HELP-I AM IN A PANIC ABOUT BLEEDING

Pat51

I have not posted in a while, but still read frequently.  I was diagnosed just over two years ago with UPSC, stage 1B.  I finished chemo and then radiation in August, 2011.  I have been doing great until now.  I use a dialator.  Last night there was blood after using the dialator!  I also had blood on the toilet paper and a very very small amount on a panty liner.  I used a dialator to check this morning and there is blood again on the end of it. It looks like bleeding at the vaginal cuff.  I am calling my doctor this morning.  I am hoping that he can see me today.  Is this a sign of recurrence?

I was moving and lifting a lot of things over the weekend.  My husband has melanoma that metastized to his brain in January.  He had surgery and radiation.  We found out last Wednesday that it has again spread and is encompassing most of his brain.  He was sent home on Hospice on Thursday with a short prognosis of about two weeks.  It has been MORE than stressful for me.  I have been moving things in my house to make room for the hospital bed and equipment.  I felt a few twinges in my abdomen but thought that it was from the lifting....now not so sure.

I am scared to death.  I have more than I can handle helping my husband die....how can I handle this if it is a sign of recurrence???? Not to mention that I cannot be going to a lot of appointment since I need to be home caring for him!

Did anyone else have bleeding like I am describing?  What was it?

Pat

 

 

jazzy1

Pat

Sorry to hear about your husband...gosh life isn't always fair is it?

I as well use a dilator and a year ago noticed some blood on my sheets and then after wiping while using the toilet.  Darn!!!  I kept this to myself, thinking my nail scratched my skin, but the paper once more showed pinkish streaks...not red!  Knew I had to call the oncologist, and setup appt.  In the meantime, the spotting stopped and I felt better, but knew the appt would answer it all.

Doc asked me a few questions, such as when did I notice the spotting, etc. and his response knowing I had 33 rounds of pelvic radiation -- most likely scar tissues pulling away and out the vaginal cavity.  He did a PAP and told me this would show if anything is going on.  Results showed -- NOTHING!!!!  This has been the last time I've seen the spotting and hope to not go thru this again as I was unnerved to say the least.

Try not to go there as with me it was nothing and if you search our site you'll find a lot of other issues, nothing related to cancer.  In the end we can all second guess on what it might be, but the true test is the doc appt.

Keep the faith all is well....be strong my friend~

Hugs,

Jan

Rewriter

jazzy1 said:

Pat

Sorry to hear about your husband...gosh life isn't always fair is it?

I as well use a dilator and a year ago noticed some blood on my sheets and then after wiping while using the toilet.  Darn!!!  I kept this to myself, thinking my nail scratched my skin, but the paper once more showed pinkish streaks...not red!  Knew I had to call the oncologist, and setup appt.  In the meantime, the spotting stopped and I felt better, but knew the appt would answer it all.

Doc asked me a few questions, such as when did I notice the spotting, etc. and his response knowing I had 33 rounds of pelvic radiation -- most likely scar tissues pulling away and out the vaginal cavity.  He did a PAP and told me this would show if anything is going on.  Results showed -- NOTHING!!!!  This has been the last time I've seen the spotting and hope to not go thru this again as I was unnerved to say the least.

Try not to go there as with me it was nothing and if you search our site you'll find a lot of other issues, nothing related to cancer.  In the end we can all second guess on what it might be, but the true test is the doc appt.

Keep the faith all is well....be strong my friend~

Hugs,

Jan

PAT

I am so sorry to hear about your husband. This is no time for you to experience additional stress, and I hope that the information I share will help you relax a bit. I Googled "Bleeding after using a vaginal dilator" and found lots of reassuring information from both the top cancer hospitals as well as women who use dilators.

"After vaginal brachytherapy, the vaginal tissue becomes thinner and much more fragile and scar tissue develops. Because the dilator stretches this fragile tissue, slight bleeding and discharge can occur. This spotting generally stops as the vaginal tissue becomes more pliable but may continue for a while if you have not been using the dilator regularly enough."

"There may also be bleeding or discomfort following a period of abstinence from dilator use. The vagina will stretch to accommodate the dilator and a penis, but bleeding can and does occur sometimes after sex, even years later. This does not mean the cancer has returned, but does need to be checked. For the majority, bleeding will be from fragile superficial blood vessels within the vagina, which bleed with very little pressure."

Please keep us posted.

