endometrial (uterus) cancer and endometrioid (ovary) at the same time

I had recent diagnosis of endometrial cancer and am recovering nicely from total hysterectomy, My Gyn oncologist is now referring me to Radiation Oncologist for vaginal radiation treatment. I questioned why radiation recommended since no evidence of cancer beyond uterus. I was told it was to prevent recurrence. Wondering if this is common treatment?? My first appointment with Radiology Oncology is tomorrow morning. I’m trying to keep positive and prepared. Any guestions you might recommend I ask doctors?

@misslinda It’s great that you are recovering so well from the hysterectomy. Isn’t it amazing that such major surgery can be done endoscopically so that you have small incisions? My gyn-oncologist told me, though, that I still had the same amount of healing on the inside to expect and that would take about 6 weeks.

What kind of endometrial cancer? Adenocarcinoma? Clear cell? Serous? Some uterine cancers are more aggressive than others so that could make a difference in treatment. Also, do you know the Stage of your diagnosis?

Here is a good resource for the types of endometrial cancer, stages, and treatments from the American Cancer Society:

— https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/endometrial-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging.html

At your first appointment in Radiation Oncology I suggest that you ask the radiation oncologist that very question about whether or not this is the usual treatment. Why is vaginal brachytherapy recommended for you? Was the cancer found outside of the uterine (you said it was not) but I wonder if your surgeon suggested radiation at the vaginal cuff to prevent recurrence since that it is a common place for recurrence to appear. That’s what my gyn-oncologist told me which was why I had cancer surveillance appointments every 6 months with a physical exam.

Write your questions out ahead of time and take notes. Also, do you have someone who will go to the appointment with you? A second pair of ears for listening is so very helpful for information you might miss and for support.

Thank you for your words. And of course, I will keep you updated on my treatment progression.

Update on my treatment:

My last radiation treatment will be tomorrow and I’m super excited. Working and going to daily radiation has been a journey! So far the most concerning symptoms have been urinary incontinence and pain, diarrhea, and skin irritation.

I also had two chemo treatments along with radiation. I was definitely scared but it wasn’t as bad as I imagined. I dealt with some nausea and fatigue for a few days. I will find out soon if I will receive another chemo treatment with a different drug.

@diana270 Oh, your last radiation treatment will be today. Are you going to ring the bell and allow everyone to clap and cheer for you?

That's great that your chemotherapy infusions were OK for you with minimal after effects.

I was fatigued for a few weeks after my radiation treatments ended. How will you celebrate the completion of the radiation treatments?

Yeah, I was able to ring the bell! I even brought my family to witness, it was really nice. We went to dinner right after to celebrate.

I haven’t felt fatigue but I still had to take a days off because of other side effects. The symptoms have definitely improved, I think my body just needed some rest.

Unfortunately, I was told that I would need more chemotherapy. It’s going to be a mix of two drugs that are administered every 3 weeks. I think I’m getting 3-4 treatments, so my journey isn’t over yet.