Waiting game

Hi marmitefan59 Thankyou I totally understand how you felt I am exactly the same The ups and downs emotionally are overwhelming .My family think I’m better and that’s the end of it , sadly I now know it isn’t  the end but the start of something else .My appointment isn’t till the end of July to discuss treatment I just feel in limbo .Once again Thankyou it’s good to know you are well x

Hi again Elaine, looking back at my diary on my iPad I can see that I got my results on 4th Feb 22, and saw the oncologist for the first time about 3 weeks later. I then had my planning CT on 9th Mar 22, and my treatment started 11th Apr 22. It’s different for different hospitals/areas, but at that time my hospital (Southampton) aimed to start treatment within 12 weeks of results and they managed that. When I saw my oncologist for the first time she was able to give me an approximate start date. I asked her if I could express a preference for afternoon appointments (as I live an hour away) and she was happy to put that on my notes and try to accommodate that for me. I also asked her if they specify routine mini enemas before each treatment and she said no (some do, some don’t). I also asked her by how much radiotherapy would improve my chances of it not recurring. It’s good to have a list of questions with you.

Hi Elaine1903 I'm guessing your treatment has been at Sheffield if you have an appointment at the Jessop Wing? Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!  I had all my preliminary consultations and tests at Jessops, my hysterectomy at the Royal Hallamshire and my brachytherapy at the Weston Park Cancer Hospital. The level of care was excellent throughout.  In my case I had a one-off brachytherapy treatment over a period of 21 hours. After having the applicator fitted, under sedation, I had a scan, then I was taken to the brachytherapy room where I remained during the course of the treatment. The nurses came in at regular intervals to bring me snacks and drinks and to see if I was OK and to empty the catheter.  I didn't find the treatment that uncomfortable, just a little tiring and slightly undignified. I did have a large TV to keep me entertained!  Treatments are tailored to the individual  so, even if it was to take place in Sheffield,  you may not be offered the treatment I had; it could be something quite different. I found there was a lot of information to absorb at the appointment with the oncologist so I didn't feel able to make a decision on the day. Feel free to ask him/her about any concerns you may have. I was stage 1a as the cancer  was contained within the womb with no spread. However, it was grade 3 so I wanted to give myself the best chance of longer term recovery, hence the decision to agree to the treatment. Hope it goes well at your appointment with the oncologist. If you have any questions, pre or post your appointment, do not hesitate to post them on this forum. Lots of lovely ladies who can support you and empathise with all the challenges you've faced. xx

I decided to have the treatment I wanted to give myself the best chance of long term recovery. 

Just realised I repeated myself at the end of the above post! Did a fair bit of editing but, clearly,  didn't check the final version. Another senior moment! 

Hi SH53 I had my diagnosis and surgery at Barnsley but my care and any treatment is now transfered to Sheffield.I didn’t realise that brachytherapy was done over a period of 21 hours or so.So much to learn Thankyou for your support

Hi Elaine, I’m sure SH53 will pop back and explain, but, just to clarify, she had a special type of intensive brachytherapy and that’s not what the vast majority of us have. My two brachy appointments lasted approx 20 mins, with the treatment itself lasting 6-7 mins (3 songs on the sound system!). They were a breeze.

Thankyou for that information I suppose I can hope for a similar treatment to yours with being stage 1 grade 2 

You're welcome. I saw Dr Mathew at my initial appointment and Dr Martin when I went in to sign the consent. Dr Martin was very friendly and jolly which sounds a bit odd when you're discussing cancer treatment but she certainly made me feel very relaxed and at ease. 

Hello there. Congratulations on your news. This is my first time posting. 
I was diagnosed with womb cancer in October last year. I had a full hysterectomy in December. My gynaecologist advised me to speak to the oncologist about further treatment but said it was my choice. When I met with the oncologist, he was very direct and said he wanted me to have 27 sessions of radiotherapy over 5.5 weeks, giving the reason that there may be some rogue cells lodged between lymph nodes and top of the vagina. I completed these in late April this year. From my experience, the process of having the radiotherapy was straight forward but the side effects of it have been , and still are awful. I know not everyone experiences them but I wish I’d been more prepared for them. 
Best wishes on your next steps. 

Hi godmummy Thankyou  can you be more specific about the side effects . I am really worried that if I decide against treatment will the cancer come back ?
  I know they can’t be 100% but I dare not think of the consequences if I say no