Radiation or not after surgery for endometrial cancer?

Posted by marceyw @marceyw, Feb 4, 2024

I was diagnosed with early stage endometrial cancer at Christmas. Had complete hysterectomy on 1/9/24. There was no cancer in the sentinel lymph nodes, ovaries or tubes. My doctor is suggesting brachytherapy to cut my 10% chance of recurrence to 5%. I’m concerned about the side effects. Has anyone been thru this and what are the possible side affects of this type of radiation? Dr said I don’t have the harmful P53 gene but do have a gene that would qualify me for immunotherapy if it were to come back. Really torn about what to do next. Would like to think I could fight the return with diet and lifestyle. Ideas and experiences appreciated.

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gisellef | @gisellef | Feb 5, 2024

Radiation worked very well for a family member but it helps to have it done where they really know how to administer it effectively. Side effects were very manageable for the most part.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 5, 2024

@marceyw First, welcome to our Support Group. You’ll get kindness and support here from those of us who have had gynecological cancer.

I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer (endometrioid adenocarcinoma, Stage 1a, FIGO 1) in 2019. I had recurrence in late 2021 and had pelvic external beam radiation and two sessions of brachytherapy. I can tell you that the brachytherapy was easier than I thought it would be and I was able to get up and walk out of the clinic with no after effects. My nurse practitioner who I see for my cancer surveillance appointments does a pelvic exam at each appointment. She tells me that there is some scarring at the site of the brachytherapy.

Since you are on the fence about where to go from here would you like to get another opinion? You could ask your primary care provider to refer you to another gyn-oncology practice. Or, if you are interested in getting another opinion at Mayo Clinic you could request an appointment at one of the 3 locations of Mayo Clinic using this link:

Request an appointment at Mayo Clinic:
http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63