Radiation or not after surgery for endometrial cancer?

Posted by marceyw @marceyw, Feb 4 9:49pm

I was diagnosed with early stage endometrial cancer at Christmas. Had complete hysterectomy on 1/9/24. There was no cancer in the sentinel lymph nodes, ovaries or tubes. My doctor is suggesting brachytherapy to cut my 10% chance of recurrence to 5%. I’m concerned about the side effects. Has anyone been thru this and what are the possible side affects of this type of radiation? Dr said I don’t have the harmful P53 gene but do have a gene that would qualify me for immunotherapy if it were to come back. Really torn about what to do next. Would like to think I could fight the return with diet and lifestyle. Ideas and experiences appreciated.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 1 8:49am

In reply to @tg24 "Thanks for your response! I haven’t had the hysterectomy yet. Got the news Friday morning but..." + (show)

@tg24 Did your doctor say FIGO Stage 1? That means that the cells from the biopsy are not organized yet. Adenocarcinoma is the most common and the least aggressive of endometrial cancers. The cancer will be staged after the hysterectomy and pathology examines the specimen. The stage will help your oncologist to determine what if any treatment is recommended after the surgery.

Here is more information on endometrial cancer that explains FIGO Stage and Staging:

What is Endometrial Cancer? (American Cancer Society):

-- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/endometrial-cancer/about/what-is-endometrial-cancer.html

The above website will also help you to formulate questions to ask your doctor. Please write your questions down as this will help you to remember what to ask. If you need help with questions will you come back and ask us?

jomamapb | @jomamapb | Apr 2 11:51am

In reply to @tg24 "Thanks for your response! I haven’t had the hysterectomy yet. Got the news Friday morning but..." + (show)

I had endometrial cancer diagnosed after having a biopsy last May 23. I saw a gynecological oncology surgeon that did a complete robotic hysterectomy with sentinel node biopsies that came back negative. I have had two exams since by him and he is pretty confident it won't come back. He did not recommend any other intervention. I am in Colorado. Everything was done at Rose Medical in Denver.

gisellef | @gisellef | Apr 3 8:24am

In reply to @jomamapb "I had endometrial cancer diagnosed after having a biopsy last May 23. I saw a gynecological..." + (show)

Hi. Very much hoping you won’t have a reoccurrence. What kind of regular follow up are you having? Best to be aware of anything that might be off and have it checked out. Take care and best of luck.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 3 10:32am

In reply to @jomamapb "I had endometrial cancer diagnosed after having a biopsy last May 23. I saw a gynecological..." + (show)

@jomamapb May I ask about your exams post-hysterectomy? Do these include pelvic exams with a speculum with a light into the vagina so he can get a good luck at your vagina and vaginal cuff? I ask this because I have learned here from other members that some doctors do not do this. My nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic does a pelvic exam including a vaginal exam with speculum. That is how she found a recurrence I experienced two years after my hysterectomy. I had no symptoms at the time so I'm thankful that she is so thorough.

I hope that you will have no recurrence and that your exams continue to give you the all clear. When is your next exam?

tcy941 | @tcy941 | Apr 3 8:14pm

I was just diagnosed with this and right now I am more worried about what happens after surgery than the surgery. My prayers are with you through this

pat2628 | @pat2628 | Apr 5 1:42pm

I have been diagnosed with cancer tumors returning after having 8 rounds of chemo and HIPEc surgery. It has been 15 months since last chemo. My cancer was peritoneal carsanomatosis so I am fortunate for this time. I was wondering if anyone else has been diagnosed with this and what has been their treatment. Has anyone had proton radiation. Thank you

val64 | @val64 | Apr 5 2:35pm

In reply to @pat2628 "I have been diagnosed with cancer tumors returning after having 8 rounds of chemo and HIPEc..." + (show)

Have they offered you proton radiation? Where are you being treated?

pat2628 | @pat2628 | Apr 5 4:40pm

In reply to @val64 "Have they offered you proton radiation? Where are you being treated?" + (show)

I am being treated at Fl Mayo at present time. And I have only been reading about Proton radiation. Mayo has suggested several options. Waiting for next tests to make some decisions

val64 | @val64 | Apr 5 6:26pm

In reply to @pat2628 "I am being treated at Fl Mayo at present time. And I have only been reading..." + (show)

Best of luck. I'd be interested to hear what you're going to do, if you want to share.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 5 6:59pm

In reply to @pat2628 "I am being treated at Fl Mayo at present time. And I have only been reading..." + (show)

@pat2628 I'm sending you my heartfelt wishes as you go through this process. When will the tests be happening? I hope you will come back and share with us and I'm quite certain that you will receive support from us but your information will help to support others. I'm so glad you are here.

View More View Less

Please sign in or register to post a reply.