Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

I had my last chemotherapy on 3rd April 2023 & first radiotherapy on 11th May. The 25 radiotherapy sessions seemed daunting to start with but passed quickly, helped by the staff and all the chats with other patients. 

Hi Maths

Thanks for replying.  Did you suffer any effects from the radiotherapy and how are you now?

Ange

Hi Ange19

After a Hysterectomy last year I had 6 sessions of Chemo and finished 25 lots of external Radiotherapy almost 4 weeks ago. Originally I was going to have just 3 sessions of internal radiotherapy but when everything was tested after the Op they found one lymph node out of 13 removed was cancerous I was told I had to have the 25 external treatments instead. It really does depend on your own situation what type you have. I believe some people have both internal and external radiotherapy but I was told I didn't need both as the cancer wasn't found in my Cervix. The external radiotherapy has not been too bad but fatigue is the most common side effect for me as with the Chemo. I do have more frequent bowel movements and the need to urinate had increased but I'm hoping these will improve in time.

Good luck with your treatment. X

Hi Ms Vivi

Thank you.  I too am stage 3a grade 2, as 1mm of cancer was found in my Fallopian tube, but I don’t know if that means I will have external or internal radiotherapy I’ll just have to wait and see.

I’m happy that you have finished all your treatments and are back to living a happy life.  All the very best to you.

Ange

Hello Ange

I'm OK thanks but wonder if I might have some late bowel effects, but they're not stopping me doing anything. If the situation continues I will seek advice. I didn't really have effects at the time apart from occasional diarrhea but knew it was no good trying to do something before & after each treatment, most were mid day. It was external beam radiotherapy. If you have further treatment I hope all goes well for you.

Thank you Ange. At mo taking each day as it comes with side effects but generally good and glad treatment over.

Really hope you hear soon what the next process is for you. I would call them if you have concerns. Hopefully you have a Gynie contact you can reach out to. I have a Clinical Nurse Specialist who I can contact  who has been great. All the very best. 

Hi Ange,

I had Endometrial cancer stage 2, grade 3 in. After a radical hysterectomy with BSO and bilateral sentinel pelvic lymphodectomy. Which was carried out on the 2nd August 22.

After recovery, I had 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy. The last 2 session ended with the brachytherapy. 

Both treatments went well. I luckily had no side effects that effected the skin. However on and diarrhea was a problem, but actually that all settled down after about 6 months. The brachytherapy also went well. Please just follow the aftercare routine, this was the really important advice that even now I still use, on and off. 

Chemotherapy wasn't advice at the time, how ever in Dec 2023, a lung lesion metastasis was found. So have started monthly dose of chemo. 

Hope that helps, please do let me know if you would specific help.

Velma02

Hi Ange19

I had both. For me the chemo was trying to prevent recurrence within the whole body. The external beam radiotherapy was to try to prevent recurrence within the pelvis. I did not have brachytherapy as no cancer cells were found in my cervix. 

Some people have both internal and external radiotherapy and it depends on lots of factors but if your experience is similar to mine, I had an appointment with a radiotherapy consultant just before my last chemo. They went through the reasons why they recommended it, what would happen and what side effects I could expect. I then had my radiotherapy planning appointment to give them time to go through everything so I could start about 3 weeks after I finished chemo.

Maybe have a chat with your CNS and they should be able to give you an idea of what happens at your hospital. Mine was done quickly but I know there can be some variation.

Jane

Hi Velma

Thank you, I’m glad your radiotherapy went well and you had no major side effects, but I am sorry that you are now having to have chemotherapy.  I hope all goes well for you and wish you all the very best and lots of luck.

I’ll just have to wait and see, I have a feeling I may have both sorts of radiotherapy, but it’s just a feeling I have.

Thanks again

Ange

Hi Ange,

Jane2511 has certainly got it right in her reply to you.

I took was explained fully of the side effects to be expected from both treatments. The 25 sessions of Radiotherapy were fine, especially at the beginning. By the 3rd week it all starts to take effect, the tiredness, the daily trek into hospital, the waiting around. But through it all the staff are so friendly and always ready to help, advice and just look after you. 

The brachytherapy was also fully explained, the treatment was pretty quick and straightforward. 

I'm sure once you have your treatment plan you too will be confident in their decisions.

Wishing you all the best and speedy recovery too.