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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Profile picture for karina60 @karina60

I’m sorry you went through all of that in finding the recurrence! I also did NOT have any follow up scans ordered. What’s up with that?! Just brief exams and check ins. My infiltration was 76%. In hindsight I’m shaking my head at the aftercare. But, we are both still here and have our voices. Thanks for sharing your story!!

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Bless your heart, what is with no scans!? What kind, stage was yours? 76% infiltrated and no scans??? Unreal

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Profile picture for tdfraze @tdfraze

Bless your heart, what is with no scans!? What kind, stage was yours? 76% infiltrated and no scans??? Unreal

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It was stage 1a. Never did I ever expect that I would be faced with metastatic stage 4. I have my 1st scan (halfway point of my chemo) to check the pelvic tumor size and lung tumor sizes. Where are you in your treatment plan? Are you still being treated currently?

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I had stage 2, grade 3. Full hysterectomy, chemo, radiation, brachytherapy. Three different gyn oncs suggested the exact same treatments. During chemo two lymph nodes were found to have the cancer, so two more surgeries. I guess that makes me a grade 4, also. I chose to do everything because it was an aggressive type of cancer. I now have side effects from treatment: weak bladder, GI issues, lymphedema. These are annoying long term side effects but currently manageable.
Is it possible that you can get the immunotherapy drug now instead of waiting until after radiation? Or is there a protocol for the order for each treatment?

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Profile picture for marceyw @marceyw

I had the complete hysterectomy and several nodes removed on 1/9. I am feeling remarkably well. Since it was done robotically through 5 small incisions and removed vaginally, I didn’t take pain medication for more than 4 days. Then I moved to Tylenol for another 3-4 days. I haven’t had to have anything else. There is still a lot of fatigue and my other organs trying to sort themselves out to their new spots when I cough or laugh. I still have to restrict heavy lifting for a couple of weeks. However, I’ve been able to return to running our business and cooking meals. I can drive again. I’d say fatigue and moving or stretching wrong causes the most discomfort. Prayers that your Grandmother does well.

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Hello Merceyw. I'm very interested in your treatment at the time of your initial diagnosis in 2019, as your situation seems similar to mine. Also, did they describe where in your uterus the cancer was found (lining, muscle, etc.)?

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