Radiotherapy right decision?

Hi FJ71, I was predicted grade 1 stage 1a, had my hysterectomy in January 2022 and was restaged post op to grade 1 stage 2 as some stray cells were found on top of my cervix. i wasn’t expecting to need adjuvant treatment but it was advised for me just in case. I had 25 x radio and 2 x brachy. The travelling was a slog but I’ve never once regretted my treatment and have frequently since then felt reassured that I had it. Feel free to ask any questions either here or on the radiotherapy support thread. 

Hi FJ71,

Unfortunately, I'm one of the very rare cases who has had some permanent damage from radiotherapy, however, I do not regret having the treatment and giving myself the best possible chance of stopping recurrence. I'm struggling a bit at the moment due to procedures, pain and meds but I know I'll get through it and see the positives again. It is entirely your choice and whatever you decide will be the right path for you I'm sure. Feel free to read my profile it's mostly up to date. Take care xx

Hi FJ71

I am someone who is still having long term problems from the radiotherapy but on the whole I manage these through diet and medication where needed. They can be inconvenient but on the whole manageable. I had support from the pelvic radiation disease organisation. I can often control the effects by following their dietary advice. 

I still don't regret having the treatment and I was told it is really hard to predict who will and won't have lingering side effects. Some people have few effects during treatment and recover quickly. Some people have effects that peak soon after radiotherapy and then they settle. A few people do have longer term effects.

I am 2 years post treatment and there are still days that I struggle with treatment side effects (I also had chemo) but on the whole I manage them and have done everything possible to prevent recurrence. 

I remember my consents appointment and the consultant going through all the possible side effects and feeling really worried but they have to tell you every possible issue in order to get your informed consent. In reality during treatment I had a dodgy tummy, nausea and fatigue. Medication during treatment helped me complete it. After treatment things did, in time begin to settle. Post treatment I have a dodgy tummy, I watch what I eat and I can take loperamide when needed. 

I wish you well with your treatment and hopefully you will have minimal side effects during yours. 

Jane

The way I looked at it was this: my cancer had spread to my cervix, just a few cells but they were there. Because I was predicted stage 1a I didn’t have any lymph nodes sampled during my hysterectomy op, so it was not known whether it had starting to creep into those. Even though I was afraid of having radiotherapy, I was far more afraid of recurrence and decided to give myself the best chance of prevention. I didn’t have any side effects till half way through week 4, and even then it was just a bit of bloating and slight urgency. I didn’t even have the runs. I drove myself to and from every appointment (an hour each way) and my minor digestive issues disappeared within a week or so of finishing, and I was able to gradually reintroduce all the foods I’d stopped within 2-3 weeks.

Thank you all for your responses.  I think the problem I have is lack of perception as to how serious or not my situation is.  When I was first diagnosed the oncologist said it was a lazy "wouldn't even call it cancer" and now i find myself restaged and radiotherapy. 

I know what you mean- before my results came back post op I was told surgery, perhaps a bit of radiotherapy but no chemo. Post surgery it was you need it all and its aggressive. It is hard to get your head around it when it is unexpected. 

However they wouldn't recommend it if they didn't feel the benefits would out way the risks. Some people do have lingering effects and its important that people do know that, but many do not and recover quickly. Only you can make the decision as to what is best for you- but just make sure you are fully informed. If you want to talk it through then perhaps give the Support Line a call. We are not medically trained on here and can only talk about our own experiences but there are nurses that you can talk to on the Support Line.

Hi again FJ71, my situation was not dissimilar as when I went back for my post op histology results (my cancer was a tiny polyp measuring 2mm btw), I was told that it was literally just 2-3 cancerous cells that had been found on my cervix, that I was just a “technical” stage 2, and that if I’d had any lymph nodes sampled and they’d been clear, I wouldn’t even have been offered radio/brachy. For me I think having had treatment made it easier for me to recover and move forward positively, as I feel the treatment provided me with a measure of reassurance and confidence that I may not have had if I hadn’t had it.

Thank you., That makes me feel better.  My lymph nodes weren't sampled which I have to admit did concern me.