Side Effects

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the types of side effects that they have experienced post radiation therapy for vaginal cancer.

 

On 11/26/2006 Maggy wrote:

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the types of side effects that they have experienced post radiation therapy for vaginal cancer.

 

Maggie, I had vaginal cancer in 2004 (Stage 2).  Side effects from the radiation included burning of the skin in the vaginal area with terrible itching and general tiredness. I also had chemo so I don't know how I would have felt without it.  I had 35 radiation treatments but didn't have to go through internal radiation.  My abdominal area was sore (bladder and colon).  Some people have problems with diahrrea, but I didn't.  I'm telling you my symptoms during the treatment, so you can compare.  Afterwards, I had to be very near a bathroom for a few months, but that slowly got better and went completely away.  I had bladder spasms for awhile.  Vaginal sex has been impossible for me so far, but I'm hoping that will change eventually.  It was painful to sit without a pillow under me for close to a year, but that also eventually went away.  I have to use a dilator (they say for five years), but am down to about every three days. So, it's inconvenient but not bad.  It was everyday for a year.  I used a homeopathic ointment on the dilator and that really helped.  That's what I can think of for now, if you have any questions, please respond.

I wish I had read these messages before my radiation. I just completed the set on March 8. I, too, had spasms, but of the anus and hemorroids that I didn't know I had flared up. I'm glad to know that the symptoms can last for months and that I have to use the dilator for several years. They didn't tell me that. Also good to know someone else has to use a pillow. It's been 3 months since the first surgery and I didn't know what to expect. The spasms have gone away even though the pain meds make me constipated, I'm able to keep that under control with physllum husks. But I am trying to deal with the burn. Yesterday, the nurse finally sent me some cooling gel packs that I cut to size and place on the burning area - it's interesting trying to get those up and inside, but it's helping. I tried light therapy using a machine my aestitetion loaned me, but that seemed to make it worse. Others have had good results. If anyone has anymore helpful hints, I'd appreciate it.