dilator after radiation

My mom is starting brachytherapy this week. She had stage 1B, grade 2 cancer and had a full hysterectomy 6 weeks ago. She will undergo 3 treatments.

I was wondering if anyone had to use a dilator after treatment. She was told to use it once a week, for 15 minutes, for the rest of her life. She is 76 years old and this will be quite a chore for her.

Please let me know if you had any side effects after treatment as her doctors are making very light of it.

Diane

The dialator really isn't that difficult to use.  It is just smooth piece of plastic that you place inside and it is just used to make sure that things don't close up.  I am younger than your mom, but I would just lay down and put it in and watch tv for the 15 minutes.  No more than putting in a tampon, really.  I hope this helps.  Best wishes to you and your Mom.

On 4/11/2008 shellygirl wrote:

My mom is starting brachytherapy this week. She had stage 1B, grade 2 cancer and had a full hysterectomy 6 weeks ago. She will undergo 3 treatments.

I was wondering if anyone had to use a dilator after treatment. She was told to use it once a week, for 15 minutes, for the rest of her life. She is 76 years old and this will be quite a chore for her.

Please let me know if you had any side effects after treatment as her doctors are making very light of it.

Diane

I have had to use the dilator method.I had stenosis of the vaginal area.Doctors do sometimes make light of this issue.I had a female gyn oncologist tell me that men like a more narrow vaginal area!! Anyway, your oncologist or gyn can help you acquire dilators or you can do it on the net.I am 72 and actively sexual and the dilators help.If you are not concerned with being sexually active it is my understanding that it doesn't matter that much.If you want to know more just email me and I will answer whatever questions you have.