Hi, I’m new to the forums so hope I’m doing this right. I’m looking for some help and advice regarding side effects. I’ve recently finished treatment for stage 3 cervical cancer and have been suffering with quite bad vaginal soreness and radiation cystitis. Does anyone have any advice about treatment or products that helped? I’ve had antibiotics for the cystitis just in case it was a bladder infection but it’s still the same, and I’ve been using Flamigel for the soreness with not much success. I finished Chemo & radiotherapy 3 weeks ago and Brachytherapy 10 days ago, how long was your recovery time? Not sure if I just have to ride it out or if there’s something I can do to help. Thanks everyone x
Hi MissBlue79 and welcome to our group.
Yes, you are posting correctly, so I hope you’re finding your way around the group and the online community in general.
I had radiotherapy (32 sessions) for my stage 2b cervical cancer, and chemo, but was unable to have brachytherapy. I had terrible radiation cystitis from radiotherapy so you have my sympathy!
I was given Flamigel and also Flaminal Forte after my treatment finished and if I remember correctly, it took 2-3 weeks for the cystitis to go. I did find these creams very helpful.
Something I also found helpful was to lie on my bed after putting the cream on, and use a hairdryer on a cool setting over the whole area which soothed things. I kept underwear off as much as possible to let everything get the air round about. It was also helpful when going to the loo to have a bottle of cool water to pour over the area as I was “going”. You can get the peri bottles used for post partum mums, and my daughter also used gel cooling packs in her underwear after she had her baby which were very soothing.
It’s horrible going through this as I well remember, but hopefully things will start to subside and will soon be in the past. You could also speak to your CNS to see if they can recommend anything else for you.
Sarah xx
It does feel at the time that things will never get better because it’s such a horrible thing to go through, but all I can say is that for me it did become just a memory as time went on.
My treatment took place in December 2018, so I hope that might give you some reassurance that there can be light at the end of the tunnel! Look after yourself, and I hope that your recovery continues well.
Sarah xx
