All,
Following a complete hysterectomy in 2022, radio chemotherapy last year, vagina removed Feb 2025. I have been told that surgery was successful, margins are clear of cancer. But the margins next to my bladder were closer than the surgeons would have liked. They basically told me that they peeled and scraped my vagina off my bladder.
My options now is no further treatment, or I can have 6 sessions of carboplatin/paclitaxel as belt and braces. When I spoke to an oncologist, he said that the percentage of the chemo preventing a recurrence was "in single figures. 7-9%".
So, I'm after some advice. Should I take the chemo or leave it be, any advice would be most welcome
Hi Lee75
I am sorry to hear that you had a recurrence after all your previous treatment.
I had adjuvant chemo in 2022. Mine was carboplatin and paclitaxel. It was challenging at times but I actually found it easier than the radiotherapy. There were side effects but on the whole they were manageable with medication.
How did you find your previous chemo? Was it manageable?
I remember my consultant talking to me about recurrence rates during my consents appointments and she stressed that it was always easier to try to prevent a recurrence than to try and treat one. Only you can decide if it is worth it for you but I would take the chemo. For me it would be thinking along the lines of I have done it once so I can do it again and that if it did come back then would it be more extensive surgery/ more aggressive treatment. And would it be successful.
Its a tough choice. especially after having recent surgery. Maybe talk it through with your CNS, or give the Support Line a call.
I hope that you are not feeling too uncomfortable after your surgery and I wish you well with your recovery- what ever you decide to do.
If you want to ask anything about my chemo and experience of carboplatin and paclitaxel- please do.
Jane
