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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 had both external beam pelvic radiation and brachytherapy. With the brachy, we are committed to using a dilator for the rest of our days to avoid atrophy and to enable internal exams. Pelvic radiation has many long term side effects that can pop up years afterwards, which I find more life-interruptive than dilator use.
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1 Reaction@bocabird I know about Revaree Plus. Do you purchase this over-the-counter? I have been using Hyalo-Gyn for 4 years. It keeps the vagina moist and the formula does not itch or burn. It can only be ordered online and their online site is wonky and does not always work. I get Hyalo-Gyn by a subscription in the suppository form as I find the creams to be messy. I'm going to compare Revaree Plus to Hyalo-Gyn for the sake of convenience.
I had stage 1B Grade 3 endometrial cancer treated with complete hysterectomy 3 years ago. Surgery was followed by 3 brachytherapy radiation treatments. The vaginal brachytherapy was not difficult at all (and I was 82 then). I’ve had no recurrence of cancer thus far.
Hi- Revaree plus is a suppository as well- you have to insert with finger- no applicator- and the next day you should wear a mini pad since it does stain a bit. The name of the online site is called bonafide to order from- they have specials on subscriptions. They also offer other products. I have been using for years since the brachytherapy dried me out. I am 77. There is revaree and revaree plus- I am now using plus.
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1 Reaction@acktiv1 Did you do chemo as well? Also since you must be very dry down there from brachy I suggest revaree plus- sold online by Bonafide company- Congratulations for staying healthy.
@ffr I stopped the dilator after one year and had physical therapy. I use revaree plus now twice a week. I have no issues with internal exams -very easy for Dr. Had about 4 brachy-
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1 Reaction@naturegirl5 My oncolgist and gyno a few years ago advised using invexxy -an estradiol which I did not want to use.
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1 ReactionMy understanding is that the dilator is for stenosis and atrophy while the creams are for dryness and discomfort, particularly during intercourse.
The Revaree, at least, seems preferable to hormonal creams.
Thanks for sharing.
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1 Reaction@bocabird I didn’t do chemo. My oncologist and the radiation oncologist recommended five weeks of pelvic radiation but didn’t push me. I didn’t feel strong enough to do that and chose brachytherapy instead. I felt confident that was the right decision for me at my age. I’ve been very fortunate!
@1995victoria were u given the choice to do brachytherapy or not? What tests will they do before radiation (if any)?
What are the benefits as explained to you? I understand it prevents reoccurrence at vaginal cuff but no benefit if any cancer cells escaped in the lymphatic system.
Should a recurrence happen in the future, what is the impact on having brachytherapy already?
Trying to make a hard decision …