Have you had Brachytherapy?

Not heard of brachytherapy being used for AC, Wavedancer but would definitely be interesting to find out. Good luck.

Hello Wavedancer

I had a quick look online and brachytherapy has been used on occasion but this seems to be in addition to the standard chemo/radiotherapy.  I will be really interested to hear what your oncologist says to that suggestion, it certainly sounds like a less invasive option.

I hope the days aren't dragging too much for you before your treatment starts, even though it can be tough you will feel a lot more in control and will begin to see a light at the end of that tunnel.

Irene  xx

Thanks, Irene. I should find out something soonish. Meanwhile, I'm trying to get the pain under control, and I'm making progress. It's at about a 5 now (from an 8 that had me in bed). Sicily is being a real 'pain in the ass'!

I'm perfectly willing to be a test subject for the Brachytherapy as she has protruded now and I think it'd be really easy to implant the 'seed'. Fingers crossed!

Hi Wavedancer , I have to admit in my time here I can’t remember anyone mentioning receiving brachytherapy as treatment for AC. That’s not to say those people aren’t out there though. Please post when you’ve spoken with your treating team, I’ll be interested to hear what they say. I’m also pleased to hear that you’re getting your pain under control. 

Nicola 

Hello,

I've just had Brachytherapy for a very rare Bartholin Gland primary cancer which comes under Vulval. A couple of weeks ago, 4 sessions over 3 days as an in patient for 6 days. This was immediately after 25x radiotherapy every week day fro 5 x weeks.

I don't know - and won't know - the results until late May early June. My range of hospitals its sort of outer London to Oxford. 

90 percent of the people I met during radiotherapy were gentlemen mostly over 60 plus with prostate cancerthat would have brachytherapy afterwards. 

My biggest issue was lying flat for 4 days as I have ADHD and am extremely restless. It is supposed to be extremely effective with minimal damage. I already had side-effects from 5 weeks of radiotherapy and I would advise (as the aneasthetist did to me) to keep the pain management maxed out don't take too little and report all side effects>

Brachy seems to be used regularly when a tumour is not operable. You would need to speak to a consultant at a specialist centre to find out more. 

Thank you so much for your reply. I believe that in my case – since the tumour is protruding – that it would be non-invasive to plant the 'seed'. I was hoping, though, that it could be done instead of radiotherapy to preserve surrounding tissues and prevent organ damage. From what I understand, my cancer is not necessarily operable, but that is all speculative as I haven't met my oncologist yet. I just wanted to go in with informed questions. You have helped tremendously. Wishing you all the best for a full recovery.

Hi. I know there are lots of different kinds of brachy.

For mine it was internal and deep so it was the version where they put temporary rods in then send the high dose down them 4x over days.er

In my daily radiotherapy there were primarily (90 percent plus) men with prostate cancer. Most 65 yrs plus. Those which did not have brachy planned afterwards were doing perhaps 5 extra sessions radiotherapy.

A couple were having the permanent seed implant which I believe is just a day case and left there. A couple of men said they had refused that specific solution because.. and don't quote me ask your consultants - in one method you are radioactive for a while, 6 weeks I think and they took care of the grandchildren regularly for their working parents.

There are multiple forms. MacMillan specialist centres have lots of info or you can ask an expert online but you need to hear from your MDT first. 

If it isn't offered absolutely ask why because they're finding increasing usages for it.

There was a lady having radiotherapy for AC in my radiotherapy suite but I only saw her once or twice and don't know if she was going onto brachy. 

Very best wishes and let us know how you get on. Hopefully there's a v good centre of excellence v near you.

Hello Irene,

I met with the oncologist on Wednesday and unfortunately, he doesn't think that Brachytherapy would work in my case for a primary treatment. Maybe as an adjunt later, but not now

How disappointing for you, I am sorry about that xx