First Chemo Session done !

Hello Babs,

I was diagnosed March of last year with the same stage and grade as you.  I had a hysterectomy towards the end of April, followed by 22 sessions of radiotherapy, which I gather is the standard amount.  That began in early June.  The actual treatment was quick and painless, but it was very tiring having to get to the hospital five days a week for a month, and completely took over my life, especially as the sessions were all at different times.  If you can, try to get them to give you a fixed time; it would have made a difference. 

I was very tired by the end, and I had problems with my bowels and bladder during the treatment, which wore off quite quickly once I'd finished.  I had good support throughout from a specialist nurse, who rang me each week to check how I was (in non Covid times we would have met after one of my sessions).  She was able to help me to cope with the side effects, with advice on eating, and which drugs to take. 

All the way through my journey (I'm unfortunately now dealing with recurrence, and having chemo) I've relied heavily on specialist nurses, and now a Macmillan nurse too.  If you're offered this kind of help, my advice is to take it.  Having someone who can navigate her way around the hospital systems, and knows who to talk to about your questions, is really helpful.

I hope you continue to feel OK after your chemo, and perhaps even get a little bamboozled.  But that's normal and natural; it's a huge amount to take in, and there is so much uncertainty to deal with.  Anyone who doesn't feel bamboozled at the least is probably managing not to think about it all. 

Hi Bonnie B. Nice to hear from you again and also to hear you've had your first chemo session and you're feeling OK.

As I mentioned before I was stage 1B grade 3, the same as you, but 0 in Lymph Nodes and no LVSI. I was offered 3 Brachytherapy sessions as some malignant cells had been found in the Peritoneal flush. Otherwise the Hysterectomy alone would have been sufficient.

22-25 seems to be the normal number of external radiotherapy sessions, about 5 weeks.

Stay in touch, sending hugs, Barb xx 

The brachytherapy wouldn’t have been right for me apparently alas they said it was used more if it was in the cervix which mine wasn’t. I’m just concerned the belt and braces esp radiotherapy may cause my IBS a lot of probs. Will research and ask my consultant when I see him again half way through. 
thanks for getting back in touch - I haven’t figured out how to get back to people I was in contact with. Is there a way to do it ?

babs

Hi I just read your bio what stage and grade they give u after surgery xcc

I was stage 1b Grade 3. Lymph nodes clear but some areas of invasion in lymphovascular area thus the six sessions of chemo but that’s to be followed by 25 sessions of radiotherapy. As I have IBS I’m concerned about the damage the radiotherapy might cause. 
Babs

 Bonnie B

Hi Babs

If you click on your ID, then click on Activities and scroll down you'll see previous conversations you've taken part in and the people who've answered. You could either a) Click on their ID and request friendship or b) just go into the conversation and reply to the poster.

All the best, Barb xx

Wishing you the. Best of luck threw your journey xxx

 Hi Xxnataliexx. I'm sending you a gentle nag! You haven't updated your profile yet! The only reason I mention it is because your situation was unusual and if you update your bio/profile it can be particularly useful to newcomers to the forum. If you don't know what to write, click on mine.

Barb xx 

Lol ok will do when kids go to bed xxx

How do u put it on your profile plz xx