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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tdfraze | @tdfraze | Aug 21 7:38am

In reply to @aardvark2118 "For what it’s worth I had 25 external beam and 3 brachytherapy which follows what your..." + (show)

Thank you for response,how long ago were you diagnosed and treated?

tdfraze | @tdfraze | Aug 21 7:37am

In reply to @njp515 "I had two Brachy treatments. Mine were high dose AND I did not have EBRT or..." + (show)

It was 2 High dose treatments. Sorry forgot there were high/low

RefluxGoAway | @njp515 | Aug 21 6:56am

In reply to @tdfraze "I'm reading on here most had 3 brach. therapies, I only had 2 brach, 28 external..." + (show)

I had two Brachy treatments. Mine were high dose AND I did not have EBRT or any other type of treatment. I think (and I'm not an expert) that most dosages are around 5-7 Gray (Gy) each; each of mine was more than double. Maybe you had high dose?

aardvark2118 | @aardvark2118 | Aug 20 11:20pm

For what it’s worth I had 25 external beam and 3 brachytherapy which follows what your md said

tdfraze | @tdfraze | Aug 20 10:07pm

I'm reading on here most had 3 brach. therapies, I only had 2 brach, 28 external radiations for/stage 3 endometrial cancer w/POLE mutation. I asked why I hear most have 3 brach treatments it seems and I only had 2. Doctor said was cause I did more external which is harder he stated. ...any thoughts

mydeb00071 | @mydeb00071 | Aug 19 10:28pm

In reply to @mydeb00071 "What does branch therapy mean? Is that is what's recommended before or after a full hysterectomy,..." + (show)

Ok thank you!

ffr | @ffr | Aug 19 10:58am

I concur that the set up is weird, but not painful. The enclosed radiation room with the well-protected tech was a bit surreal, but I played word games in my head to manage the anxiety.
Best of luck!

aardvark2118 | @aardvark2118 | Aug 18 7:59pm

Brachytherapy is internal radiation. In my case an applicator was used to place a high dose radiation “seed” at the location of the vaginal cuff to lower the chances of recurrence as often times this is where a recurrence occurs. The brachytherapy is targeted so as to spare other organs. You first have a CT simulation to identify the location. The entire procedure takes minutes and is a little uncomfortable but not painful I had three treatments following external beam radiation and chemotherapy fir stage 3 endometrial cancer

mydeb00071 | @mydeb00071 | Aug 17 12:00pm

In reply to @marceyw "I absolutely would like to avoid any recurrence so am leaning toward the brachytherapy. Thank you!" + (show)

What does branch therapy mean? Is that is what's recommended before or after a full hysterectomy, to lower risk of reoccurrence?

inquirer | @inquirer | Aug 8 11:42am

In reply to @jeanadair123 "Thank you for yours also. I find I am constantly exhausted from dealing with this, I..." + (show)

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