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relations after vaginal radiation
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Nov 28, 2004 - 9:17 pm
I've just had a total hysterectomy 3 weeks ago for clear cell endometrial cancer (luckily stage 1a) and my doctors are recommending radiation therapy. One of the side effects is stenosis (scarring and tightening, shortening) of the vagina which will make intercourse painful. I am about 15 years younger than the average age for this cancer and happilly married and the thought of how this will affect our intimate lives makes me very sad. Does any one have any advice about how to minimize this side effect of radiation, or just sharing your experience? Perhaps it's not always the case that radiation has this unfortunate effect? Any hopeful feedback would help. (I posted a similar query earlier today but didn't put the central concern in the subject space, so I'm reposting). |
Joined: Mar 2003
Have you considered getting a second opinion? I know you refer to "doctors", but if they're all in the same group or area, they might not be the best to obtain other opinions from. Fran Drescher describes her choice to not have radiation in her book "Cancer Schmancer"-she did a lot of research, and ultimately decided to forego radiation. I believe she was about 40 when she was diagnosed.
Are there other side effects to consider?
If it is possible for you to consult with another oncologist, I think it would be a good thing for you to do. Sometimes different schools of thoughts exist regarding treatment. I wouldn't depend solely on local doctors in my area, because I feel they don't have the exposure doctors in bigger cities have.
Joined: Nov 2004
Thanks for the input. I am at a very big well known cancer center in a big city and I am also reading medical abstracts about the pro/con arguments for radiation at this early stage. Because the cell type is relatiely rare the studies are very small and results sort of inconclusive. If the effects of radiation aren't that bad (which is what I'm trying to find out) I think I'll do it. They are only proposing 3 sessions each 2 weeks apart. I think the dose is sort of high but is