Questions to ask about pelvic wash and many otherse

Soup52
Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member

I've been reading through many of the older posts and seen that people keep mentioning the pelvic wash. Does everyone have that? I will be seeing my oncologist next Thursday for the first time since before radiation. (I saw the radiation oncologist during that time) anyway the regular oncologist never mentioned the pelvic wash so I don't know if mine was positive or not.

im pretty sure he will recommend a port before the chemo and I'll make sure my husband and a fellow cancer survivor come to my appointment so I know what kind of chemo I will be getting.

Here's another question- have any of you had lymphodema? My oncologist seemed sure I would have it. What does it feel like and how can I treat it?

Also, I had a blood clot 8 years ago after giving a kidney to my daughter. Are some kinds of chemo more likely to cause blood clots? Are some kinds of chemo more likely to damage the kidney. Another concern since I only have one.

Im sorry for the long post, but I want to be prepared. I didn't know if it was appropriate to post to the older posts. I wasn't sure if anyone current reads those.

Thanks for all your help. I find everything here very helpful.

Comments

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    Hi Soup,
    Do you have your

    Hi Soup,

    Do you have your pathology report from your hysterectomy? If not, please ask for it.

    The report should list all of the things that were tested for cancer. So, it should list the pelvic wash if one was done. I'm not sure, but I think it is fairly standard to do that.  Ladies - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here!

    I have not had lymphodema so far. So I can't give any guidance on it. I have read others that say they use compression garments for it.

    Post often and as long as you have questions! Someone will have the experience to answer you!

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789
    Soup - Pelvic Wash and Lymphedema

    Hi Soup, I did not have a pelvic wash during my surgery in September. I am fighting stage 1b, grade 3 uterine carcinosarcoma. In addition to the TAH-BSO surgery, the gyn-onc excised 14 lymph nodes (9 pelvic and 5 periaortic). I've been told that that is a small number so lymphedema should not be a problem for me. If you had more or if they were taken from different areas, your experience may be different. Your onc should go over all of the potential side-effects of whatever chemo is recommended. Be sure to bring a list of questions with you so that you don't forget to ask any.

    Hope this helps. Hang in there!

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    Hi, Soup

    I do believe that a pelvic wash is usually done with a hysterectomy for cancer.  It can tell if there are cancer cells floating around in there.  I haven't had any problems with the lymphodema, but I didn't have any lymph nodes removed.  My advice. Get a port it will save you so much trouble.  it makes chemo so much easier.  they don't have to access a vein each time and you don't have to keep your arm still.  You can move around.  

    I was told at the ER a few weeks ago that cancer patients died are more prone to blood clots, but I don't know why.  I always have a problem with low platelets so I am kind of confused about that.  I do think that some chemos can cause kidney problems.  I always look up the kind of chemo and read as much as I can about the side effects and then ask my oncologist about it.  

    Hugs and prayers to you, Lou Ann

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    Lou Ann M said:

    Hi, Soup

    I do believe that a pelvic wash is usually done with a hysterectomy for cancer.  It can tell if there are cancer cells floating around in there.  I haven't had any problems with the lymphodema, but I didn't have any lymph nodes removed.  My advice. Get a port it will save you so much trouble.  it makes chemo so much easier.  they don't have to access a vein each time and you don't have to keep your arm still.  You can move around.  

    I was told at the ER a few weeks ago that cancer patients died are more prone to blood clots, but I don't know why.  I always have a problem with low platelets so I am kind of confused about that.  I do think that some chemos can cause kidney problems.  I always look up the kind of chemo and read as much as I can about the side effects and then ask my oncologist about it.  

    Hugs and prayers to you, Lou Ann

    blood clots

    Not sure this answers the question but it does give some information on the subject:

    http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20050208/cancer-patients-risk-deadly-blood-clots

    The head chemo nurse where I got my therapy constantly yelled at us the not cross our legs due to blood clot potential. Now, that

    is a hard thing to break. I miss crossing! :-)

    Here is one more...

    https://www.stoptheclot.org/faq_blood_clots_cancer.htm

  • Soup52
    Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member

    blood clots

    Not sure this answers the question but it does give some information on the subject:

    http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20050208/cancer-patients-risk-deadly-blood-clots

    The head chemo nurse where I got my therapy constantly yelled at us the not cross our legs due to blood clot potential. Now, that

    is a hard thing to break. I miss crossing! :-)

    Here is one more...

    https://www.stoptheclot.org/faq_blood_clots_cancer.htm

    Blood clots

    Thank you everyone for all the info you have provided! Having a pulmonary embolism is such a scary thing. I know what it feels like and never want one again. I will be definitely emphasise my fears with the dr. Next week. I hope he will be ready for plenty of questions☺️.