Chemio treatment

Hello Aud40

I was stage 1b and grade 3 and I had both chemotherapy and external radiotherapy. Grade 3 cancers tend to be more aggressive and spread quicker and that is why further adjuvant treatment is recommended. It's to mop up any tiny cancer cells, that may be too small to be seen on a scan that may in time lead to a recurrence. 

I was told that although my cancer was contained in my womb that because it was grade 3 I needed both treatments to do everything I could to avoid the cancer coming back. They explained that even one tiny cell left behind could in time set up somewhere and cause trouble. With grade 3 I was told recurrence is more likely. 

I did not have any Lynch syndrome testing that I am aware of- although there is a history of bowel cancer in my family. 

I found chemo at times challenging but it was doable. There are side effects but these were mostly managed with medication. I do not regret having chemo as it was the right choice for me. If my cancer comes back then I know I have done everything I can. 

There are other ladies on here with grade 3 cancers that have had recurrences- so that for me helped me make the choice to go ahead. I had 4 cycles of carboplatin/paclitaxel - so day 1 was hospital then 20 days home and repeated 4 times. There are other regimes. After meeting with my oncologist I decided to go ahead- I was told I could stop at any time and I did have doses altered. 

Hair loss can be a big worry for some ladies but I kept most of mine using scalp cooling. My main side effects were some nausea, upset tummy, some back ache and some tingling in my fingers and toes. I also had some fatigue. 95% side effects resolved after chemo ended. 

My chemo started 6 weeks after my surgery. Radiotherapy was after that. 

Good luck whatever you decide to do. If there is anything specific that you want to ask- please do so.

Jane

Hi Aud40

I was told after surgery that I have a P53 gene mutation and chemo was recommended to try and prevent future cancer.  Unfortunately I had some rare symptoms after the first session- I didn’t have any white blood cells and my kidney function was only at a third of what it should have been.  My consultant decided that due to how I reacted that any further chemo could be a serious issue which could put my life in danger.  I spent 2 weeks in hospital after the chemo.

I now have 3 sessions of Brachytherapy and this is such a difference, I’ve been lucky I don’t have any side effects and feel well with it.

Whay you need to remember is that no two people are the same and how we handle chemo is different too.  My reaction is rare and not something they come across often.  

If you are feeling anxious about it contact your CNS or some of the charities which support cancer.  I went to a Maggies Centre and also Friends of Anchor, they were both great I could talk to them about anything.  If you look at the main Macmillan website they have booklets which you can order for free on various subjects related to cancer and treatments.

I hope your treatment will be manageable and you don’t suffer from side effects.

Linda

Hello Aud40

I was grade 3 Serous stage 1a and was in exactly the same predicament as yourself, I did decide to throw everything at it, Chemo and Brachytherapy for the best chance to move forward cancer free,  I  suffered allergic reactions to the Paclitaxel so after 3 attempts I decided to have last three chemos using just the Carboplatin, which was easy with no after effects at all. I managed to work my part time admin job from home throughout all my treatments and am very grateful for this. I did also seek help and advice from this group at the start of my decision making and this helped immensely, convinced and assured that I was finally  making the best choice for myself, here is the thread I started, hope it helps you too. Good luck, take care 

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../help---decision-to-make

Hello Aud40

I must add that not everyone has allergic reactions and that the nurses do monitor you and stay with you at the beginning and are nearby throughout  the infusion to make sure you keep well, they know the signs and stop the chemo as soon as they see a slight reaction, so please don't worry, I just re-read my last post and thought you may be worried,

The Brachytherapy was easy for me I had three treatments, I wore a skirt to make it quick so that I didn't have to get undressed, I just had to take off my panties and hope onto the couch, the treatment delivery overall was around 5 or 6 minutes, you lie still, you don't feel anything much,

so hope all goes well and please do let us know. X

Thank you Jane2511. That really help me take a decision. I could not see really clearly after the appointment. How does scalp cooling work ? 

Hello Linda, thank you for taking the time to reply. I believe I have the same gene mutation. I also contacted my CNS to get more info about the chemo and why it recommended and she confirmed what most of the ladies said here. I have decided to go ahead with the chemo. 

Hi Madesp, thank you for your advise. I have decided to go ahead with Chemo.  I am glad to read that you wear able to keep working part time. I might do the same as you and ask work if they would consider let come back part time. 

Hello Mad, 

I took the weekend "off" as the recommendation for chemo treatment was very unexpected. 2 weeks earlier during the follow up appointment of the hysterectomy, I was told brachytherapy would be enough. I also struggle a bit with the aftermath of the hysterectomy as I did not had children and the cancer came at relatively early age for me (33). So yeah I needed a bit of time to process all this.  

Thank you for this. it helps as chemo & Brachytherapy sound very scary. Knowing what to expect on the day makes it less scary. I was actually wondering what to wear for the brachytherapy. I will go with a skirt/dress too

Thank you 

Audrey