Radiation or not after surgery for endometrial cancer?

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?

I had my first radiation session yesterday. I can’t deal with the noise. I had my treatment from 4:00-4:30 and I had a huge headache until almost 10:00 pm. They played music but it didn’t take care of the noise. I am ready to ask to be sedated. Any suggestions?
Thanks,

first have them turn off the music or play what you want at the volume you want. i have them play beatles music on a volume where i really have to focus on the music to hear it. it keeps my attention to the music and not screaming in my mind that i have cancer and need to lay still.

another note, i have sexual trauma in my history and when i discussed with the doctor about a male being present for my treatments she offered to give me anti anxiety medication. i would take the pill an hour before the treatment. i would still be awake and able to cooperate with the staff but i wouldn't be stressed out. i chose not to take meds and just not allow the male to be in the same room as me.

i'm sure if you ask the doctor can offer you the same anti anxiety meds that they were willing to give me.

Thank you for your reply. I asked them to turn down the music, talk to me through the microphone, and am using foam ear plugs. Much better. I also pray Hail Mary’s - 30 = the session time. The repeating of the same words is relaxing.

i also pray the Hail Mary and I throw in some Our Father it really does make a difference. i've always found great comfort with the Lord thru difficult times.

i also add personal prayers and always ask God to send the healing powers of the Holy Spirit to everyone on these forums.

Good morning! I also just completed 25 external beam radiation treatments. I enjoyed whatever music was on, but also used visualization techniques. For example, I love to cycle, and so visualized going on my favourite ride on Vancouver Island. On a few occasions when my bladder was too full and I thought I might not make it, I did a counting backwards technique in my head where I would think a number and then its reversal, e.g. 100-1, 99-99, 98-89, 97-79, etc. I found distracting your mind to be very effective, although the noise did not bother me. Best wishes!