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Brachytherapy for endometrial cancer: What are long-term side effects?
Does anyone know what possible long term side effects brachytherapy has on women who suffer interstitial cystitis, or on those who suffer IBS? I’m afraid my “just” episodic bladder inflammation/pain will become constant. (I do not suffer chronic IBS, just similar symptoms triggered by the IC episodes). I can find no research on this, and neither the oncologist nor radiologist have had IC patients. My IC urologist has not had patients who have had brachytherapy radiation.
At age 68, other than the IC and recent Grade 1, Stage 1b (due to 60% tumor invasion of wall), Adenocarcinoma Endometrial Cancer, there are/were no other medical problems. Always athletic. I was just diagnosed June 2nd, and had total hysterectomy July 6th. Lymph nodes and peritoneal washing clear of cancer cells, and brachytherapy recommended only because the tumor invaded over 50% of the myometrium (“probable lymphovascular invasion”). Apparently this slow growing type tumor had been growing for awhile before I experienced any symptoms, considering how deep it got into the wall. (I only had two days of pinkish discharge in April and went immediately to GYN leading to ultrasound, biopsy and surgery).
According to the surgeon, the Tumor Board team review of my case was “borderline yes” on whether I needed any more treatment or not. She said that without brachytherapy I would have a 10-15% chance of recurrence, but with it less than 5% chance of recurrence, so of course I opted for it; however, having second thoughts that it might turn my episodic pain into continual pain that I have been very fortunate not to suffer as many women with IC do (without any cancer treatment) and it’s debilitating for them. Thank you!
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@may27, I'm tagging a few members like @elliealto7 @bjkingape and @katycot, who have digestive issues like IBS as well as a gynecologic cancer. I'm not sure if they had brachytherapy.
Here are a couple of related discussions that may interest you:
- Endometrial cancer: Brachytherapy and sex https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/brachytherapy-and-sex/
- What Kind of Radiation Did You Get for Your Gynecological Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/types-of-radiation-treatments-for-gynecological-cancers/
May27, did I read your post correctly that you originally planned to get brachytherapy, but now you're looking for more information before making your final decision?
@colleenyoung thank you so much, I appreciate it.
I will definitely follow the doctors’ recommendations, and I start the first of five brachytherapy sessions, as scheduled, next week (6 weeks after the hysterectomy). I have been unable to find anything on women with IC who have had brachytherapy, even through several IC networks/associations, but I suppose it doesn’t matter because I’d rather lower my risk of cancer recurrence (doc says by approx 10%), even if it causes the IC symptoms to worsen long term (and it might not fingers crossed). Thanks again
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1 ReactionHello. Had first of three brachytherapy sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday and today felt nausea all day and feel wiped out. Anyone else had similar experience? I finished 35 treatments of external beam rad two weeks ago and was just beginning to feel good with appetite returning and now feeling poorly
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1 Reaction@aardvark2118, how are you feeling today? Are things improving?
Hi! Thanks fir asking! I had my third and final brachytherapy yesterday and am feeling a bit wiped out again. But it should resolve itself by early next week
Hello. Have you had your first treatment? If yes Hiw are you doing?
@aardvark2118 thank you, I had the first treatment yesterday and so far so good. At this time I’m only scheduled for five of these (three next week and last Sept 6th). I can only imagine the frustration you felt after finally starting to recover from 35 external beam sessions, to then suffer symptoms again with brachytherapy. You’ve gone through a lot. So glad you had your last treatment and I hope you will feel back to normal, free of symptoms, and cured very soon!!
Thank you! I hope all your treatments go well! Take care!!