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Radiation or not after surgery for endometrial cancer?
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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i am sorry for what have been through.
Tomorrow is my 6 week surgical follow-up after total hysterectomy, removal of fallopian tubes, ovaries, and lymph node testing. I have not spoken to my oncologist yet about results, but have been able to see them online. I am so nervous about what follow up is going to be, because of results that are both good and bad. I have a grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma. Only minimal spread to myometrial wall (11%), but substantial lymphovascular invasion. I know both those thing are indicators for recurrence and poor prognosis. On the other hand, I have tested positive pathogentic POLE mutation, which is great news! I am just wondering if the "good" compensates for the "bad", and if there will be follow-up, like radiation. I have read that with POLEmut, the recommendation is to back off further treatment. I am just anxious and want to move on, but also feel nervous about potentially doing nothing further. Yesterday I also had a echocardiogram to check for what looks like a flailing mitro valve prolapse. Everytime there is light at the end of the tunnel, something else. Geesh.
@dlgbb I hope your 6 week follow-up goes well. Do you have some questions written that you can ask your oncologist? You have good questions here that you can start with and in your place these are questions I would be asking. I'd also ask about the mitral valve prolapse and if that is something to be considered in your cancer care treatment. I'm 73-years-old and it seems like every time I'm ahead something new shows up to address. And I need to see yet another specialist. Sound familiar?
Will you please come back here and let me know what you learn at your appointment tomorrow?
I sure will. I am 58, and until this past fall, a picture of health and fitness! This is all so bizarre.