I am a newbie here.

[joahuna]

I am a newbie. Diagnosed with uterine stage 1b grade 1 cancer. My oncologist recommended radiation, my primary doctor recommended radiation and complementary naturopath and my naturopath doctor recommended just naturopath treatment since I am still a stage 1b, grade 1. Meeting with the radiologist next week to gain more info about treatment. Any suggestions and insights would be appreciated.

[joahuna]

I forgot to mention that I had a complete hysterectomy.

[Kibb Ambassador in reply to joahuna]

Just as everyone's body is different, everyone's cancer is different and everyone's treatment regimine is different. Find out about the tshort and long term side effects for everything that is recommended, then make the decision that you are most comfortable with.

[joahuna in reply to Kibb]

I appreciate your reply and advice. So much to consider. thank you!!

[Nefa-Tari_SHARE Partner]

The first time for me the diagnosis was also at an early stage and grade, I did not have radiation as treatment but instead I had a hysterectomy. I agree with Kibb .

[joahuna]

Hi Nefa-Tari, I appreciate your reply. Were you satisfied with just getting the hysterectomy and not the radiation?

[Nefa-Tari_SHARE Partner in reply to joahuna]

Sorry for the late response. At the time I was happy to have options presented to me for treatment. I was 35 and didn't have any children so it was a big decision for me to make. and I decided that if having a hysterectomy would potentially save my life that I would just go head with the surgery. Also, I had faith in my doctor; when she said radiation wasn't necessary I was okay with not having it.

[14523ok]

Joahuna,I do not have the same type as you but I do agree with Kibb et.all that it would be helpful to get all the info you can and then make a decision for treatment.

My personal journey is first trust in my oncologist and team. Considering my current health status, researching all possible options and then deciding whats best for me.

I am strong and otherwise in good health. Been through chemo and surgery. Radiation they now say is not necessary for which I'm thankful. Yet not off the table should I have a recurrence.

The "new" normal has changed and I must consider quality vs cure for the future.

Therapies today are very specific and require careful thought and consideration.

There are so many things to consider but only you know your body and what you are willing to endure.

Best of strength and endurance are wished for you.

Hang in there. It'll come to you.

[joahuna in reply to 14523ok]

Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words. Itʻs comforting to hear from others who have their own journey and are willing to share. So helpful to read about your experience. Met with my oncologist radiologist. Felt listened to and also appreciated the detail and direct information. Leaning toward internal pelvic radiation and will continue to see my naturopath doctor for side effects and building up my immunity.

[Kathy_SHARE Moderator Ambassador]

I agree with Kibb as well. Everyone's situation will be different and treatment options will be different. In my case, I was diagnosed with Stage IA Grade 3 serous endometrial cancer. I had a hysterectomy with removal of lymph nodes, plus radiation and chemo.Even though I was at an early stage, because of the higher grade, my physicians recommended chemo and radiation as my best chance to prevent a possible recurrence. It was a difficult decision and 5 months of treatment, but it was the right one for me. I am 6 years post treatment and very happy I made the decision to go forward.

I agree that you need to talk to your physicians, ask all your questions and get the information you need about any recommended treatment and then make the decision you feel is right for you.

Wish you all the best!

[joahuna in reply to Kathy_SHARE]

Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement. I am thankful for everyone sharing their own story. I met with the oncologist radiologist this past week and she was so informative and direct. I am leaning toward the internal pelvic radiation and will continue to see my naturopath to help with side affects and strengthen my immune system. As my primary doctor said it is the best of both worlds.

I am encouraged by your experience. Congratulations on 6 years.

[Kathy_SHARE Moderator Ambassador in reply to joahuna]

Thank you! It’s so important that our physicians hear us so I’m happy to hear that you had a good meeting with your radiologist and that you have a plan going forward.

I wish you all the best!

[joahuna]

Thank you to all for your wisdom and advice. I completed my 6 internal brachytherapy sessions. All went smoothly because of my radiologist and team. No problems except for some off and on fatigue but still able to walk and do short hikes. On a low carb, anti-inflammatory diet and building immune system with guidance from naturopath doctor. I think it helped with the radiation treatment as my gynecology oncologist said I am healing very nicely. I hope everyone is doing well and hanging in there. All of us are women warriors.

[Kathy_SHARE Moderator Ambassador in reply to joahuna]

So glad to hear that you are doing well after internal brachytherapy and that you have a good team working with you. I had brachytherapy also in addition to chemo. While it wasn't easy, I did well without any significant side effects. Sounds like you are taking good care of yourself. I agree that we are all warriors! Wishing you all the best going forward.

[joahuna]

Bravo to you Kathy. I am glad you completed both treatments and did well. Moving forward.

[Kibb Ambassador]

Glad to learn that your treatment is going well. Stay positive!

[joahuna in reply to Kibb]

Thank you for your kind words and support. Wishing you strength and healing as you move forward,

[Lifemission]

How are you doing with treatment?

[joahuna in reply to Lifemission]

So far, so good. I had some minor fatigue but much better now. I asked to have 6 sessions instead of 4 as it was less radiation per session. I am doing 3 mile walks and hikes with no problem. I am urinating more but I already have a little incontinence. My gynecology oncologist released me back to my gynecologist. My treatments have ended so now I have to be super vigilant for signs of recurrence. Will see my gynecologist in 3 months. Thanks forasking. How are you doing?

[Lifemission]

I am well, thanks for asking! I completed treatment in July 2018. I also experienced urinary incontinence during radiation therapy and the symptoms decreased significantly over time. Kegal exercises proved helpful. My job now is self-care: eating, sleeping, and exercising well, staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water, and prayer/meditation. I am also paying attention to my body, but trying to focus more on wellness and not so much on a possible recurrence. Congratulations on completing your treatment! Wishing you a complete healing, wellness, hope, peace and joy!

[joahuna in reply to Lifemission]

I appreciate and admire your positive attitude. Congratulations on completing 3 years of cancer free.Wow!! I am trying to stay present while focusing on my wellness. All those things you mentioned, hydrating, eating well, meditating, etc. are also on my list as well as following recommendations by my naturapath doctor. I feel blessed to be able to focus on my self care during these retirement years. Yes, hereʻs to healing, wellness, hope, peace and JOY!

[Lifemission]

All the best to you!