Uterine Cancer Support Group

Hi there. How is radiation going? I found it easier than chemo, with some bladder irritation (cranberry juice really does help), some bowel issues (but watching diet helped) and some nausea (meds helped a lot.) Plus the fatigue. But I made sure to be active as much as I could throughout it. A nurse told me that if you let it get to you - it would drag you right down. So I shopped everyday! LOL

It is now 9 weeks since my last radiation treatment. I wasn't prepared for the fatigue I would feel....it is actually worse now than the first 4 weeks after. I haven't really rested like I should - and have been trying to fit so much in, that I think I have crashed. So that is my advice for later - even when you feel pretty good - be sure to take time to put your feet up every day.

I hope that it is going well for you!

Take care,

Amy

Hi Amy-

Thanks! Just completed my 18th day of radiation. I have had some bowel irritation, but realize that's only when I go off my "white" diet (pasta, white bread, no uncooked fruits or veggies). Unfortunately, I went to see the new Harry Potter movie last night and ate popcorn - popcorn is white, but too bulky for my intestines at this time - big mistake. I will get back to my regular easy diet and should be back to normal.

I haven't had any fatigue.

I finish my radiation on Monday, 7/27. Then I wait 4 wks until my 3rd round of chemo. Do you know why I need to wait 4 wks? Does it take that long to heal?

Regards,
Jane

Are you in chemotherapy now? Next week will be my 4th week of radiation, and I will be in chemotherapy in Oct. I am pretty anxious...everyone tells me how sick I am going to get and how I am giong to lose my hair. The doctor recommended chemo because the tumor was a grade 3, with positive washing. May I ask why you are doing radiation and chemo as well?

Hi -
I am using a new "sandwich" protocol - it's 2 rounds of chemo > then radiation for 25 days > then 2 more rounds of chemo.

The chemo is for distant cancer - cancer that may have spread through lymph or blood.

The radiation is for local reoccurance - if there are cancer cells left behind after surgery.

Both are needed for improved survival.

I have had minimal side-effects from chemo. The 1st round of chemo, I had some fatigue and some leg pain. If you stay on a very healthy diet and exercise 30 minutes a day (I do treadmill), I think it really reduces the side-effects. I have completed 3 rounds of chemo and round 2 and 3 were a breeze. No nausea, etc. I am scheduled for the 4th and final chemo next Thursday.

Regards,
Jane

You are so focused and strong! Not that I am looking forward to chemo...but after reading uyour comment...you made it sound "not so bad." Radiation does give me bowel issues too....yes, I agree it's important to stick to a diet of..like you said...white bread, white pasta, white rice...hey does that include white cake? :-) Are you on Megastrol? That tiny pill stimulates my appetite like I haven't had a meal in days...I gained 10 lbs in a month! Though they don't have any experience in this, some of my friends said my hair (I am 53) will come back gray, I will gain a lot of weight, and I will have a moon face while on chemo. Nice huh? Did you get a wig? Tell me about how you felt when your hair fell out. I am sorry to be asking so many questions. The gal that cuts my hair suggested I get my hair pixied to minimize the trauma of seeing my long hair fall out. I get really fatigued in the P.M. from radiation, but I found that exercise really helps to boost my energy. I hope you have a great week...you sound like a very positive person and I believe that's half the battle. Take care and God Bless.

Hi -

Yes, definately white cake!! That's my favorite.

No - I'm not on Megastrol. I don't know what that is. I'm actually not on any meds.

My hair is coming back and there is no gray (I just turned 55). I used to dye my hair blonde, so I wasn't even sure what color it was anymore.

I like the pixie hair cut idea. I shaved mine myself, even though it wasn't completely falling out - just random pieces. In hindsight, the pixie cut would have been better.

Having my hair fall out was difficult. I did buy a wig, and I like it quite a bit. It even has dark roots, so it looks very natural. When my hair started to fall out, my scalp became very sensitive, so I was anxious to get it shaved to get rid of the pain. The pain went away in a couple of weeks and I haven't had any issues since.

Chemo was not hard at all. Some folks get lower back pain, and some don't - I didn't have any pain. I did have some minor leg restlessness at night after my first chemo, but if you use the Glutamine, this will not happen.

Although you get steroids to prevent an allergic reaction to the chemo, it is not enough to cause weight gain or moon face. I actually lost weight initially, since I didn't have much appetite.

The other caution - drink a lot of water. All during chemo drip and for days afterwards. Don't get dehydrated! Also the water flushing out your system and makes you feel a lot better.

Good luck and be sure to let us know how you feel.

Regards,
Jane