Brachytherapy

I had 4 brachytherapy sessions last October. Everyone has a different experience..the lady who had appointments before me was fine whereas I found it worse than my hysterectomy.

 I had cystitis for the first time in my life, bleeding and pain but my CNS was great and recommended things to help and got me seen by my consultant urgently who felt my problems were due to the wrong size applicator being used. If you do have any side effects at all just tell the team looking after you.

Good luck, sure you will be fine. X

I had brachytherapy last July at the Christie in Manchester. Mine was 2 long session, 14 hours each and I drove myself there. I stayed overnight on the ward afterwards before driving home, but mainly because after 14 hours of lying still I was stiff and tired and I didn't finish until 23:00. I drove myself home around 6 the next morning but I am sure if I had to, I could have managed the drive shortly after finishing. I did have pain relief though, because of the time I had to remain still so probably waiting until therefore off was sound. Most people seem to have more very short sessions and if that's what you're having then I doubt you'd have any problems at all driving there and back.

I had four short (10 min) high dose sessions of brachytherapy just over three years ago.  I found it undignified and a bit uncomfortable but not as bad as a smear test.  I drove for 30 mins, sat on a train for 1 hour and then walked 30 mins before and after each session.  In fact I walked further because I tried to see some part of London while there and usually treated myself to afternoon tea. I was fortunate not to have any side effects. Hope it will be the same for you.  Xx

Thankyou does help to hear that xx

hi Rosanna, I had 3 sessions of high dose brachytherapy last August and my experience was similar to Ema's. Drove 40 miles each way for treatments and did some shopping en route. No problems at all. Some soreness and a strange ache in my tailbone for a few weeks afterwards but nothing major. Xx

Hi Rosanna, I had really bad side effects from the external radiotherapy (mainly bowel and bladder) but none whatsoever from the brachytherapy during treatment . I sailed through it. I've subsequently had a few uti's and cystitis but I still drink my 2litres of water a day which I believe really helps. Fingers crossed you have no problems xx

Thanks for the positive response, help loads xx