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What Kind of Radiation Did You Get for Your Gynecological Cancer?
Gynecologic Cancers | Last Active: 8 hours ago | Replies (100)Comment receiving replies
@dlgbb Hello, Diana! Thank you for coming back and letting me know how the radiation therapy has been going. Diarrhea and cramping is the worst. And nausea. Like you wrote you can't really predict exactly what to expect. My radiation oncologist and the nurse informed me about all kinds of effects I might experience so I was prepared. Do you have weekly appointments with your radiation oncologist? I'm relieved to know that your radiation oncologist has been working so closely with you and prescribed medication that is helpful to you. Like you, I walked every day during my radiation therapy. That helped me to feel that I was continuing with my usual exercise routine and less like a patient.
Since you are in Calgary of course you just have to go to an NHL game! Did you go with your daughter? I've never been to an NHL game. When I lived in Montréal in the late 1980's I never got to a Canadiens game. Tickets were impossible to get and I regret not trying harder to get to a game. You've reminded me that getting to an NHL game is on my bucket list.
How nice that you went home this past weekend. For the Easter holiday? I can imagine how much you missed your husband and your sweet little poodles. I'm thinking everyone was happy to see you home. Who jumped more? Your husband or your dogs? 😏
So this is your last week of radiation therapy? Well done. After this week will you return to Calgary for your surveillance check-ups with the radiation oncologist or will you do that closer to home?
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Hi Helen!
I was given information ahead of time about what to expect, as well as dietary information to try and help minimize the diarrhea and make treatments easier (e.g. eliminating fibre, etc.). I have seen a radiation oncologist once, but have telephone call visits weekly with a nurse. Everyone has been so incredibly helpful. I have never felt unable to reach out with questions, and the radiology technicians have been unbelievable. I will actually miss them. They are just so kind.
I went to the hockey game with 2 friends of mine who live in Calgary now. It was a great evening out. It took a bit of prep - an Imodium and I skipped supper because I didn’t want to have any stomach issues, but it was well worth it. I am not a Flames fan, but it was still a great experience! It was their last regular game of the season, and sold out. Quite a sight to see all the red jerseys!
Speaking of bucket lists, when I was first diagnosed, a friend and I were discussing our bucket list items. Not out of morbidity - just out of a “these are things I’d like to try sometime”. We both agreed a hot air balloon ride was on both of our lists, and I found out a few weeks ago and that my friend and his wife bought me 2 tickets for a ride in May!!!! Of course I am going to take my friend who came up with the idea, but wow - what incredible friends. I just love them!
I asked the radiation oncologist what follow up would look like, and it will be trips to Calgary every 3 months for 5 years, seeing first the radiation oncologist and then back to my surgeon who is a gynecological oncologist. If all is well, I may be able to see a gynecologist back home for the last year, but honestly, I would prefer to stay with the Calgary team.
The time here has gone quickly. I wish I had a bit more energy so that I would have gotten more work done on the quilt for my friend’s wife, but I guess I can finish it at home. I am not usually one to sit still for long, but I have spent a lot of time under a snuggly blanket, just peacefully doing Sudoku or reading. I am fine with that. I have learned to just listen to my body and adjust my schedule accordingly.
I think when I get home and am still waiting for my energy to come back before I jump back on my bike, I will begin some gentle yoga classes and just try and prepare my body to get back into my routine, which is pretty active. I also think I will need to take some time and just journal and process a little. I have so much to be grateful for. Then in May, I have some cardiologist appointments to deal with an issue that was discovered on my CT scan before the surgery happened. I am hoping that is the last step before I can just get back to the things I love.
I hope you are well, and want to tell you how much we all appreciate your mentorship, listening ear, and support. It makes the journey that much easier to have somebody who can relate.
Diana
P.S. My dogs jumped higher, but my husband hugged tighter!