Member Since:
20 August 2008
Posts: 16

Hi, this forum is for women living with Uterine Cancer.  We hope you find the opportunity to share with each other of value...

Member Since:
29 October 2008
Posts: 3

I have recently been diagnosed with uterine cancer, had a full hysterectomy, and am now being offered HDR Brachytherapy (high dose radiation) to the top of the vagina.  Is there anyone out there who has undergone this treatment?  I would like to talk about how it was for you.

Member Since:
29 October 2008
Posts: 3

Thanks L for replying - it really gave me a lift to hear your story and know that all went well with you.  I am due to start Brachytherapy at Waikato hospital next week and was a bit worried about the dilator bit.  It sounded daunting in the booklet given to me to read, but you are now the second person I've spoken to who said it isn't all that bad.

How long were your Brachy sessions?  I'm told it will be about 1/2 hour.

Was your mild tiredness from your external radiation sessions or the Brachy?  I haven't needed external so you have been through more than I will have.

Thanks for reassuring me - I have really appreciated your frank description of what happened for you.

I hope and pray that you will continue to heal well.  And thanks for the 'hugs'!

Jen3

Member Since:
29 October 2008
Posts: 3

Hi Lynne,

Well I've been over for my first brachy and it was just as you said which made it so easy for me as I  knew exactly what to expect.  It was a great help knowing all the details beforehand!!  I didn't have Abbey, but told Claire to pass on your greetings to her.  Hermann is my doctor too.  They were all very nice which made you feel so much better.

I had a nearly 3 hour return trip too as I am in Tauranga and wonder if you are also over this way? do you have support where you are?

I feel I have got away very lightly with my brush with cancer - only diagnosed mid August, the whole thing whipped out 2 weeks later, then needing only 3 brachy sessions to follow up - compared with what some women go through.  I have found the Cancer Society very helpful in putting me in touch with others, as well as the free services they offer to folk touched by cancer.

Thoughts and prayers coming your way,

Jen