Is Radiotherapy needed for Ovarian/ Endometrial Cancer?
I’m reaching out to connect with anyone who may have experience or knowledge with Radiotherapy.
My wife has Ovarian/ Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Stage IIIC.
Doctors are unable to determine which one is primary hence giving her treatment for both Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer.
She is due to finish her Final Chemo 6th one on 8th Feb and then she has been recommended external Radiotherapy (Appointment with consultant to understand more about radiotherapy on 24th Jan)
She is BRCA1/2 and HRD Negative, She is pMMR, PL53 negative and ER and PR Weekly focal
She had CT Scan after 3rd Chemo which is clear no sign of cancer also CA125 is - 12 since 3rd Chemo
Question is do we need radiotherapy and what could be long term effect for that, heard in variaous place it can cause some other type of cancers down the line.
Really confused if we should go ahead or not?
Another question is, if anyone had been in similar situation, have they had any maintainance treatmemt? We have been advised due to her being Negatve on all above DNA test, there is no maintainance treatment which can help her, I would like to know experiance please.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.
@paz1956 Thank you for your reply and letting me know that my recommendation for a silicone dilator from Intimate Rose was helpful for you.
I hope you will continue to post here and let me know how you are progressing with the dilator and when your next appointments will be.
@aardvark2118 , @naturegirl5 Have you guys had ChemoRadio Therapy (Cisplatin infusion then Radiation in week 1 &3) or only Radio Therapy and was it only brachytherapy?
Hello. I first had 6 rounds of chemo (carbo and taxol) then 25 sessions of external beam radiation and then three brachytherapy. I was fortunate that other than being tired I didn’t really have any side effects
@doshi. I did not have cheemotherapy but I did have radiation therapy. I had external beam pelvic radiation and I also had brachytherapy.
@aardvark2118 , @naturegirl5 Thank you that is helpful info.
I had Ed cancer, I took radiotherapy only because that's is what was offered due to the fact that the Ed was contained. And that was back in 2018. However, I suspect that I'm having a reoccurrence.
@naturegirl5
Hi Helen I had my follow up appointment it went well. Like you I will not have any scans just exams, I’ll see gyn oncologist again in 6 months & my radiologist oncologist in 3 months. I’m not sure what type of visit I will have with the radiologist. I’ll alternate between the 2 so I’ll have a visit every 3 months for 2 yrs.
I’ve been constipated gyn oncologist suggested Miralax, hopefully that will help. I’ve been taking Benefiber, psyllium, extra water more fiber foods which is not helping much hope the Miralax works. I’ve seen a couple suggestions in connect on constipation I’ll give them a try also.
Dilator has been easier than I thought.
Now it’s a matter of getting on with life, which is harder than I thought it would be.
Hope you are doing well, Thank You for all your help!
@naturegirl5
Hi Helen,
I am settled into my 5 week rental and have had 3 radiation treatments now - 22 to go! The first was very easy, although I had to “pee a little” (easier said than done) because they were running late. The scan showed my bladder was still 130% full after that! The second day, I drank a little less, then I wasn’t full enough so we had to wait and I drank a little more. The extra water caused gas bubbles, so then I had to walk and move trying to alleviate that, with no luck. They suggested a trip to the washroom to try and release, but then of course if you do one, you do the other! More water, more gas bubbles. Such a frustrating appointment. The half hour appointment took 2 hours. I came home so discouraged, even though the technicians were absolutely wonderful and encouraging. Yesterday I drank the full amount of water again and did some yoga stretches and a long walk before hand to try and make sure all the criteria were met. I was called in 15 minutes early and thought that I wouldn’t be full enough, but everything was perfect! I was in an out in 15 minutes. Here’s hoping the rest all go that smoothly, but I was so grateful for the win yesterday. I needed that! I had the best sleep so far last night, and a nice steak supper last night to celebrate. So far I am feeling fine - maybe a bit tired.
@dlgbb Thank you for the update. It's been up and down for those first three radiation treatments! I'm glad to hear that the technicians have been helpful and encouraging. I found that to be the case when I had radiation therapy too. It took me a few sessions to figure out how much water I needed to get into my bladder and hold for my appointment. One time there was a big delay for my appointment and I just had to use the bathroom. I couldn't wait anymore. So, of course, I needed to start the water all over again. The technicians were very understanding.
I would say the biggest factor for me was also fatigue. I tried to move through it by walking every day and keeping up with my strength training routine twice weekly. But some days I just needed to have that lie-down on the sofa. I just made sure I didn't overdo the naps.
How do you like your rental unit? Is it quiet and comfortable for you? How nice that you celebrate last night with a special meal and a good sleep. Although you are feeling tired are you doing some exploring? What do you like? Bookstores, second-hand shops, window shopping?
Hi Helen,
Done week one now! This morning was a very early appointment. Yesterday afternoon wasn’t easy again. I went with the full bladder, did the stretches, etc., but my bladder still wasn’t full enough. The technician asked how much I drink overall, and it isn’t nearly enough. She said if you are dehydrated, then the water does not go to your bladder as quickly as- it goes to other places instead. She said to drink 6 glasses of water a day, and SIP with lips closed to avoid getting any air, which can cause the gas bubbles. It is such a learning curve! So last night I drank a glass before bed, had a glass early this morning, and then the 2 cups 1.25 hours before my appointment rather than just 1 hour. Everything was perfect! I was in an out in no time. I know to expect that it can go either way, but I am always happy for a win. The bad part about an early appointment (7:30) is that I find it really difficult to drink water in the morning, and especially that much. It is quite nauseating. The majority of my appointments now are early morning, so I will have to adjust to it. The rental unit is perfect for my needs, and a 2 minute walk to my daughter. It is quite, comfortable, and just the right size. I brought my sewing machine up so I can quilt. So far this week I have had friends/family every day visiting, but I think I need to slow that down a bit. I am starting to feel a bit tired. But loneliness is not a factor at all, so I am very blessed. I am just learning to adjust plans as need be in order to have a balanced day. Everybody has been very accommodating. I am truly blessed. P.S. This is the “chicken” quilt I am making for my friend, who is also a farmer and loves her chickens like children!