Radiation or not after surgery for endometrial cancer?

Back in 8/22 had hysterectomy for endometrial adenocarcinoma, no fallopian tube, no ovary, or tube involvement. However, there were 2 tears on back of uterus for some reason, so was told needed to have chemo, 2 runs of chemo 3 weeks apart between 5 weeks of external radiation, and 2 brachytherapy because adenocarcinoma cells were found in peritoneum wash. Was originally told would only need 3 brachytherapy. I recommend the brachytherapy so you should not have any problems in the future. Have read many times if you do nothing 2 years later there are issues on the vaginal cuff. I wish the brachy was all I was requested to have needed.

Why are you on Hodpice?
What insurance do you have?

I am new to the effect of my endometrial cancer. I had one round of chemotherapy, which made me very sick and dehydrated. I currently am on Hospice care b/c of events which occurred when I went to a rehab/nursing home after the chemotherapy. I am looking for support and knowledge about should I be on Hospice care or still seeing my oncologist.

My family member had some issues with diarrhea after the third week and some mild pain in the area for a few weeks after the treatment was completed but nothing after that. Still in remission and doing very well three years later. But she had an expert team at MD Anderson who monitored her carefully, ensured that her bladder was full before every session and recalculated everything midway through the treatment as she was responding so well to the treatment plan. Radiation therapy is an exact science and a fine art. They have a saying there: “where you go first matters” as they often have patients who have had less than optimal care elsewhere and now have a reoccurrence. Do your research and go to the best facility in your region. It is worth choosing carefully.

When a person has GI problems and diarrhea after radiation therapy then this something to talk with the radiation oncologist about. In my case I had radiation therapy over two years ago. I had 25 external pelvic treatments and 2 treatments of brachytherapy. I know that the amount of the radiation used to target my recurrence of endometrial cancer was carefully figured out and planned with a radiation oncology physicist and my radiation oncologist. I had loose stools and fatigue for a few weeks after the radiation therapy ended but nothing since then. I wonder if those of us who have lasting effects such as diarrhea had higher levels of radiation? I don't know enough about this to answer that question.

If radiation therapy is recommended then it would warrant a discussion with the radiation oncologist about all of this.

Here is information about this from Mayo Clinic:

Radiation Enteritis:

-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/radiation-enteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355409

I had thefour radiation treatments after the surgery. I found that I had loose stools after the treatments. Still months later have some problems. Other than that, no problems.

I do not recommend any radiation for uterine cancer treatment. I would take my chances with Immunotherapy if the cancer returned.
My quality of life has suffered since radiation therapy for uterine cancer. I have been diagnosed with radiation enteritis and small bowel obstructions resulting in 2 small bowel resection surgeries. The radiation fried my intestines and I had to have an appendectomy at age 67! I had 4 surgeries in 2 years, including total hysterectomy and malignant lymph node removal. I am no longer able to eat and will be on TPN for the rest of my life. It has been a long 4 years and the only good news is that my cancer has not metastasized. PTL!!

@triciaot This is all good news. I’ve learned that whenever I have a CT scan the radiologist picks up on all sorts of things. Just like yours. I’m interested in whether anything on the CT is of concern. I’m so glad to hear that your scan was clear.

As for your asymmetry? That’s puzzling but maybe muscular? It’s good that you plan to follow up with your PCP.

CT scan was done yesterday and the report and doctor’s comments were available before the end of the day!
Scan was clean of any cancer 🥳
Of course, there were other things, mostly small. I’ve been looking to see if any of these are related to any of the meds I take. I have a few small cysts on my kidney - they’re not worried about. One of my adrenal lands has a mild thickening that was noted as possible hyperplasia. And my kidney function has dropped. Creatinine was 1.2, eGFR 49 - these are both out of whack from last year, eGFR was 83. I did have the Reclast infusion one week ago which is known to affect the kidney. I hope it’s temporary!!
Anyone know if 49 is a real problem? And whether Reclast has anything to do wih it?
Stomach sticking out on right? Probably weak muscles, maybe imbalance because I strained something.
I see my PCP doc this week. I’m going to check with her if any of these are action items!

@triciaot With your family history I can understand the concern that warranted the order for the CT. Navel gazing....that's very funny🤣. If my belly button was off center before diagnosis I sure didn't notice.