Brachytherapy

Hi again Kk89698db3 and welcome to our group.

I can understand you’re going to be anxious about brachytherapy-I know I was when I was told it was part of my plan after chemo and external radiation. How have you been so far through your treatment? 

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to have my brachytherapy, but I’m sure some of the other ladies will be able to tell you their experience and hopefully put your mind at rest. I have, however, had several surgeries and multiple general anaesthetics, so I have plenty experience of them and they are really not as scary as they seem.

I’m assuming that you are having the general anaesthetic to have the rods inserted? This was the plan I had for mine, but there are different ways in which brachytherapy is delivered for cervical cancer treatment so not everyone has a general anaesthetic.

You will not be under anaesthetic for long-and staff have always been really kind and understanding to me when I’ve had to be put under. They keep talking to you, and one moment you’re awake, and the next thing you know is that you’re coming round and it’s done. 

I hope you’ll get some helpful replies before you have to go for your first session.

Sarah xx

Hi. I’ve been ok after chemo and radiotherapy. I’ve had some fatigue but not much else apart from that. 

im wondering if it’s worth requesting the spinal injection instead or if that would be worse? I don’t like the thought of not being in control and being put under, plus as an occasional smoker I’m worried about the effects it will have on coming round? 

It’s good you’ve been ok with your treatment so far. Personally, I’ve had general anaesthetics and spinals and would pick a general every single time as I had a bad experience with a spinal block and found a general much easier to go through, with no issues on coming round. 

I’m not sure if you’ll be able to go in and request a spinal on the day as the team will be set up to do a general and the two types of anaesthesia are different. I’d be inclined to give your CNS a phone tomorrow to check if this would be possible rather than asking on the day, in case this causes any delay to you getting your treatment.

Sarah xx

Hi 

I had brachytherapy at the end of my treatment . I was due to have it at my hospital that I had had all my treatment through with my oncology team that I had great confidence with . Unfortunately a few days before I was due to have my brachytherapy I had a call from my oncologist to say they couldn’t do it at my hospital as it had had a flood putting the unit out of action, so I was going to have it at a different hospital . I was very concerned but I was assured it would be ok . I was put out something I opted for , it all seem to be over quickly and it seemed no time at all that I was awake . I like you was worried about the brachytherapy , more so that I had to lay flat for the duration. I was sent for scans to make sure rods were all in place etc . I had 3 treatment and I can honestly it was not painful just a bit uncomfortable and boring . Nurses etc look after you well due to laying flat . You’ll have a catheter in so no worry about needing a wee . When it came to having the rods out it was very quick and not painful . Then after you’ll be allowed up and as soon as you can pass urine I was allowed out after couple hrs . I hope all goes well for you and just think this is the last bit of treatment and be proud that you have done it . 
val