@naturegirl5
Hi, "Yes", I had the full external beam radiation package, the last two weeks of which were gruelling as I was constantly worried about whether I'd manage to have an empty bowel and full bladder at the right time of day. It also left me with a sensitive bowel and constant burping (which I keep under control with organic kefir). The recurrence is not in the usual vaginal spot, the cuff, but 'introitus', right at outer edge where the vagina meets the vulva, right close to the anus. A CT scan, (chest, torso, abdomen) which was not low enough in the abdomen to register the cancer, was NEF for other mets. I don’t have the results of an abdominal MRI yet but a hysteroscopy and excision with Fenton's flap, are booked under a spinal tap, for 19th July with same-day discharge. Because of the proximity to the anus and mild IBS caused by the external beam, both the surgeon and I are trying to avoid brachytherapy which could compromise anal function. But until the histology on the excised material is done, making clear if the cancer has gone through the vaginal wall, no decision can been made.
I would dearly love and feel reassured by, having regular Signatera tests but they're not available on available on the UK NHS and I can't afford £3k a pop. I'm looking round to get adopted by a trial! If I could have the scientific back-up of that test, I'd feel more confident about eschewing brachytherapy this time round.