Waiting game

Hi Elaine, that’s great news, what a relief for you. What grade and stage were you told it was? I was offered radiotherapy and brachytherapy as an “insurance policy”/belt and braces and I said yes. I had been expecting to be told no adjuvant treatment needed, so it was a bit of a shock to have it offered, but I said yes as I wanted the increased peace of mind. I think you will find nowadays that most cancer treatments are offered as a “choice” by the patient. I had my treatment April-May 2022. What would you like to know? There’s also a dedicated pinned post for Radiotherapy support - I can post the link if you can’t find it?

Hi Elaine,

Brilliant news for you there, I'm expecting my results next week and this is very uplifting.

Good luck for any next steps.

Jules

Keeping fingers crossed for you ,I still can’t believe those words “cancer free” I am still apprehensive about any further treatment xx

Hi I was stage 1 grade 1 and am now waiting to hear about any further treatment I am apprehensive  but will see what information the doctors give me.I got the impression that radiotherapy was quite invasive and can cause other problems so I am not making any decisions till I have more info xx

Really good news! Mine was contained in the womb but as I was stage 1a grade 3 the surgeon asked if I would like to talk to the oncologist about adjuvant treatment. I accepted the offer and he recommended brachytherapy to the vaginal vault as a precaution against the cancer returning in that area. I decided to have the brachytherapy to safeguard that risk  I didn't find it that uncomfortable just a bit undignified! There are pros and cons and all are cases are different. It's probably worth having a chat with the oncologist so he/she can answer all your questions abd concerns. You'll then be in a better position to make a decision. 

Hi I have now been informed that my cancer was stage 1 grade b and have an appointment on the 31 st July at jessops wing to discus brachytherapy / radiotherapy . I don’t really know what to expect and I am some what anxious .Can you explain the treatment you had please .Thankyou 

Hi Elaine1903, I understand it being a bit of a shock when we’re told we’re being offered treatment. I was predicted grade 1 stage 1a and wasn’t expecting to need any adjuvant treatment, so when I found out post op that I was still grade 1 but had been restaged to stage 2 and was being offered radio and brachy, it knocked me for six. I still remember sitting in the consulting room stunned and upset, then them getting a CNS to sit with me, and sitting there for ages while I tried to take it all in. That was in January 2022. I had my radio April to May and my 2 brachy sessions towards the end of my radio treatment. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have, either here or in the dedicated Radiotherapy Support (including Brachytherapy) thread. The link for that is here: community.macmillan.org.uk/.../radiotherapy-support-thread-inc-brachytherapy

I’m over a year on now and doing well!  Feel free to click on my name if you’d like to read my story.

It’s good to hear you are well I feel like a wimp reading all the letters  about treatments that people have been through I am such a coward.Thankyou for taking the time to reply to me x

Hi again Elaine, I’m not SH53 - I’m sure she will be along soon. I’m not brave at all, nor that positive, even though some people said I was both. Trying to be those things would have taken mental effort and energy that I didn’t have. But I did manage to be pragmatic - determined to get done what was needed in order to give me the best chance. I was a shaky wreck when I first saw my oncologist to discuss my treatment plan but she was so matter of fact and lovely with it that she inspired confidence in me and turned me around.  

Hi Elaine, you are so not a coward.  You got cancer - you are now cancer free - you are amazing, don't forget that

Jules