Hi,
I'm 69 and last October I had a total hysterectomy (womb, falliopian tubes, ovaries, cervix) I was diagnosed with Stage 1B, Grade 3 cancer and substantial LVSI.
Had 25 sessions of radiotherapy which finished at the end of January. Saw my oncologist in March, who after I asked, told me that a grade 3 cancer and substantial LVSI gives me a high possibility of it coming back. For me this is worse than having it diagnosed, as its just wait and see!!!
Yes, I will have following up appointments at my local hospital (got one in July) but every pain or discomfort I have makes it think the worst. I am still struggling with some side effects of the radiotherapy.
Has anyone had similar?
Thanks
P
Hi Beepeep
From what I have seen on here there can be a variation between hospitals. Also it is not just done on stage and grade but they take into account all the other genetic markers.
I am not sure why they biopsied so many lymph nodes but it is reassuring that they were all clear.
Radiotherapy can be adjuvant- to mop up any stray cells in the pelvis however it does have side effects and some people- although not all can have lingering effects. The brachytherapy is targeting the area of the vaginal vault and this is one area where cancer can recur. Brachytherapy tends to be much better tolerated, fewer sessions and less potential damage to surrounding tissues.
The position of the cancer can also be a factor in choice- my consultant said that I did not need brachytherapy as no cancer cells were found in or near my cervix.
As the chemo is mopping up any cancer cells whole body wise, the brachytherapy in your case is likely to be an extra blast in an area where recurrence can be more likely.
With a grade 3 cancer there can be a higher chance of recurrence so by not having the external radiotherapy now, it could be a case of effectively banking the treatment so that it can be used, if needed at a later date. With my particular results it was better to blast the cells with everything possible straight away so if mine does come back I would need different treatment. You can not normally have radiotherapy in the same area more than once as it is too damaging.
I hope your chemo goes ok tomorrow. I definitely found the second one easier- a lot I think was psychological- I knew what to expect and when. So when I was having a bad day, I used to accept it and rest and would look at my book and know that in a couple of days I would pick up. Definitely try and get out in the fresh air if you can- even just to sit out in the garden would help me.
Jane
Try not to worry too much. I had LVSI and the aim of chemo and radiotherapy is to mop up any of the tiny cells that may be left behind. I am 2 1/2 years post treatment and doing ok.
Just remember they may only be possible side effects- but they have to list them all. You may not have a problem and benefits might outweigh the risks?
Good luck
