebecca Herbertson. When she mentioned the possibility of radiotherapy to me she gave me the impression that it would not be her decision alone. I assume she would have to take to the MDT. I hope you manage to achieve some progress in relieving the pain. Really sorry there is no trial for you at Guys at the moment. You might want to try other hospitals. BB.

[Numi in reply to BadgerBright]

Thank you so much.

[BadgerBright in reply to Numi]

It is a pleasure. Good luck with it all.

[lesleysage]

Hi Numi,

Agree about a second opinion (certainly made all the difference to my life), and wonder if the Ovacome Support Team could guide you as to which of the top consultants and hospitals you live closest to? Their freephone no. is 0800 008 7054.

Warm wishes and good luck x

[candyapplegrey]

Had RT at Guys Cancer Centre when I had a very localised recurrence. Can't believe you're not being offered it. It's very much a postcode lottery in London. x