After effects of vaginal vault brachytherapy

Hi NSS,

I am not surprised the brachytherapy affected you like this. Not quite the same, but I saw what radiotherapy did to my husband 12 years ago. He had an operation, then radiotherapy on his neck for throat cancer. After a year he was still having trouble swallowing, and they decided his larynx had been badly damaged by radiotherapy, and took it out. His neck was like a rock, and he was 4 months unable to speak. His neck didn't heal up for about 18months. I knew this because food leaked through, and the doctors said it was due to poor healing from radiotherapy damage.

So, 6 weeks is not long to heal up and they are keeping an eye on it. My husband had appointments every 2 weeks at first, and they tried all sorts on him, but he came out the other end. They are very good at sorting out problems. Good luck xxxx 

  Hi NSS. I myself had 3 sessions of Brachytherapy after my hysterectomy. When I saw my Oncologist 3 months later I mentioned that I'd regularly had a smear of blood when using dilators. ( In the interim I'd previously mentioned to my CNS after using them and she'd said not to worry if it was just a smear, however if it got heavier she'd arrange a check-up). I had an internal both with a speculum and gloved finger, he'd checked the scar tissue and found it to be fine.

I continued to had a slight smear after dilating, mentioned it again at my second post op consultation and again he reassured me saying scarring after Brachytherapy does take a while to heal so no need to worry.

I'm now 7 months post Brachy, still using the hated dilators and no more smearing.

I wouldn't worry unduly, but I know we all do ! If  you start to get a pain or any sort of discharge, give your CNS a call then they'll get in quicker.

Sending hugs, Barb xx

Hi NSS,

It is not unusual for the acute side effects of radiotherapy/brachytherapy to take some time to settle down following treatment & everyone will recover at different rates.

Try not to worry about the additional check up as the doctor will just want to check on the healing of the ulcer before going ahead with any discharge.

Hopefully things will be more settled when they see you next time x

How is your journey going xxx

Hi Natalie,

I have been having hormonal treatment with the Mirena coil since April so I’m due repeat endometrial biopsies & hysteroscopy next month (which I am not looking forward to as I found the procedure very painful the last time I had it done).

I’m still managing to work full time in the meantime and don’t feel too bad overall, though the fatigue is horrendous when we have warmer weather.

I’ve started my genetic counselling and they’ve sent the samples off for DNA analysis & Lynch Syndrome testing so we’ll see what the results of those are in a couple of months. 

How are things with you? Xx

Hi glad you are ok I got my results for lynch syndrome and they was negative witch was a relief! Am doing ok now physically but mentally not so well.can you not be put to sleep for your biopsy’s if the pain bad?so what will happen after your biopsy results will you carry on with the coil cxx

I can imagine that being negative for Lynch Syndrome would be a big relief . I’m quite philosophical about it & will just have to see how the tests come back & take it from there.

Cancer is certainly something to get your head around mentally & I don’t know if it helps that I’ve now experienced cancer from all sides (professionally, personally & caring for relatives). How are the support services where you are? 

I’m planning on having a chat with my CNS about the biopsies when I get the next appointment through as I’ll definitely be asking for painkillers. I’m ok with the awake part though so if they can get some sensible pain relief sorted I’ll be happy.

If the biopsies are ok then the plan is to leave the coil in and do further biopsies in another 3 months. + if there is progression there’ll be a discussion about moving forward to surgery. It’s a see how things go kind of scenario. Xx

The support services are ok but most of them have a long wait due to covid! Definitely ask about painkillers I wish you the best of luck on your journey xxx

COVID has definitely made things more challenging that’s for sure! Do you have any centres (e.g. Maggie’s) near you that provide group sessions, individual sessions and psychological support virtually? Xx

No idea will have to have a look around. I am doing online cbt it’s not going good tbh. I shouldn’t have much longer now to wait hopefully untill some face to face sessions xxxx thankyou for your help