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Brachytherapy

Gentlegemini
  • 2 replies
  • 44 subscribers
  • 96 views

Hi, I have uterine cancer, diagnosed last June, I've so far had scans, 12 weeks of chemo, surgery (full hysterectomy by keyhole) and am now facing 7 weeks of radiotherapy which consists of 5 weeks of external radiotherapy and 2 weeks of brachytherapy, I'm not worried about the external as I had a week of radiotherapy 4 yrs ago when I had breast cancer, but I can't face the brachytherapy as I believe it involves inserting a device via vagina, for personal reasons I can't tolerate anyone or anything touching me "down there" so how do I get around this? Can I request a general anaesthetic? I would appreciate any advice.

  • Hi Gentlegemini,

    Thank you for contacting us. I’m Lorna one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the support line.

    Welcome to our online community I hope you are finding it a great support.

    It’s understandable to feel worried and anxious about the brachytherapy treatment your consultant has offered you as part of your treatment for uterine cancer.


    There are different types of brachytherapy treatment,  it would be important to find out which type you are having.

    Usually for uterine cancer, brachytherapy using vaginal cylinders is given in 3 treatments over 8-14 days. It involves inserting a hollow cylinder into the vaginal vault. It uses a radioactive source inside the cylinder, placed close to the vaginal walls or near the scar tissue following surgery.

    A general anaesthetic (GA) cannot be given because you will be left unattended in the HDR (High Dose Radiation) room while the dose of radiation is being given, added to this is the GA risk too.

    There are other forms of sedation that can be considered to help you through your treatment. It’s important to discuss all your options with your team or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). They are there to help you and do understand how you are feeling. It might be helpful to arrange a visit to the brachytherapy unit before your treatment. This can sometimes help with any anxiety you might be feeling.

    Talking to others who have shared your experience on the online community can useful. You might find it helpful to speak to us on the phone or reach out to your GP they can support and offer advice too.

    I hope this information is helpful but if you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

    Best wishes,

    Lorna, 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 email us. 

    Ref: LB/CC

    Lorna-Macmillan (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
  • in reply to Lorna-Macmillan

    Thank you for your swift reply, I guess I'm going to have to refuse the brachytherapy then as I know I'm not going to be able to tolerate anything going inside me (abuse as a child) and if I can't have a general anaesthetic, then I have no other option, thanks again for your help.

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