Radiotherapy

Hi Shih tzu mum and welcome to our group.

I’m sure it must have been a shock to find you need radiotherapy after your surgery-no doubt you would have been hoping and assuming the surgery was enough.

You have to be told about all the possible side effects of radiotherapy so that you can give consent to it, but it doesn’t mean that all or indeed any of those side effects would happen to you.

Many of us have had radiotherapy for this cancer, some ladies following a hysterectomy but most of us because our stage was too high for surgery to be possible as a first treatment. We have all come through the other side, some with very little side effects and some with more-we all react differently to treatment.

You say you are not sure if you want to do this, and that would be your choice ultimately as you don’t have to go through any treatment you don’t want to have, but it is being recommended as it would give you the best possible chance of a successful outcome from your cancer. 

Perhaps if you can tell us what terrifies you most about the possible side effects we’ll be able to try and reassure you about the process from our experiences? 

Sarah xx

Hi Shih tzu mum 

Please try not to worry too much (easier said than done i know) 

I had a radical hysterectomy in January and 25 sessions of radiotheraphy in May, i too was worried about side effects, however was very reassured by people in this forum.  
I was worried mostly about side effects resulting in bladder issues as Id just spent 10 wks after my op with a catheter in place (see bio) 

my side effects were more bowel related, just had diarrhea more often but it was manageable using over the counter diarrhea relief tablets and also some tiredness but that wasnt too bad and I just made sure I rested a lot more.

Ultimately the choice is yours regarding radiotheraphy, but they have recommended it for a reason and thats to give you the best possible chance of recovery, so please dont rush into a decision based on fear as we are all here to support you and get you through it!

Please keep us updated and ask your radiotheraphy team if you have any niggles not matter how big or small, they always say too ask and they will be there for you and help you.

Sending you all the best for your treatment

xxx

Im sorry to hear how you felt. I feel like you did now. Did you come through OK? 

Hi Backiej57 

This is another old thread you’ve replied to, and the original poster only made a single post in the forum, so we didn’t ever get an update. 

You are welcome to join us here in the cervical group and start a new thread if you’d like to about aspects of treatment etc, but I’m aware that your diagnosis is clear cell endometrial cancer so there may be some differences in treatment, for example with brachytherapy if you are having that.

There can be similarities in the general side effects from pelvic radiotherapy, so you are welcome to ask questions about that, but just be aware that our discussions in this group centre around cervical cancer. 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah, 

Yes I noticed it was for cervical cancer. There isn't a group for clear cell cancer of any sort. It's a pity because I feel so alone. That's why I'm looking on gynea pages. I joined to find people with my cancer. Unfortunately, I seem to be out of luck. 

Neither is there a page for tips, what helped others when undergoing treatment. I think that would be a good idea. 

Finally, although it is interesting and helpful to hear about how women are at the moment, it would be great to hear from old posters both for tips and to see how they are. Cancer doesn't just stop after a year or two. To put it bluntly, I would find it helpful and maybe inspirational to know if they lived and lived with quality lives or otherwise. 

I hope when they receive the email notification they will be inspired to write a reply.

Best

Jacqueline 

Hi Jacqueline  I did the Radiotherapy with no side effects. It's been a couple of years now and I go for check ups about every six months of so always with great relief when given the allclear.x

Hi Jacqueline

It’s true there isn’t a specific sub forum for clear cell cervical cancer  but as with endometrial cancer clear cell cancer is a sub type of cervical cancer and not one of the more common types. In fact with cervical cancer, it’s rare. with rarer sub types, it can be more difficult to connect with others who have dealt with exactly the same type.

However, the treatment would be the same, so it makes sense to discuss this within the main cervical cancer group. It’s a type of adenocarcinoma, which I had myself, but clear cell defines how the cells look under a microscope. Ladies in the group have different types of cervical cancer, but in general follow very similar treatment pathways, and many of us have had pelvic radiotherapy, so don’t need to have had clear cell cancer to be able to help support you. We all have different experiences, so some will sail through radiotherapy with no side effects, but others, like me, will find it challenging. 

I would encourage you to join the cervical group and start a new thread, and that may get you some more responses.

Sarah xx

That is awesome. I'm so glad to hear it. Thank you for replying xx