Radiation Therapy

Hello,

I have stage IIIA Endometrial Cancer and currently going undergoing Chemo Therapy.  After I have complete chemo I will be doing external radiation and a vaginal cuff.  Does anyone know if there are long term effects from the radiation treatment? 

 

Thank you 

There can be long term side effects from radiaiton treatment.  There can be dryness of the vagina and some bowel problems and urge incontinence that can last quite a long time.  Long term, very rarely, there can be neuropathy (which can also be caused by chemo) that produces weakness in the legs and feet.     

I had this same stage of cancer and had chemo and vaginal cuff radiation.  I think that the side effects are different for different people.  I don't think that I have had that many side effects, although intercourse can be painful at times.  I also had a full hysterectomy prior to the radaiation, so I am not sure what is a result of radiation and what is a result of no more hormones.  While the treatment isn't that pleasant, it wasn't painful.  The dialator is kind of a hassle, but they warn that everything can close up if you don't use it, so definately worth it.  I hope everything goes well for you!

 

On 5/28/2008 stephieplus wrote:

I had this same stage of cancer and had chemo and vaginal cuff radiation.  I think that the side effects are different for different people.  I don't think that I have had that many side effects, although intercourse can be painful at times.  I also had a full hysterectomy prior to the radaiation, so I am not sure what is a result of radiation and what is a result of no more hormones.  While the treatment isn't that pleasant, it wasn't painful.  The dialator is kind of a hassle, but they warn that everything can close up if you don't use it, so definately worth it.  I hope everything goes well for you!

You did not have to go through external radiation?  Did the doctors not recommend external pelvic radiation.  I am not to concerned about the vaginal cuff but the side effects of radiation.  It sounds like you are doing well.  Thank the Lord.  thank you

 

Hi...I happened upon these message boards while desperately trying to research any treatments for Chronic Radiation Enteritis. I commented to another member earlier today: http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20799

My mom survived the cancer, but is now currently battling survival from the effects of the treatment. Before they begin the radiation, I hope you will do a little research on some very simple preventive measures that can be taken to save you from some very unpleasant residual effects that can result from radiation to the pelvic region.

I don't mean to intrude..I just, I mean if i can spare one person from having to deal with this...it's worth it! Just make sure you ask the doctor administering the radiation treatment about taking preventive measures so as to not damage your lower intestine. Ask him of he knows about Chronic Radiation Enteritis and if he will do everything possible to prevent this from happening to you. Research the topic a bit and go in armed with some knowledge and some facts.

They can kill the cancer, but it seems they forget about the other good organs and cells around it...especially an extremely imortant one like your small intestine which we absolutely need to live!