Anyone had Radiation to Pelvic area

[CancerFighter42]

Hello friends -

I’m on my 3rd occurrence of Ovarian cancer. Originally Ovarian cyst stage IiB, then Mets to lungs, now two nodes in pelvic region (right external iliac/groin and pre-sacral area). Had surgery to remove the tumors so currently NED but radiation is recommended. I’m searching for real people who have had radiation in pelvic area and what side effects you have had! Thank you in advance for your help and support!

[SerenitySF]

Hi, i had full abdominal and pelvic radiation as preventative measure in 2012. It really wasn’t a big deal. I drove myself there and back every day (M-F) fir several weeks. I remember reading a research article indicating that full abdominal as well as pelvic had better outcomes than just pelvic so I would double check with them if not insist on having full abdominal radiation as preventative measure. I have been NED since finishing radiation in 2012. God be with you <3

[CancerFighter42 in reply to SerenitySF]

Thank you!

[Ge0rg1na]

Hi

I had radiotherapy in March of this year and there were few side effects. The skin in the targeted area is very dark and I have to apply creams daily but apart from that nothing else apart from fatigue. The treatment was done daily for 5 days at a top London hospital.

So it can be done although I don't hear of it often. However, there were no other options for me as I've recurred 5 times and have had numerous operations and chemotherapy so an easy decision to go ahead. But, be aware it can damage important internal organs and I don't think it can be repeated. So, if there are still other options then I'd be tempted to choose one of those rather than radiotherapy, but I'm not a doctor!!

Good luck Gina.

[CancerFighter42 in reply to Ge0rg1na]

Thank you!

[Archeveritas]

They left a malignant lymph node in my groin when doing surgery because they could not keep me under any longer. They used it as a marker during chemo. After finishing 8 rounds, I had the groin radiated, but only to the lymph node. The radiologist wanted to do my entire pelvis and abdomen but I refused because of possible side effects. All went well. The area is often sensitive and has hardened but I have no diarrhea which is a common side effect when radiating the abdomen. Let me know how things go. Wishing you the best.

[CancerFighter42 in reply to Archeveritas]

Thank you! I'm quite worried about the side effects. I've read about a lot of terrible side effects so I'm concerned about doing it.

[SerenitySF in reply to CancerFighter42]

I had full abdomen and full pelvic radiation - they told me to eat junk food to avoid diarrhea during treatment and the nurse recommended over the counter cream to protect skin. I had NO PROBLEMS- just a little tired around the 6th week. (I went every day M-F fir 6 weeks) - NO BIG DEAL. I have been NED since (2012)

[Lucylooo]

Hi, I had Radiation in 2007 after surgery and chemo for ovarian cancer!

Had a very long disease free ( till 2017) time after that!

Side effects are long lasting, sort of a bit like irritable bowl syndrome! But it’s manageable considering the alternative of advanced disease!!

Wishing you good luck on you journey fighting the recurrence!

[CancerFighter42 in reply to Lucylooo]

Thank you! I was worried about irritable bowel type side effects - on top of what I'm already dealing with due to the surgery. So this is a lot to consider.

[ovarian1c in reply to Lucylooo]

What stage were you? 10 years great!

[ovarian1c in reply to Lucylooo]

What stage were you ? Sorry