To Hope52:
I was diagnosed with CCEC four years ago, stage 2. They threw everything at me because of the aggressive nature of the cancer and the spread outside of my uterus. I had a complete hysterectomy, external beam radiation and brachytherapy. My chemo was the standard carboplatin and paclataxel. I was also in a clinical trial for Keytruda, which was infused with the chemo. I still do not know if I received the drug or the placebo. But prior to my final & 6th infusion I was kicked out of the trial because I had recurrence to lymph nodes. I was also deemed chemo-resistant as a result of the spread.
Have you had genetic testing? Did your oncologist send your pathology sample for biomarker testing? The latest treatments beyond chemo & radiation are mostly geared towards biomarkers that might show up. (I have no specific markers, so no new med options for me as of yet.)
Re Chemo: easier than I expected. I never threw up but I was tired and not particularly hungry for a few days. Then I slowly revived. Soup and smoothies got me through until my appetite returned. I knew that I would lose my hair and prepared ahead of time by ordering a wig. I was less prepared to lose a lot of my eyebrows and some eyelashes. Who knew I would be vain about that?
Re External Beam Radiation: the routine of going daily for 5(?) weeks was not fun. There was no pain and the techs were great. The machine is noisy. I learned too late to dress in comfy clothing with no metal, which saved on changing time. I played word games in my head to get through each session. I do have some long term GI side effects from the radiation, but mostly manageable.
Re Brachytherapy: It is weird but not painful. (Who wants a hard radiation “tampon” pushed into their vaginas?!!!!)
Considering my cancer stage and grade, I never expected to still be alive today, so maybe the troika of treatments beyond the surgery was the right answer.
Do write down all of your questions for the oncologist and have somebody come with you to hear the answers. Recording the conversation with the doctor (if consented) can be helpful.
Feel free to ask any more questions that come to mind. Your “sisters” here will help, as we are all in this together. Please keep us posted. Sending you best wishes during this scary time.