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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 have Stage IB Grade 2 Endometrial cancer. Because of 3 prior huge abdominal surgeries the Gyn oncologist and her assistant surgeon decided to close me because of dense adhesions. Referred for 25 sessions of External Beam Radiation and 3-5 sessions of Bracytherapy, telling me this is a curative treatment. The Pet Scan showed no lymph node involvement and only a focal hypermetabolic area in the posterior fungus of the uterus. I am 73 years old and because of the sepsis I suffered necessitating all the surgeries am really afraid that this is not going to work. None of the doctors I have seen have given me any statistical information, with the exception of the rad oncologist I am scheduled to do the external beam radiation with. He told me he has cured 4 women with this treatment plan, 2 while he was at Mayo and 2 in his present job. I cry constantly. He told me the gold standard is surgery.
@therese73 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and our Gynecological Cancers Support Group. I know what a huge shock the diagnosis is that includes the word "cancer". Like you I am 73 years old. I was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma Grade 1 Stage 1a in 2019. I had a recurrence (at the vaginal cuff) in 2021 and had 25 sessions of external beam radiation and 2 sessions of brachytherapy. Since then I have kept up with all my cancer surveillance appointments and have been NED (no evidence of disease).
What a huge disappointment that your gyn oncologist could not complete surgery (for a hysterectomy?). Do you know if the plan had been to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries? It is a relief that the PET scan showed no lymph node involvement and the only area that "lit up" was presumably where the endometrial cancer is located.
It sounds like you found an excellent radiation oncologist who has a lot of experience. When do you start the radiation therapy?