What Kind of Radiation Did You Get for Your Gynecological Cancer?

@terradean Did you doctor tell you that "your vagina would close up"? I was told that my vagina would narrow (stenosis) after radiation therapy.

I was told by my doctor to use vaginal moisturizers and a dilator. Radiation does cause a narrowing of the vagina but it does not "close it up". There is some scarring that can occur where the brachytherapy was applied in the vagina. I have followed my doctor's instructions and over time I have used the vaginal moisturizer 2-3 times weekly and the dilator 1-2 times weekly. I can tell the difference over time as my vagina is less sore and I can use the largest dilator.

The reason to do this is that you will need to have pelvic examinations when you come for your followup appointments. You will want those appointments to be as comfortable as possible and to allow your doctor to be able to look at all of your vagina.

Think of this way. You are practicing good vagina health in the same way that you use moisturizers on a regular basis for your skin. I use a daily and nightly moisturizer for my face and use lotion after a shower. I figure now I am doing the same for my vagina.

Does this explanation help?

My radiation oncologist's team also told me that they would give me vaginal dilators after I have finished vaginal brachytherapy. I'm not sure whether this is out of concern for my future love life, or just because they want to be able to do pelvic exams to monitor for new problems in the future. But for both of those reasons, you're right to ask them about it.

Oh, the guy I saw was who brought the subject up. Asked are you sexually active, when I said no he just plain stated there wasn't going to a vagina left , it would be gone. To be honest started to really bug me. First was told 8 external radiation and 3 brachytherapy and then be told 25 external and 2 brachytherapy. And, vagina not used is gone. Just bothered me greatly.
At least seems there is possibly ways around it. I will probably ask more questions re: when they finish first course of chemo and go on to radiation treatment. Will be requesting more info. I may not be or may never want to be sexually active again but do not think your rights should be gone because of their treatment they have come up with.

Hi
I was told before my Brachytherapy I would be given a set of tools once I was done with Radiation to use, which would be 5 different sixes and start with the smallest to put in viginia while I was showering the use a different size the next time keep going, but my Radiation Doc said I would not need to use them. That’s all she said and I just finished Radiation and was not sent home with those tools. Wished I could help you out. I never asked her about my vaginia closing up! I go back in 4 months for first check up.

A little research gave me this as it was also mentioned by my doctor-Vaginal stenosis is a recognised toxicity of brachytherapy for the treatment of gynaecological cancer. It can result in long-term sexual dysfunction and painful vaginal examinations; however, it is generally accepted that it may be prevented by regular sexual intercourse or the use of vaginal dilators.

I was told that the 2 brachytherapy I am suppose to have after chemo would close up my vagina since not sexual active at present. Just not sure how I feel about this, anyone have any info on this. Any info regarding.

I was diagnosed with vulvar cancer in 2018. Got into lymph nodes as well. So after healing from surgery I had 7 weeks of radiation 5 days a week simultaneously with chemo. I would drink my 16 oz bottles of water on the way to radiation. At first this was a little difficult holding that water till after treatment but the facility always took u right on time and I would jump off the table & race to the bathroom to relieve myself when session was over. As treatment went on my bladder got used to it. At the same time as the effects of radiation took its toll. You can’t use any creams before the session so I had everything in a cosmetic bag with me so I could use once I got in that rest room. I had RX creams for burns essentially. I also used at home Domboro powder. You mix it with warm water in a squeeze bottle and pour that over the skin as you sit on the potty. That was such a relief!!! I ordered through my medical pharmacy supply store by the cases.
For diarrhea I used alot of tucks soothing pads. I carried these with me in my cosmetic bag wherever I went. I would tuck one in between and let it rest there as well. I got through this better than I ever thought I would with the grace of God. It sounds scary but the Drs and staff were amazing !
I joined this group because I don’t know anyone who has been diagnosed with this cancer. If I can help anyone I can share my experience.

Monday was first day of chemo, was fine and next day ok, however, Wednesday woke up pain I think in bones, knees, legs feet, arms. In afternoon got tummy cramps till got everything out of me. Tylenol not doing much. Dr. office called this afternoon told me to try NASID's occasionally to help.
Hasn't affected my taste buds nor my appetite, but going to do softer foods after tummy issue.
Be more careful hope pain goes away soon. Not sure going to be worth much during chemo.

Hi
I had no problems! Legs were little sore from being put up in the stir-ups and spread, but other than that , no other problems. There was no mention of sedation to me , but I am fine without it. Hope this helps you.

Interesting, Im scheduled for 2 vaginal brachytherapy and was told mine were to be done under sedation. How did you feel afterwards?