Mum in eighties undecided about treatment

Hi Rosiesmum

I am really sorry to hear about your Mum's endometrial cancer but am pleased that she is recovering well from the surgery.

I had the same type of cancer as Mum- carcinoma sarcoma. For this I had chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy. Both were tough treatments but doable. 

It is a hard decision to make, taking into account Mum's age. I can understand why she is considering not having the treatments.

Chemotherapy was hard at times and it sounds like the consultant is feeling that this is not the best option for Mum. I did feel pretty unwell on it and it has taken me a long time to recover from it. I still have some effects- but the cancer has not returned. Everyone's experience can be different and there are different regimes and cycles which can be adjusted if needed. A lot of the side effects can be managed.

External radiotherapy did take it out of me really. It is very tiring and I had a lot of tummy effects. Partly these could be because I had not recovered enough from the chemo when it started. Some ladies have less effects, that resolve soon after. 

I did not have brachytherapy as no cancer cells were found in my cervix. However through being on here, ladies do seem to tolerate the treatment well. From what I understand there are normally 3 sessions.

With radiotherapy they do recommend the use of dilators.

It has to be a personal decision really and for Mum to weigh up the risks and benefits and for her to decide what is important to her. I would maybe sit down with her and think up a list of questions to put to the consultant at the meeting so that she has all the information she needs to make a decision. I find if I make a list of what I need to know then it can feel less overwhelming- as they can give you so much information all at once. 

I wish Mum well whatever she decides to do. If there is anything you need please do ask. 

Jane

Hi Rosiesmum,

I was lucky in that I needed no more treatment after the hysterectomy. I was 72 at the time.  I have developed lymphedema in one leg which is controlled by wearing a compression stocking. I also feel that the operation affected my bladder, I cant hold on as I used to be able to, or is that age? So, at nearly 80, I can understand your mums misgivings.

I nursed my daughter through chemo, at age 37 for breast cancer, and never want to go through that again. It was awful seeing her so ill, but she has been cancer free since.

From what I have read on here internal radio seems the least intrusive option, although the dilators are a drawback. I think you have to feel very comfortable with your own body for that. Personally, after 2 miscarriages, 2 births and than a hysterectomy, I've lost all inhibitions about stuff down there!!! 

I think the choice is hers. Good luck for the future. xx

Hi Rosiesmum, well done to your mum for having her hysterectomy and I’m glad she’s recovering well. I appreciate it’s tough for her and for you and feel for you. I just wanted to say that the side effects mentioned for radio and brachy are “possible”, not a given. They have to explain what might happen but they might not. I was only 62 when I had my op, 25 x radio and 2 x brachy. With the radio I had no side effects up till week 4, at which time I had a bit of bloating and urgency but no diarrhoea - the on duty registrar recommended Buscopan and that relieved that. I did follow a pelvic radiotherapy food guide during treatment - started a couple of days before even - so that may or may not have helped. I drove myself to and from every appointment (hospital is an hour away). I found the brachy an absolute breeze. Just something small tampon size in for 6 minutes while the radio was on. And no side effects whatsoever except a slight warmth when peeing and that was only for a day or two. After radio I continued the eating plan for a week or so before gradually reintroducing my “normal” foods that I’d avoided during treatment. I’d say my bowels were back to normal after a couple of weeks. The most annoying/invasive thing for me about the radio is the travelling and the waiting - it does rather dominate your life for the 4-5 weeks. I requested afternoon appointments so that I could walk the dog with my husband in the morning as normal, and then basically wrote the rest of the day off in my mind. Re the dilators, as far as I’m aware, it’s just to help prevent atrophy in order to allow future internal exams when needed. The smallest ones are quite small and no bigger than a tampon and using lube helps. Having treatment was inconvenient but I’m glad I had it. 

Hi Rosiesmum 

I'm sorry to read of your mum's diagnosis and treatment by surgery. It is very good news that it has been found at an early stage. I think it's great that your mum has recovered well from a major operation. It shows her strength and fitness re recovery and the fact that the health team are offering further treatment. However, just because the cancer was a high grade and your mum is fit enough to have further treatment, doesn't mean that it is the right decision, for her, at her age, to proceed.

I have stage 4 endometrial cancer (click on my username if you want to read my profile). My cancer has been stable after treatment for nearly 2 years. I had chemotherapy and 5 sessions of radiotherapy to improve my mobility. I found treatment very hard and I was 52 when I had it. Chemotherapy has a cumulative effect so that by the 6th cycle I was very weak and fatigued. It is only in recent months that I have got some stamina back. However I find that it can't be sustained. 

It is only my opinion but I think your mum's decision to carry on as she is, in her current health at her age, is very wise. Best regards for her continued good health.

A x

Best wishes to your Mum.

I'm just into my 70s, had the hysterectomy with clear margins and no spread to lymph glands.

Oncology doctor thought chemo and radiotherapy would stop me from doing things I enjoy for at least 12 months and might not make much difference.

My husband and I decided to go with the check ups every 3 months and just enjoy life while we can.

K.

Thank you everyone for your replies to my post. 
upshot is after a week of my poor mum worrying what to do re treatment , we met again with the oncologist yesterday afternoon. He had sought more advice from Mondays MDT and he said they all felt collectively that the bare minimum was the most appropriate treatment for mum at her age of almost 85 which is the internal radiotherapy- 4 sessions in total  starting next week - twice a week. They feel this has minimal side effects and will maintain mums current good quality of life. She will have regular check ups. 

she feels calmer and more at peace with a plan now. We know there is risk going forward but the oncologist said to focus on living now. 

we will move forward with hope. 

Hi Rosiesmum

I am glad that there is a plan that you all feel happy with and it does sound the most sensible way forward. 

I am glad she feels calmer now and I hope that the next couple of weeks go well for her and that any effects are minimal. It is reassuring that she will have regular check ups but can focus on her current good quality of life. 

If there is anything you need, please do ask.

Jane