I have stage IIIC uterine cancer. I had a complete hysterectomy which showed the cancer had spread to my sentinel lymph nodes (hence the stage III), but my tubes and ovaries were clear. My pre-chemo CT scan was clear.

I am between my 4th and 5th out of 6 cycles of chemo and I now need to decide whether or not to follow-up with radiation therapy. My medical oncologist (University of Iowa Cancer Center) feels that since radiation therapy will not increase my life expectancy, that the side effects of radiation therapy are not worth the benefit (benefit = a reduced risk of recurrence at the vaginal cuff). If I have a recurrence in the future I should just treat it at that time.

The two radiation oncologists that I've consulted with (U of I and Mayo) both recommend 25 external radiation treatments, with Mayo adding 2 brachy (internal).

I'm age 60 now and tolerating my chemo well. I've met my insurance out-of-pocket maximum, so treatment yet this year would be at no additional cost to me. On one hand, if it's not necessary and just overkill, I don't want to subject myself to the potential: scarring of my colon, bladder, etc; permanent incontinence; need to use a vaginal dilator for the rest of my hopefully long life. On the other hand, I feel I'm more equipment to handle radiation now than I might be if I have a recurrence at age 70 or 75. The treatment, should I have a recurrence, is radiation therapy, but probably at a stronger dose and/or a greater number of treatments, resulting in greater trauma to my colon.

I apologize if this should have been a separate post, rather than a comment on this existing conversation regarding recurrence. I would greatly appreciate input from those of you who have had recurrance or have had to make a similar decision as me. Thank you!