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Brachytherapy problems after hysterectomy, chemo and radiotherapy

Jessie78
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After a full hysterectomy last November and four and half weeks of chemo(2 sessions) and radiotherapy daily I was booked in for brachytherapy and was supposed to have my first session last Monday.  After trying various sizes of applicators which were causing me  lot of pain the doctor was called in.  I was given entonox and dihydrocodeine but after several more unsuccessful tries it was still so painful that my body started shaking uncontrollably and the doctor gave up!  I was told that the reason they were having problems with inserting the applicator was that I am very swollen and sore from the radiotherapy which only finished 3 days earlier. I am booked in again for next Monday and have been given some oramorph which they want me to take 15 mins before my appointment next week. I have been told there are other things they can try but I am now obviously very apprehensive as to what these other options might be.  I know I should have asked at the time what these other options were but I just wanted to get out of there as quickly as I could.

Is this common?  I have read other posts and there doesn't seem to be any other ladies who have had problems with brachytherapy!

Thanks

Jessie78

  • Hi  

    Welcome to our online community and thanks for posting your question. My name is Amy and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. I can see you have also joined the womb cancer forum; I hope you are finding this a welcoming and supportive group.

     

    Sorry to hear you had such a difficult first session of brachytherapy that had to be abandoned. It’s only natural to feel very apprehensive about your next session and worry about what the other options might be.

     

    Some ladies do have difficulties, like you experienced, so try no to think you are alone or the only one this has happened to. Everyone has slightly different anatomy, side effects from previous treatment and pain thresholds.

     

    The side effects of external radiotherapy usually start to settle down in the 7-10 days after your last session, so delaying a week may be enough for you to tolerate the procedure. Sometimes, different pain medication or sedation may also be considered.

     

    Every trust and team will have a slightly different protocol for what to do next, so it might be helpful to give your Clinical Nurse Specialist or consultant a call to ask them what the other options are in your area. You could also contact the ward if you are unable to get in touch with the CNS or consultant. Doing this before your next appointment should help you feel a bit more prepared.

     

    We often find we can help more by exploring these questions over the phone. If this is something you think would help, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our support line on 0808 808 0000. We are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.

     

    I hope this helps.

      

    Best wishes, 

    Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref: AC/GG

     

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