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.

pat2628 | @pat2628 | Apr 6 12:01pm

Thanks for support. I will share my next steps.

sschoenherr | @sschoenherr | Apr 7 1:07pm

I was diagnosed with the same cancer. Grade 2, Stage 1B.
I had 5 sessions of the brachytherapy's finished my sessions right before Christmas. Although a little uncomfortable, my only side effects were some fatigue and occasional loss still
stool.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 7 2:20pm

@sschoenherr Welcome to our Support Group. I’m sure our other members will appreciate your input as it’s comforting to know others have been through what we’ve been through.

Did you have surgery (a hysterectomy) prior to the brachytherapy? How are you feeling today?

sschoenherr | @sschoenherr | Apr 7 3:21pm

In reply to @naturegirl5 "@sschoenherr Welcome to our Support Group. I’m sure our other members will appreciate your input as..." + (show)

Yes. Total hysterectomy.
Some bladder control issues other than that, feel fine.

gratefulcat | @gratefulcat | Apr 7 4:47pm

I was diagnosed with stage 1A endometrial cancer in early 2023 and had 4 sessions of brachytherapy after a complete hysterectomy. I think I made the right decision; I have not had any side effects. I felt that the risk of cancer recurrence would be much more serious than the side effects of brachytherapy.

I understand how stressful this can be. I was incredibly stressed when I went through my treatment and quite honestly, believed I was going to die. It was a terrible time. I am grateful for my supportive family, friends and pets. I couldn't have gotten through it without them. The one thing I kept at the forefront of my mind and I would say to myself several times throughout the day: "In this moment, you are safe, well cared for and loved." It helped me cope.

I wish you peace and healing.
GratefulCat

veilwalker | @veilwalker | Apr 17 12:05pm

My hysterectomy is scheduled for May 20...marcyw. I'm interested in knowing what you decided about going thru the brachy therapy.

crowleykid | @crowleykid | Apr 22 11:06pm

My total hysterectomy was August 2021. I was told the cancer was contained in the endometrial lining and a PET scan confirmed it. I was also told they got it all. 6 months later recurrence in the form of 2 tumors in my abdomen. 6 chemo infusions with immunotherapy and it was gone again. "CR" compkete response. The don't use "remission" with me.
To answer your question about radiation: the 1 tumor I have now (it grew back in the same spot) is too close to the colon for radiation.
I don't know if that helps, but I thought I'd share.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 23 9:12am

In reply to @veilwalker "My hysterectomy is scheduled for May 20...marcyw. I'm interested in knowing what you decided about going..." + (show)

@veilwalker I don't know. if your intended recipient saw your post. If you direct your post with the @ then the person will get a notice in whatever format she prefers (email, notifications here on Connect). The original poster for this discussion is @marceyw

jjforward | @jjforward | Apr 23 10:26am

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

@pat2628 I am currently receiving proton beam therapy at Mayo in Rochester. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer stage 3A, had a total hysterectomy in early November. Completed 3 cycles of chemo, now completing 25 sessions of proton beam, 2 sessions of brachytherapy and then will have 3 more cycles of chemo. Hope to be finished with all of this by end of July.

pat2628 | @pat2628 | Apr 23 1:39pm

In reply to @jjforward "@pat2628 I am currently receiving proton beam therapy at Mayo in Rochester. I was diagnosed with..." + (show)

Thank you for your reply and praying for your recovery. I am awaiting the plan Mayo will assign me. I had peritoneal carsanomatosis had 8 chemo and debunking surgery with HIPiC and finished it all in March of 2022. All test have been good until March when new cancer has appeared. Drs are awaiting next tests in July to see what route of treatment will be taken. I am researching on my own to see what avenues are open and how well patients are doing. Thank you for your input

View More View Less

Please sign in or register to post a reply.