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

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?

Hi it’s ok to post it here.

Hi
Just having my 2nd treatment today, the last one on Friday! The tips I have is try to be relaxed , if you get all
nervous you get your body will tense up which you don’t want. The Doctor and her helpers are well trained and the make it as comfortable as they can, which they did for me. You will feel little discomfort when the insert the first tools to find out which one your body needs, but if you can relax you hardly feel any discomfort and they will ask you how you are doing when getting you prepped. Before you know it they start radiation and your done!

@cheriels I'm confident that members who are soon to have vaginal brachytherapy will be very grateful to have your explanation of how it went for you. Since vaginal brachytherapy is a kind of radiation therapy your post was moved to this existing discussion on radiation treatment for gynecological cancers.

- What Kind of Radiation Did You Get for Your Gynecological Cancer? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/types-of-radiation-treatments-for-gynecological-cancers/
We did this to help you connect more easily with other members who are sharing their experiences with different types of radiation and with women who are seeking information before starting radiation.

Cheriel, now that you've had 3 treatments, is there anything you wish you had known or tips you'd offer to anyone getting vaginal brachytherapy?

Vaginal Brachytherapy treatment
Hi
Had my first treatment of 3, started the first one Monday and go today for my 2nd one and have the last one Friday then all done , just go back for periodically for treatment. I am getting 15 minutes of Radiation and time they get you set up it takes all together close to a hour. There is a little discomfort when finding which size of tool they need . They try 3 different sizes so when they find the correct one they take that out and insert the same size one that gives you the radiation. Then they hook up wires to the tool they use then start the radiation on a timer, it shuts off when done. Then Doc comes in removes the tool and wires you are all done. You do have to have legs in stirrups and I had to have CT Scan where they put me though it 3 times then they hook the wires up to the tool and then radiation begins.