Breakytherapy-Uterine Cancer

bbbyr
bbbyr Member Posts: 6
edited March 2014 in Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine) #1
I was diagnosed in October, IIIA and have had chemo and beam radiation. Breakytherapy or HDR is pending. Has anyone had this HDR? Can you tell me about it? It really scares me. Mary

Comments

  • tlva
    tlva Member Posts: 56
    #2
    Hi Mary,
    I had 3 brachytherapy treatments or HDR, during the course of my 25 external radiation treatments. It takes some time for the setup and the first treatment because of measurements and a CT, but the other 2 were less than 30 minutes in and out the door.
    In my case, they used a cylinder shaped implant, like a large tampon, that was inserted and then my legs were strapped together so that it wouldn't move or slip, and I had to lay perfectly still on the table and have a CT to make sure the implant was in place according to my anatomy.
    Then I was lifted onto another table and wheeled into the treatment room where the radiation was connected to the tube with a wire, for lack of a better description, and the technologist gave the radiation while watching from the other room.
    It did not hurt...I've lost a lot of the modesty I used to have though! Then the tube was removed and I went home and about my business. The only unpleasant part is I did have some diarhhea but it did go away. These did make me a little more fatigued, but that also went away. I did have about 2 weeks a between each treatment with the final one about 2 weeks after my last external treatment.
    I'm sure everyone is different based on the center, but you really don't have anything to worry about. Sounds like the worst is in the past for you with the chemo.
    I was fortunate to have a great team at my radiation center and they were so sweet to me. My doctors explained everything in great detail as far as what to expect and showed me everything they were using. I was just so happy to have the option of treatment, that I guess I never got scared. It really wasn't a big deal...but you'll be in my thoughts and prayers!
    Tammy
  • bbbyr
    bbbyr Member Posts: 6
    #3
    tlva said:

    Hi Mary,
    I had 3 brachytherapy treatments or HDR, during the course of my 25 external radiation treatments. It takes some time for the setup and the first treatment because of measurements and a CT, but the other 2 were less than 30 minutes in and out the door.
    In my case, they used a cylinder shaped implant, like a large tampon, that was inserted and then my legs were strapped together so that it wouldn't move or slip, and I had to lay perfectly still on the table and have a CT to make sure the implant was in place according to my anatomy.
    Then I was lifted onto another table and wheeled into the treatment room where the radiation was connected to the tube with a wire, for lack of a better description, and the technologist gave the radiation while watching from the other room.
    It did not hurt...I've lost a lot of the modesty I used to have though! Then the tube was removed and I went home and about my business. The only unpleasant part is I did have some diarhhea but it did go away. These did make me a little more fatigued, but that also went away. I did have about 2 weeks a between each treatment with the final one about 2 weeks after my last external treatment.
    I'm sure everyone is different based on the center, but you really don't have anything to worry about. Sounds like the worst is in the past for you with the chemo.
    I was fortunate to have a great team at my radiation center and they were so sweet to me. My doctors explained everything in great detail as far as what to expect and showed me everything they were using. I was just so happy to have the option of treatment, that I guess I never got scared. It really wasn't a big deal...but you'll be in my thoughts and prayers!
    Tammy

    Thanks a heap Tammy for your reply and thoughts. You are right in that modesty is a thing of the past as you walk this road. I will see the radiologist tomorrow for decision and/or arrangements for HDR. How long have you been a survivor?
  • tlva
    tlva Member Posts: 56
    #4
    bbbyr said:

    Thanks a heap Tammy for your reply and thoughts. You are right in that modesty is a thing of the past as you walk this road. I will see the radiologist tomorrow for decision and/or arrangements for HDR. How long have you been a survivor?

    Hi Mary,
    I am about to celebrate 2 years! I had a crazy pap that started it all on February 23, 2005, then an unsuccessful biopsy, then a slightly above normal ultrasound, then a d&c that only showed polyps, then a phone call on May 4, 2005 that pulled the rug out from under me. My surgery was on May 16 and I was sent to radiation for a second opinion.
    I was given the option of radiation and chose to do so. I have not had any problems since then and have had 2 clears paps since.
    I wish you the same!
    love and hugs,
    Tammy

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