1. < Gynecologic Cancers

Radiation or not after surgery for endometrial cancer?

Posted by marceyw @marceyw, Feb 4 9:49pm

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 | May 14 7:15am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "When a person has GI problems and diarrhea after radiation therapy then this something to talk..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

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

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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.

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