Is brachytherapy necessary to reduce recurrence of endometrial cancer?

I am get brachy (5 sessions) starting friday next week.

i have endo cancer Grade 1 Stage 1B.

the way my doctor explained it to me is a uterus with 50% or less cancer cells doesn't need to have brachy but if you're over 50% it is recommended to have brachy treatments. i'm at 57%

maybe look at your pathology report for your percentage and make your decision based on that. if your within a few points of 50% you might want to have the brachy treatments. the upside to having them so early in your cancer treatment is it's just a few treatments need. my doctor told me some people need 25-35 brachy treatments because of their late stage cancer.

@klue, thank you so much, mine point on the pathologist report is 8%, Grade 1, Stage 1A with MSH6 germline loss ( lynch symdromes). I kind of worry if it is worthy to do brachytherapy comparing the benifit and the disadvantage. I decided at this point I do not do it, hope the best not to recur. Is there any other opinions, I saw a lot recurrence cases in this site with 1A though.

I had serous papillary cancer 8 years ago. Stage 1a-slightly2 -two different opinions- had chemo carboplatin and taxol -6 treatments -then brachy-I think about 4 sessions. Definitely recommended to attack any residual rogue cells in the vaginal cuff. Had to do therapy after all that to keep me opened down there- and I must say 8 years later I am ok- I take a revaree insert twice a week. Not sexually active.

Is there side effect after the brachy radiation, 4 doctor did not recommended brachy, but up to me, I am worry the brachy can cause 2nd cancer or impact the bowel movement, one person did 6 brachy, she has small bowel issue which need to go to bath room quick and often. Dr indicates 7% reduces to 3.5% for my case. I am still debating if it is worthy to do 3 brachy radition due to it only reduce 3%. My surgery did 3 months ago, i have to make decision before 6 months for brachy radition.

i am going for brachy therapy starting this friday for 5 sessions.

after reading much on these forums some people have side effects and some going for a walk and lunch after treatment.

the most common side effects was diarrhea and vaginal stenosis. to help prevent vaginal stenosis your doctor can give you a vaginal dilater that you use 3x a week after the treatments. the diarrhea typically resolves on it's own otherwise your doctor can give you meds to help.

i think many of these symptoms happen when receiving numerous sessions (double digits) my doctor felt good that i only need 5 since many of his patients need 25-35 treatments.

since you would only need 3 treatments i would do it for the same reason i chose to proceed with mine.

when i first found out i had cancer i prayed to God for more time. if it is your will can i have 5-10 more years. i feel God has given me these doctors who know what to do to give me those 5-10 years and i need to be brave enough to follow thru.

i know it's a hard decision to make and i just want to be able to say to family, friends, and God i did everything i could to prevent a recurrence.

i will pray for you

Thank you so much, that was my initial plan, but kind of worry too much for side effect, so i decided not to do it. I have colon flamatation and polps issue already, worry it will be worse after brachytherapy. It is a hard decision for everyone. Thanks you so much.

Klue, how are your brachytherapy treatments going? I am praying for you. I have to make my decision soon also and it has been such a blessing to read others’ journey stories. I have stage 1A, grade 2 endometrial adenocarcinoma. It was only found in my uterus and less than 50% of that. I feel blessed that it is early and contained. That was my prayer from the start. The tumor board recommended brachytherapy because of it being grade 2 and I am 72 years old. I am so concerned about long term effects on my sexual health. I just keep praying for peace, confidence in any advice I get and strength to live with my decision. Blessings, Barb

Blessings to you Barb - i'm so happy to see you on the forum. It good that you are researching and putting so much thought into a very hard decision.

I have had 3 treatments already. the hardest part so far is holding my full bladder. part of the protocol is to drink a bottle of water 30 minutes before treatment so your bladder is full while they do the procedure. from the time i arrive till the time i leave the entire visit is around 40-45 minutes. the actual radiation takes 5 minutes and all that other time is spent getting me setup on the table, inserting the wand, and doing a quick CT scan of the area to make sure the want is in the right place, my bladder is properly filled, and i have an empty bowel.
once that is confirmed the treatment begins. it really doesn't bother me much in the moment. they will put on music for you (i like The Beatles) and i typically recite the Hail Mary and Our Father along with praying for everyone here on the forum and thanking God for take such good care of all of us.

the next day i have a headache but Goody Powder (you can buy it at Walmart) takes care of it (i don't need to take my migraine meds). i did have some pelvic cramps but only on the first treatment. I have nausea meds and i did take one yesterday along with a gas pill because i was bloated.

my doctor did offer to give me anti anxiety meds and i'm sure if you ask they would give you some too. they offer it to me because i have sexual trauma in my history and there is a man as part of the team. i decided to just have them keep him out of the room when i'm there instead of taking the pill.

i did worry about vaginal scarring but the doctor said the chances are low because it's just 5 treatments at a very low dose. i'm 61 yo and i have Grade 1 Stage 1B. the doctor said she will give me a vaginal dilator that i'm to use a couple times a week for 3 months.

all in all, i'm amazed how little the treatment is effecting me and i'm happy that the women on this forum helped me to be comfortable with the process.

the first time when they were fitting me for the wand it did hurt a little bit but i've never bled, had a discharge, or diarrhea.

i'm very grateful to the Lord for creating people who are so smart and inventive to come up with these types of treatments for us. it is a blessing in my life and i do believe the Lord is happy with my decision to accept the treatments.

i pray you are feeling healthy and strong and that the Lord is walking every step with you thru this process.

i know that reading some of the stories on here it's a scary decision. the lucky thing for both you and I is that we have low stage and grade so we don't need 25 brachy treatments. i am getting 5 (my last 2 will be on Tuesday and Wednesday). your treatment might only be 3 sessions at a low dose - which is an excellent place to be with very few side effects and most likely none of the side effect will be a life long condition. the upside of the treatment is an extremely low recurrence rate. you will have more time with your family and your faith family.

please always feel you can reach out to me and i will always be praying for you.

this christian song really helped me with my cancer. you can find it on youtube just enter the following into the search box.......... Another One (Chris Brown) Elevation Worship

may the Lord bless you Barb.

Your Sister in Christ
Kelly

I found the brachy experience a bit surreal, but not painful, and without disrupting side effects.
I took every treatment option available because of my high grade disease and spread. The only surprise for me was the dilator use for the rest of my life. Sometimes when I’m in a good mental stage and not focusing on my cancer, I realize that I have forgotten to use it and poof! Reality hits.
Best wishes to all of you!
PS: I’m also a Beatles requester.

My radiation oncologist is telling me I will need anesthesia for the 3-4 Bracytherapy treatments. Is there a way to do the treatments without general anesthesia? Thanks