CancerCompass message board discussion started by Maggy on 11/26/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,8006,0.htm Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I was wondering if anyone could tell me the types of side effects that they have experienced post radiation therapy for vaginal cancer. Maggy Sun, 26 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT  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. Judithann Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT 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. Cheech Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT