I realise its been asked before, but I'm getting anxious about the Brachytherapy which I start next week. Three sessions, Wednesday, Friday and Monday.
Can anyone tell me what to expect, and how to prepare please?
Hi Zigoin123 I've had brachy and I note that you will be receiving yours differently to me in terms of time lines ( I had PDR as an in-patient in a room for 21 hours on my back, 3 days in hospital in total) I had an applicator inserted via theatre under sedation and a CT scan to check the positioning. The applicator is attached to a machine and the treatment / required dose is delivered. You do not feel anything and it is doable. Some ladies have some side effects, I have had just the fatigue. I'm sure some of the ladies here will share their experiences with you. Hope BV things go well for you. Dawn x
I havnt been on for a while but saw your post first and thought I would like to reply to you. My mom had brachy and had it over 3 sessions within a week and half. Her last one was last Friday. From what she said it was a little unforcomfortable and embarrassing but as she said she's had to get over the embarrassment since all this began...but she also said in no way did it hurt. The first appointment took just over two hours as they have to pinpoint and measure where they do treatment...she was left in the ward for 45 minutes with a dilator in her which made her need a wee she said she called for the nurse who happily took it out for her to use the toilet then put it back in. The other two sessions lasted 10 minute's each roughly then She was able to go shopping straight after and for food : )! She thinks she may have alittle cystitis but they said that could happen aswell as diarrhoea but she hasn't had that.
Everyone is different, I had 4 sessions. The first one was longer as they have to decide what size applicator to use. Basically it's inserted inside you and where I had my treatment( the Christie in manchester) they tie a bandage round you to keep it inside as your vagina wants to expel it. They then leave the room while the treatment is administered and a pellet comes via a tube into the applicator. The actual treatment lasts no more than 10-15 mins and then you get dressed and go home. I did have awful cystitis and issues with my bladder and bowel which continued for awhile but some people don't have any problems at all...good luck x
I had 3 sessions over a couple of weeks. First time they put the applicator in and scan you to make sure it’s positioned correctly but the actual treatment takes 10 minutes. The staff were excellent. No real ill effects except for fatigue.
