Radiotherapy Post RC

That sounds really odd. Was radiotherapy mentioned as a possible alternative to surgery? If so, probably a very overdue appointment! I have never heard of radiotherapy post op, only chemo. Someone else may know better...

Glad to hear all going well otherwise.

Given what you've been told by your team prior to the call from the Oncology dept., I would also have been a bit surprised. My treatment path (radiotherapy then 2 x TURBTs) differs from yours but I did pick up on one comment from my oncologist that may possibly have some bearing on your treatment. It was that curative radiotherapy (= high cumulative dose) is more effective if followed by chemo i.e. a sort of belt and braces approach. Does the same apply if done the other way round? I don't know. I would tend to go along to the oncology appointment if it is not major hassle, just out of curiosity and for the opportunity to ask questions. They may give you further insight or, as Teasswill suggested, read your notes and find that treatment to date has overtaken an earlier option, making radiotherapy unnecessary. Pleased to hear that you are in other respects doing well after RC.   Best wishes, Ray  

Thank you both for replying.

I spoke with the oncologist who explained that in addition to sending samples from the organs removed, the surgeon also took a sample from the abdominal wall which has unfortunately shown signs of the cancer cells.  I hadnt been made aware of any of this before.  There was evidence that the chemo had killed some of these cells however sadly not all.

What we dont know is whether the piece the surgeon removed was everything or whether I may still have these horrible cells.  The intention is therefore to carryout radiotherapy over 5.5 weeks (subject to the oncologist compiling his plan and being comfortable to go ahead). 

Im devastated and terrified if Im being 100% honest.  I feel like two weeks ago the surgeon gave me a blank cheque, I was on a high and so excited to make plans and get back to normal.  Now things feel very uncertain and its been very difficult not to start thinking the worst, but I know I need to get my mindset in gear and hope that the radiotherapy can go ahead and that it does its job.

What a shock for you.I hope you are able to go ahead with the radiotherapy and it works for you.Best wishes Jane x

That sort of news would unsettle most people, so your reaction is understandable, especially as you've recently endured and are recovering from a RC. Unfortunately, cancer of almost any variety can return. Many cancer patients, me included, quite rapidly adopt a 'live each day as it comes' philosophy to help cope with the roller coaster ride. On the plus side, you now know that treatment is probably available to sweep up the few cancer cells that may be lurking in your system, thanks to the very detailed analysis of samples taken during your op. Radiotherapy is an effective treatment. It has the advantage of being non-invasive and after effects are often mild or absent.

I hope you continue to make a good recovery from RC and in due course get the remaining few cells quelled by further treatment.   Ray   

I'm glad they have picked it up. The problem with specialists is that they focus on their bit, which here doesn't include the abdomen but they should have told you other tests were outstanding.

In any case, good luck with the radiotherapy, RayMK has said it all.

By the way, in case it helps to know this, many of us are offered extra treatment eg Immunotherapy post op, even if no rogue cells have been found, just to try and make sure.

The oncologist presents it as a choice, but as they also say there could be recurrence elsewhere in the body (since we no longer have a bladder for it to attack) it feels like a necessary step. I had 3 cycles of Immuno (instead of the 12 intended) when it caused annoying symptoms of its own and we stopped it. Now I'm 3 years post op and so far so good.

All the best,

Latestart

What a horrid rollercoaster for you. At least they’re acting quickly. Hope all goes well.