Internal Radiotherapy following hysterectomy

Hi wasntexpectingthat

I see nobody has been along to answer you yet, and although I can't answer all your questions I thought I would say Hi!  The term is Brachytherapy.  I myself had 25 sessions of external radiotherapy and 2 sessions of brachytherapy but I think my internal ones were a shorter version of what you might be having as you are having two and not the 25 external, so I am sure someone else will be along who has had that type and can answer your questions.  I know there are several ladies on here who have had the type you will be having.

Hope all goes well for you.

Hugs, Lesley xx

Hi Wasntexpectingthat

i am currently having internal radiation for endometrial cancer , they call it brachytherapy. I have just had the 2nd of three treatments .

I initially had an appointment with my oncologist who explained the procedure and then examined me internally to find the correct size applicator they would use for my treatment . Treatment in my case , and I believe is the same for other areas was a session once a week and I left the oncology dept with dates and times for my treatment . 

Treatment is ok , a bit like going for a smear test . You lay on a couch , they insert the applicator and attach a ‘wire’ to the end which delivers the radiation . My treatment lasts about 15mins . It’s not painful.  Once treatment is complete they remove the applicator and your on your way . 

The only side effect I have experienced is a little tiredness . They do tell you it could alter your bowel habit making it  little looser . You may also get some discharge or cystitis . Touch wood , so far I haven’t experienced any of that .

You could drive yourself , as I say it isn’t painful and the tiredness is very mild . I find it hits me in the evenings . It shouldn’t stop you going back to work either . Hope this helps a little in answering your questions . 

Maggie67 - thanks very much for taking the time to reply to me - that information is exactly what I was after. At least I now know what to expect. 

Hope things are going well with you.

Hi 

Just to add a bit more to Lesliey's answer.  I also had brachytherapy after external RT, I didn't drive to my sessions, which took place over two days close together but had a one hour journey each way by train, bus and walk with no problems.  I think I have heard others say that they drove and had no difficulty. 

I would also add that there are two types of brachytherapy.  The one I had was High Dose (HDR) and involves short sessions done as an outpatient the other is called Low Dose (LDR) and is done as an  inpatient and involves an overnight stay, .  Different centres do it different ways and you will be told about it when you have your appointment on the 12th.  As with all these appointments, it is a good idea to write all your questions down beforehand and  to take someone with you to help process the answers and discuss things.  

Hello , I'm glad to hear that all went well with your surgery. I can't answer your questions about brachytherapy as I had the external kind, but just wanted to reassure you that it's painless and doable. Both types can have side effects to the bowel and bladder but your team will monitor you closely and will be able to give you any medication you might need to help you through. Side effects are usuaully temporary, but some ladies can have on going effects in the long term. Use your appointment to ask lots of questions about the pros and cons for you., the likelihood of side effects etc.  If you're offered the opportunity to see the treatment area/machines before treatment starts, do take the, up on it. It's quite fascinating how precise everything is. I hope all goes well. Take care x

Wasn’texpectingthat 

your welcome , glad I could help . I’m sure your oncologist will go through it all with you in detail when you see him /her . 

I complete my treatment next week , I also had to have chemo after my surgery . So thankful it’s nearly over , like your username I wasn’t expecting that diagnosis at the beginning of the year . I’ve had ups and downs but I can see a little of the positive me beginning to come back .

hope treatment goes well for you 

Thank you Lesley!

Many Thanks Anne - who probably isn't very old at all!

Hi

I had 4 sessions of brachytherapy and had the high dose version so it was 2 sessions one week and 2 the next week, my last one was Oct 12 last year. The sessions only lasted 15 mins so it took longer to get to the hospital than the actual treatment time!. I unfortunately had bladder and bowel problems during and after the treatment but I know some people have little or no side effects. Good luck with your treatment x

Hi

Oh yes, I am - read my profile!!!