I had Brachytherapy 3 years ago for Stage 2B Grade 1 Uterine cancer. I didn't have any side effects at all. The hospital where I had my treatment was still doing it the old way which meant I had to be hospitalized overnight and couldn't get out of bed which wasn't so great. But now they have the new treatment which is spread out over a few weeks. Much better way to do it! It is a little uncomfortable but apparently is an excellent treatment! Good luck.

Thank you for your reply.

God Bless!

Hi, yes I had HDR (high dose rate) brachytherapy. I just needed one treatment. It lasted for about 20 minutes...and I was able to drive myself home. I do strongly advice you though, to NOT have the procedure without anesthesia (local). The team was ready to do the procedure but could not fine any anesthesia gel...but I didn't want to reschedule. How painful could it be I thought! Ouch! Believe me, demand the anesthesia gel. You'll be more comfortable. I also brought my iPod with favorite soothing music...that helped too.

Thank you for your reply. I met with the radiologist today. He eased my concerns. Everything I'm reading on the Internet said there were a lot of side effects after the procedure as well as long/late side effects...bladder, rectal, diarrhea, incontinence, vaginal stenosis. Oh my!!!!!! Have you had any of these side effects? I really need to stay off the "net." I was actually going to just "wait and see" for recurrence which was an option. I will need three treatments. Did you have other treatments...why only one? The radiologist said if I didn't like the treatment, I could stop after the first one. That may be an option too...LOL How long ago did you have your treatment? How are you doing now? WHEW...what a day this has been!!!! Love your name...what would we do without GOD???

My Gynecologist Oncologist and Radiologist Oncologist agreed that just one treatment would be enough..keeping in mind I had 6 wks of radiation.(four mos of chemo) They wanted to do the brachytherapy as an added insurance to zap any cancer cells that might be stubborn. Although I did not have any complications from the procedure itself, the radiation therapy is another story with side effects...diarrhea, bladder pain..all temporary. Just stay away from fiber and eat white bread, white rice, white pasta. You didn't mention if you are going to have radiation treatment. Vaginal stenosis...yeah, it's true. The doctor gave me a dialator to use, 15 minutes everyday..not so much fun. If the vagina's opening closes, (stenosis) then exams are harder and any lesions present will be more difficult to see. Yeah, he told me to stay off the "net" cause it will drive you crazy, worried and fearful. It's hard to get past that, but prayer does help. I was a stage 3A, grade 3..I have good days and better days. Try to stick to your daily schedule, stay strong in your Faith and God will get you through this...Take care. God Bless.

Thank you...I appreciate you taking the time to reply. You have been very helpful to me. This is all so new. I've always been very, very healthy...not even a cold. I had abnormal bleeding. I had a D & C and then hysterectomy/robotic surgery (which was easy). I have Stage 1C/Grade 1. Now I must decide on the brachytherapy or no therapy. The radiologist said my stage was very treatable. I told him I didn't want to do therapy. I wanted to just "wait and see" which my husband said was crazy! Both the radiologist and my GYN said it was my choice altho both recommended the brachytherapy. I'm just so scared. Yes, when you go on the net and read the side effects...short and long term. WHEW!!!
Only a few members of my family know. I still can't say the word "cancer." I just told my family I had abnormal cells and may be doing preventive radiation to "kill the cells." I'm in denial. I know it helps to talk about it.
I am trying to stay busy. I do a lot of volunteer work at my church and with the poor (Missionaries of Charity). I only missed a few days because of my surgery. My friends haven't a clue!!!! I have lost a little weight (no appetite) and one of the nuns said something to me the other day. I know I need to tell them. They will pray for me.
Like others with cancer, this has been the most difficult time in my life but I'll get thru it. I do have a lot of faith altho lately it has been weak. I'm actually ashamed of myself for letting this consume me.
Yes, I do need to stay strong in my faith and GOD will get me thru this. I have been so blessed in my life. GOD has been good to me. I know He will be with me thru this.
Again...thank you for your reply.
God Bless you too.

Our stories are similar, I had an abdominal hysterectomy last Monday. The cancer was stage 1C, Grade 1. On Tuesday, I'm scheduled to discuss the need for radiology with a radiologist oncologist. Like you, I'm very strong in my faith. If God got us through this far, He can get us through the radiology, too.

Bless you!

I had the robotic surgery. I was in and out of the hospital in 24 hours. I never experienced any pain so no need for pain medication. Still can't get over how easy it was.
I still have to decide on treatment. I saw my doctor last week. He said "will the tumor return...highly unlikely" but he still recommended brachytherapy for "insurance." I'm just so worried about side effects. I'm still not healed from my surgery so I have a few more weeks to decide.

I finished brachytherapy in April. It was much easier than the external radiation. I do have vaginal stenosis but that has been the only side effect. It was uncomfortable for about 5 minutes and then fine. I read a book for most of the time. Of all of the treatment it was the easiest. I drove myself to work after each treatment.

How many treatments did you have? Both GYN and radiologist felt I wouldn't have major side effects from brachytherapy. They said there were more side effects with external radiation. My big concern is the radiation to other organs altho both doctors said there was very little. The radiologist said brachytherapy was the easiest treatment he does. Thanks for your reply.

I had 6 sessions which were much easier than the external radiation. There isn't much exposure of other organs as the radiation is very controlled. My vagina was packed with gauze to protect other structures. That was a bit uncomfortable but lasted less than 5 minutes. After that I read a book while they decided where to aim the radiation (that took about 30 to 45 minutes). Then the radiation was maybe 5 - 8 minutes. I read a book during that also. I wouldn't be afraid to do it again, although I won't have to since I am having surgery on Saturday.

I asked the doctor about packing with gauze but he said he didn't do that - ??? Did you have a recurrence that you need surgery? The doctor did say that after treatment, if there was a recurrence, the treatment could not be done again. He mentioned surgery.

I had surgery last September but the doctor couldn't get the tumor out as it was embedded into the wall. I had chemo, external radiation and then brachytherapy. The treatments have shrunk the tumor so I will be able to have a hysterectomy this Saturday. I may need chemo again. Hopefully not but it won't be the end of the world if I do.

I will say a prayer for you on Sat that all goes well. Will you be having the robotic surgery? That's what I had. I was amazed at how easy the surgery was. I didn't have any problems at all.

No - I will have an abdominal hysterectomy. They won't be able to do it laparascopically. I was a bit bummed out by that but have to accept what I can't change. Thanks for the thoughts.