What after effects has anyone experienced after vaginal brachytherapy?

Hi Nigtingale 19, yes I have had problems with flatulence and constipation, my oncologist said it is the Brachy. I also had 25 external RT sessions. The Brachy has narrowed my back passage, therefore the need to keep constipation at bay is so important. I drink so much water I feel like a fish ! lots of Weetabix for me (other brands are available)  I would ask your GP for a mild laxative perhaps? it has helped me to be honest, and try and keep on top of it. I have never felt sore using the dilators myself and if that continues perhaps your GP could examine you ? My impression is that all side effects from any cancer treatment is downplayed ! 

Hope that you are able to sort these issues out,

Kind regards,

LC

X

Nightingale, I am so pleased to hear from you. You must have got a message this morning to post because I was wondering how you were, you and several other people who I haven't heard from recently. I think it must be this strange situation we all find ourselves in and I for one have been finding my thoughts backtracking, dwelling on situations past and present and worrying about others. It may be that I am hopelessly cut off not being able to visit my parents and mother in law because the care homes are closed to visitors and my daughter is pregnant again, down in Sussex so we are unable to see her or my granddaughter and my son has to keep working so he's petrified he will pass something onto us. We all talk by phone but it's not the same as having a hug or a cuddle. Anyway, I'm a bit concerned that you are having problems. I can't help you directly as I haven't had bracytherapy but constipation ,aches and pains and soreness over the bowel area and vagina I have had. I normally deal with the soreness in the vagina which is intermittent, not every day with lubrication gel which tends to relieve it so I think it's just dryness on my part. The soreness over the bowel, particularly the left hand side I am slightly more bothered about, particularly as the radiographer hovered over that side for some time and pressed down quite hard with the thingy when doing my ultrasound. He couldn't see anything though and when I had my phone consultation check up recently she said it was all clear so I suppose it's just adhesions . I had open surgery and the scar wouldn't heal properly for six months, being vacuumed and packed...felt like a stuffed turkey! So I am looking forward to getting back to normal again soon and getting an internal examination done which will be a first! As regards your problems I would strongly advise getting in touch, if you can, with your CNS to discuss it or failing that a Macmillan nurse via the ask an expert site or ring them but be warned they are very busy and inundated at the moment so it may take longer to answer you. I certainly wouldn't opt to do nothing as it's clearly bothering you and given your staging, and the problems another member had, not implying that this problem is the same as here of course, I would definitely seem further advice. In the meantime keep drinking plenty and moving plenty and rubbing your tummy round and round which I expect you are doing already! By drinking I mean water not the hard stuff although given the present day situation I wouldn't blame you! Keep safe now. God bless. Love and virtual hugs. Lamb.xx

You have excellent advice from little critter now and shes been through it so don't worry about my ramblings.....I'm just pleased to hear from you. Take care.xx

Hi Nightingale 19,  I have had salvage beachy which is higher dose than adjuvant. I have developed late side effects which are bowel issues and I have radiation proctitis.  I have wind I use size 4 dialator however I feel that my vagina is smaller and I have like a stinging pain but it doesn't last and sometimes I spot.  I don't feel sore afterwards though.  I have bought some different dialators which I prefer and they are stretching my vagina which I need. Speak to your radiologist team as they will be used to after effects of radiation. I am going too. Stay safe Dawn xx

Hello Nightingale19 I don't have personal experience of brachytherapy but there is someone on the cervical cancer section of this forum who does and there are quite a few ladies on the Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust forum who do. You could also try the Eve Appeal for advice. Someone on Jo's advised prune juice for constipation. I am not medically trained so don't take my word for it! I hope you are able to find some relief!

A

Hi Nightingale 19 ..My situation  is a bit different from yours .  I had a full hysterectomy  March 19 and the diagnosed with a recurrence in the vagina  August 19 . I had 25 sessions external  RT starting Xmas and 5 internal  which ended in beginning of Feb . for the recurrence. I found the main side effects were fatigue which has now passed (just suddenly burst into life in time for lock down cleaning.) The most painful were the radiation burns.. really big blisters inside.  The radiographer who did the internal work gave me Epaderm cream which provided immense relief  and used Lidocaine cream for pain relief during her work . I asked my G.P. to prescribe Epaderm  .. It relieved the pain from the blisters as it moisturises and prevents on going soreness.  It really moisturises the  vagina and helps to relieve the tightness .. I am also using the no 1 (smallest) dilator  with this cream and the lubricant than came with the set (which is ridiculously small size).  Just started using as I recently had biopsies for a VIN . It isn't pleasant, more uncomfortable using the dilator .I had a discussion with the clinical nurse about this on Friday and she said if it hurts stop. A bit of discomfort for sure but not pain .Be aware that vagina is now smaller in length due to op.  So if it's really painful speak to some one definitely whether hospital or GP .  

Ongoing side effects constantly weeing at night but I am drinking lots of water and  diarrheoa.  The diarrheoa and gripping pains  have mainly stopped and I am 'normal' for the first time in my life. Previously had been using a prescribed laxative.. a silver lining perhaps . I did have the wind but that is a side effect of the RT.

Don't overdo the exercise or push yourself .  Your body has been through a lot and needs to mend itself .  After my op I couldn't lift a plate and it is only now  that my energy is coming back .  Look after yourself and take care ..Do some papering whatever makes you feel good.  It takes time but you will start to feel better and get yourself checked if only for peace of mind which is just as important. 

That was pampering not papering!!!

Hi nightingale19.

I find I have sustenand constipation issues since surgery and all the meds I am on but I am on  laxities which I take daily but I find peppermint tea to be more gentle on my bowels and gently removing wind. Boy some don't understand how painful it is. As for your pain after using the dilator have they prescribed any kind of creams that you can use to ease the pain, maybe worth asking your GP or consultant about that. I didn't have brachytheapy but have heard others mention about keeping up with the uses of dilators as your cns and consultant would of said, having said that you shouldn't be felling so my discomfort so it be good to resolve that for you, of course the other issue is vaginal dryness this alone can cause discomfort so I am really hoping you feel more comfortable very soon, good luck with that.

And as usual the ladies have given you some great advice

Hi TKH I was interested to read your post. I recurred 6 months after my op. I was told they had it all. I was Stage1A grade 1.  I was only treated with Brachy for the recurrence at the vagina vault. The and I only know it was a higher dose than adjuvant because I was told by the practioner who performed the colostomy. I'm wondering why I was only treated with Brachy and nothing else. My tumor was 5mm and was taken away with the biopsy. Was yours similar. Hope things go well for you.

Dawn x

I was told it was early again .  At one point they found and lost it.. saw it on the MRI but not on the CT.. So had another MRI and they found it again!! I asked if the 2 types  of RT  were standard and the implication was that they were. My understanding is that the Brachy is the more intense of the two so maybe your dose was lot stronger or it may be based on exact location also? Mine was in the vaginal vault . On my ist 3 month check the surgeon decided to double check , thank god, as he thought it was scarring initially from my op.  When he told me it was cancer again he was as upset as I was . 

I am waiting now for the post RT check for a all clear I hope.   Hoping all goes well for the both of us.

Tricia xx