Hi
I have completed 6 weeks to Pacletaxel and Carboplatin Chemotherapy and now had 2 weeks of Radiotherapy. I only managed Cisplatin last week due to low bloods the first week. Looks like my bloods are ok for Monday for Cisplatin.
My MRI and CT show my lymph nodes have grown so not responding to treatment yet. I had a new CT planning scan on Thursday so hopefully target them better.
I have 3 weeks of Chemoradiotherapy, then 3 or 4 Brachytherapy in London. My consultant told me I will have a CT scan 6 weeks after treatment ends and we may have to talk surgery if the nodes haven't responded.
I am taking it a week at a time but there are some fears about the outcome. I have had alot of diarrhoea and heart burn with the Radiotherapy. I normally a robust positive person.
The good news is this round of treatment ends on Christmas Eve.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
S
Hi Solo65d7870d
I’m sorry to read that your lymph nodes haven’t responded as well as hoped, but hopefully the new planning scan will hit them better.
My side effects of diarrhoea and radiation cystitis kicked in exactly at the start of week 3, so you have my sympathy! I hope you’ve been prescribed something to help.
I only managed 4 out of the 5 scheduled Cisplatin treatments due to my bloods, but this happens quite often in the group where some ladies don’t manage to complete all the doses. The one I missed was my last dose and my consultant didn’t reschedule it.
Usually post treatment scans are around 3 months after treatment, as radiotherapy keeps working in the body after treatment finishes, but I’m assuming your post treatment scan at 6 weeks is because they want to check the lymph nodes sooner than usual.
My treatment also ended on Christmas Eve in 2018 and I spent Christmas Day mainly sleeping as I was exhausted and didn’t fancy anything to eat…you may not feel as tired as I felt, but I hope you’ve got some help with Christmas in general as it is usually such a busy time.
Did your consultant say what surgery would be required if surgery is needed? I hope your treatment response will show you don’t need it but try not to think too far ahead. It can be hard to keep positive when things have not gone as well as expected, but try to keep the faith that you’ll have a good response by the time of your scan.
Sarah xx
I too was told less fruit and veg when I went for radiotherapy, and a “bland” diet which would be easier to tolerate during treatment. I normally ate wholemeal/seeded bread so it seemed strange at the time to change to less of the “good stuff”, and reduce fruit and veg, but I was able to resume my normal diet after my treatment ended and my side effects soon cleared up.
I’ve had lymphnodes removed during surgery, but not as a stand alone operation, so I don’t have any experience of the op you might have. Maybe others will read your post and be able to share their experience.
At least the planning scan has been done quickly for you to continue with your treatment next week.
I won’t be able to see my only granddaughter at Christmas, but will look forward to a video call to see her opening her presents!
Just keep going, one foot in front of the other, and Christmas will let you relax and start to recover.
Sarah xx
