Restaged to Stage 2 (but still Grade 1) so Adjuvant Radiotherapy

Hi Lesley, thanks for your post and for the tip to drink plenty of water, I’m usually very well hydrated (or so I’m told when I hand in urine samples) so hopefully that will help. 

Thanks Barb for the empathy and encouragement.

Hi Lesley Ann, thank you - it was especially beneficial to hear from you as you’re halfway through. It was helpful to me that you talked about the sort of things to expect. I too get claustrophobic but I think I’ve conquered my fear now as I was okay with my MRI after diagnosis and pre op - the key to this for me was wearing an eye mask!  It’s good too that I can be prepared about the enema. When I was told about being offered radiotherapy, and finding out that it would be every day Mon-Fri for 5-6 weeks, I asked if I’d be able to drive myself or if I’d need to be driven, The nurse said I should be okay for the first two to three weeks but may need to be driven after that. So I guess I’ll just have to see how it goes, and I’ll be interested to hear how your second half goes. Thanks for the tips about fluids - I’ll make sure I drink extra at breakfast, and I’ll also give some thought as to what part of the day might be most convenient for me, given that we are an hour away from hospital. Are you having brachytherapy afterwards?

Hi Maddy, I was hoping I’d hear from you! Thanks for the affirmation and support, it was encouraging to me and I read it out to my husband too. I struggled yesterday and had a bad dream last night about black rats jumping up at my back and having onto my jacket by their teeth, which I think was my mind trying to work out the new anxieties that were grabbing at my mind, But today I somehow dug in and found some positivity - I put some Christian music on and did some singing, and I think it helped. I’m trying to put the what ifs on a shelf in my mind, and to get back to trying to deal with just what I need to for today, I hope you hear soon and get positive news. Take care. 

Hi Chui, it’s good to meet you and thank you for responding. Did you not have an MRI or CT to stage your cancer after diagnosis? I think I’m only expecting to have one MRI or CT prior to radiotherapy, but had an MRI between diagnosis and my hysterectomy. I’m pleased for you that you’ve completed your external radiotherapy and will be so pleased when I get to that stage. Hoping that the brachytherapy goes well for you too.

Hi MarmiteFan59, 

At the pre op meeting with the onocolgist before hysterectomy, I asked if I should have an MRI to confirm if it had not spread. The oncologist said it was not needed as it was believed to be only low grade cancer. But then after the hysterectomy, the pathology report said it was grade 2 not grade 1 and it had gone slightly to the cervix, so stage 2 not stage 1. I was arranged to meet the radio oncologist and I asked her if extra scans were needed. She said no again, only a ct scan for radiotherapy treatment planning. 

Now I have completed all external radiotherapy sessions. I asked the same question again n she said the follow up meetings will only be physical examination, no need for scans if nothing suspicious. I am really worried!

Read your other posts. About driving, for me I had no major problems throughout the whole 4 weeks but I usually felt a bit sleepy in the first 2 hours as soon as after the radiotherapy sessions, the parts which I believe are the wounds or stitches of hysterectomy felt a bit painful n this was particular uncomfortable when I was driving. In my case, these symptoms were the worse in the 2nd n 3rd weeks. From the start of the 4th week, I actually felt a lot better. I had no skin, vagina or bladder problems. Only some feelings in the bowels after eating someting not too acceptable. I found eating white pasta most agreeing with my stomach n bowels but both brown n white bread would cause stomachache. Sweet or milk drinks give me wind.

The radiotherapy clinic is very well organised and all the staff there are lovely and caring. Once you get to know the routine, you will be very relaxed and all 4 to 5 weeks will go very quickly. 

Best wishes to you!

• Chui 

No I haven't been offered brachtherapy. 

Update on the side effects - my skin is a bit red this morning. It's not sore yet and doesn't itch. I'm overweight so it's in the crease. I'm putting E45 on it, as I've been told that's allowed, and will tell my radiographers tomorrow. 

Singing is so good for the spirits and it's scientifically proven! It's my choirs that are keeping me going. I'm going to have a lovely afternoon planning tomorrow night's rehearsal. I've entered them for a competitive festival next month! 

Hi Lesley Ann, I realised afterwards that your extra stuff wasn’t localised so brachytherapy wouldn’t be needed. I’ve been offered brachytherapy because of the cancer cells found on top of the cervix, so will have that after my radiotherapy, targeted on that area. Hope your skin settles down - I looked at the E45 in Boots yesterday and did wonder if I should get some. 

I am so sorry you have just received this blow.  It must have come as a big shock for you, but if anyone can do this I am certain that you can.  I have been so inspired by your daily diary and your positive attitude.  You have done amazingly well up to now and I’m sure will continue to do so.  I will very likely be following close behind in your footsteps as I already know my cancer has spread and have been warned it is highly likely I’ll need radiotherapy too - just waiting for my biopsy results to confirm.  Stay strong MarmiteFan59 - you CAN do this - sending hugs xx