1. < Gynecologic Cancers

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.

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gisellef | @gisellef | May 14 7:15am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "When a person has GI problems and diarrhea after radiation therapy then this something to talk..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

When a person has GI problems and diarrhea after radiation therapy then this something to talk with the radiation oncologist about. In my case I had radiation therapy over two years ago. I had 25 external pelvic treatments and 2 treatments of brachytherapy. I know that the amount of the radiation used to target my recurrence of endometrial cancer was carefully figured out and planned with a radiation oncology physicist and my radiation oncologist. I had loose stools and fatigue for a few weeks after the radiation therapy ended but nothing since then. I wonder if those of us who have lasting effects such as diarrhea had higher levels of radiation? I don't know enough about this to answer that question.

If radiation therapy is recommended then it would warrant a discussion with the radiation oncologist about all of this.

Here is information about this from Mayo Clinic:

Radiation Enteritis:

-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/radiation-enteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355409

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My family member had some issues with diarrhea after the third week and some mild pain in the area for a few weeks after the treatment was completed but nothing after that. Still in remission and doing very well three years later. But she had an expert team at MD Anderson who monitored her carefully, ensured that her bladder was full before every session and recalculated everything midway through the treatment as she was responding so well to the treatment plan. Radiation therapy is an exact science and a fine art. They have a saying there: “where you go first matters” as they often have patients who have had less than optimal care elsewhere and now have a reoccurrence. Do your research and go to the best facility in your region. It is worth choosing carefully.

REPLY
blancheruth | @blancheruth | Jun 9 3:32pm

I am new to the effect of my endometrial cancer. I had one round of chemotherapy, which made me very sick and dehydrated. I currently am on Hospice care b/c of events which occurred when I went to a rehab/nursing home after the chemotherapy. I am looking for support and knowledge about should I be on Hospice care or still seeing my oncologist.

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1 reply
pissedoffmark | @pissedoffmark | Jun 10 2:28pm

Why are you on Hodpice?
What insurance do you have?

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terradean | @terradean | Jun 11 9:08pm

Back in 8/22 had hysterectomy for endometrial adenocarcinoma, no fallopian tube, no ovary, or tube involvement. However, there were 2 tears on back of uterus for some reason, so was told needed to have chemo, 2 runs of chemo 3 weeks apart between 5 weeks of external radiation, and 2 brachytherapy because adenocarcinoma cells were found in peritoneum wash. Was originally told would only need 3 brachytherapy. I recommend the brachytherapy so you should not have any problems in the future. Have read many times if you do nothing 2 years later there are issues on the vaginal cuff. I wish the brachy was all I was requested to have needed.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jun 12 7:07am
In reply to @blancheruth "I am new to the effect of my endometrial cancer. I had one round of chemotherapy,..." + (show)
@blancheruth

I am new to the effect of my endometrial cancer. I had one round of chemotherapy, which made me very sick and dehydrated. I currently am on Hospice care b/c of events which occurred when I went to a rehab/nursing home after the chemotherapy. I am looking for support and knowledge about should I be on Hospice care or still seeing my oncologist.

Jump to this post

@blancheruth This is so distressing that you needed care at a rehab/nursing home after one round of chemotherapy. I did not have chemotherapy when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer (endometrial adenocarcinoma) in 2019 and had a recurrence in 2021. I did have radiation therapy, both external (pelvic) and internal (brachytherapy) which I realize now is so much easier on the body then chemotherapy.

My understanding is that everyone reacts a little different to chemotherapy infusions. It's difficult to share information without knowing more about why you are on hospice. Are you still at the rehab/nursing home? Did you talk with your oncologist about other options? What did your oncologist recommend and suggest?

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