Update after meeting Oncologist

Hi Saz26 

I'm pleased you've got sorted. You did right to query it then. Best wishes for your treatment. Any queries, just let us know. I haven't had brachy but there's lots of the ladies have.

A x

Hi Saz, well done for being proactive! And well done too for feeling able to consent. My brachy nurses were lovely and I’d encourage you to ask one of them to call you for a chat if you have any questions. You may be called in first for a chat with the brachy nurse to explain things and give you your dilators, Some hospitals then do a first appointment for the mini CT, where they sort out the right size of applicator for you, and then do the first treatment at a separate appointment - this is what mine did. Other hospitals combine the mini CT and the first treatment. 

Hi Saz26, it's good that you've got a definitive answer about your further treatment. The wondering about what's happening can be unnerving. I was stage 1a grade 3 after my hysterectomy in early October 2022. The cancer was contained in the uterus so I had brachytherapy to the vaginal vault to prevent recurrence. In my case it was Pulse Dose Rate (PDR) brachytherapy at the Weston Park Cancer Hospital in Sheffield. It was a one off treatment but administered over a period of 21 hours. I felt a bit tired for a couple of weeks and a little bit sore. I didn't have any major problems with my bladder or bowels apart from increased wind! Being well passed the menopause, never had children and single for  the last 15 years I was apprehensive about the dilators, to say the least! It's a bit weird but not as bad as I thought. Hope all goes well for you. Lots of ladies on here will have had similar treatment to yours so you will get some good advice. Take care. x

Hi Saz. Brachytherapy is an easy treatment to have in my opinion. At my initial appointment they measured the right size applicator and did the first treatment same day, the actual Radiotherapy delivery is just 5 or 6 minutes, It's a little undignified but the nurses are experienced and make you feel at ease. For me, the only little after treatment problem I've encountered is a bit of intimate irritation few weeks after treatment that I had been treating as thrush, I saw the doctor who took a swab and it results as  wasn't thrush but an after effects of the brachy therefore was prescribed a different cream that has relieved my symptoms. I wore a skirt to the appointments so that I didn't need to take trousers off and put on a gown, I only needed remove underwear and was much quicker getting it over with,  Let us know how it goes and if we can help along the way! X

Thanks sistermoon yes I'm glad I asked the question! x

Hi MarmiteFan59, thanks for your support and I got my letter today. The first session on 22nd May will be 90 mins including a face to face consultation then the CT and first dose. Hope it all goes ok x

Hi SH53, thanks for your support and reply and you had a slightly different treatment didn't you. I am glad you had no major side effects and are keeping well I hope x

Hi Madesp, I was glad to hear your view re brachy being an easy treatment. I really hope it is for me too. My letter came today and I'll be having a 90 min session on 22nd May - consultation plus first dose. I'm glad the doctor was able to sort out your side effect and your idea about wearing a skirt is a good one too! I'll let you all know how I get on xx

Hi

If it helps you, there is a YouTube video on brachytherapy treatment. I watched it so that I knew what to expect. 

On my first appointment they gave an internal examination and measured me for the right size applicator ( a bit like a rigid tampon) and from there I had the first treatment but mine was quick and after treatment nurse spoke about any effects and dilator usage etc the whole appointment was about an hour, the other 2 appointments following were much quicker.

Hope it goes well for you xx

Hi Saz26 Glad you got sorted. I had a consultation with my oncologist on Tuesday. It was supposed to be last Tuesday but I didn't receive an appointment through the post and nobody phoned me. The plan for me is three brachytherapy sessions too, although they haven't given me any dates yet. Good luck.