Jill

 

Pat51

Thank you

Thank you for the responses and reassurance.  I do use my dialator 3X per week.  I have also been experiencing some very slight cramping in the last couple of days.  However, I have been lifting and moving things the last few days.  My daughter thinks that I strained or pulled something moving and lifting things....I don't think that would cause bleeding.  I guess that I am just on emotional overload and wish that this scare would not have occured when my husband needs me so much.  He helped me thru diagnosis, chemo and radiation....now it is my turn to be there for him.  I pray that this is nothing. I got an appointment to see my GYN this afternoon.....grateful that he saw me so soon.   I will post my findings after my appointment this afternoon.  It is very comforting knowing that someone is reading and willing to help me.

Pat

Ro10

Pat51 said:

Thank you

Thank you for the responses and reassurance.  I do use my dialator 3X per week.  I have also been experiencing some very slight cramping in the last couple of days.  However, I have been lifting and moving things the last few days.  My daughter thinks that I strained or pulled something moving and lifting things....I don't think that would cause bleeding.  I guess that I am just on emotional overload and wish that this scare would not have occured when my husband needs me so much.  He helped me thru diagnosis, chemo and radiation....now it is my turn to be there for him.  I pray that this is nothing. I got an appointment to see my GYN this afternoon.....grateful that he saw me so soon.   I will post my findings after my appointment this afternoon.  It is very comforting knowing that someone is reading and willing to help me.

Pat

Pat

I am so sorry to hear about your husband.  My heart aches for you.  You do not need any more stress in your life.  I pray you will get news from your doctor, that it is just fragile lining that caused the bleeding.  You and your family remain in my prayers.

Rewriter

Pat51 said:

Thank you

Thank you for the responses and reassurance.  I do use my dialator 3X per week.  I have also been experiencing some very slight cramping in the last couple of days.  However, I have been lifting and moving things the last few days.  My daughter thinks that I strained or pulled something moving and lifting things....I don't think that would cause bleeding.  I guess that I am just on emotional overload and wish that this scare would not have occured when my husband needs me so much.  He helped me thru diagnosis, chemo and radiation....now it is my turn to be there for him.  I pray that this is nothing. I got an appointment to see my GYN this afternoon.....grateful that he saw me so soon.   I will post my findings after my appointment this afternoon.  It is very comforting knowing that someone is reading and willing to help me.

Pat

Please let us know

what your GYN says. I'll bet it's nothing but fragile vaginal tissue.

 

Good luck, and I will be sending positive thoughts your way.

 

 

Jill

sunflash

Pat,
I'm so very sorry to

Pat,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your husband. I know how stressful dealing with a cancer diagnosis is, much less when you have something as monumental as you're facing right now. Thank God you have a daughter who can help during this time.

I'm hoping it'll ease your mind a little to let you know I've had a little spotting myself.....twice since being treated for UPSC. My doctor took it seriously both times.....I had additional paps and a colposcopy. Nothing was found and she feels it was fragile vaginal tissue, since I've had pelvic radiation 6 years ago. I hear this is very common, but necessary to talk to your doctor about. 

I'm glad you saw your doctor today......please let us know how things went as we're all concerned about you.

Sending gentle hugs and prayers to you, (((Pat)))

daisy366

sunflash said:

Pat,
I'm so very sorry to

Pat,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your husband. I know how stressful dealing with a cancer diagnosis is, much less when you have something as monumental as you're facing right now. Thank God you have a daughter who can help during this time.

I'm hoping it'll ease your mind a little to let you know I've had a little spotting myself.....twice since being treated for UPSC. My doctor took it seriously both times.....I had additional paps and a colposcopy. Nothing was found and she feels it was fragile vaginal tissue, since I've had pelvic radiation 6 years ago. I hear this is very common, but necessary to talk to your doctor about. 

I'm glad you saw your doctor today......please let us know how things went as we're all concerned about you.

Sending gentle hugs and prayers to you, (((Pat)))

Pat

I'm sending prayers & comforting thoughts to both you & your husband. You have a full plate indeed. May these next weeks be filled with happy memories for you & your family.

big hugs, mary Ann

txtrisha55

Just to let you know that I

Just to let you know that I am praying for your husband and for you.  Hope all goes well for you both. trish

Pat51

Thank you ladies!

I am sorry that I have not gotten back to post sooner.  My husband was given a very short prognosis and my house has been over run daily with family and friends wanting to visit him.  I am thrilled that so many people love him, but it is exhausting.  Feels like I am running a diner and coffee house!! 

Anyway, the good news from the doctor was that the bleeding was NOT a recurrence.  He did not even do a PAP.  He said that my vaginal walls were weeping blood all over.  The tissue is thin and tearing easily.  He said that he could not give me estrogen because of UPSC and that there was really nothing that he could do for me.  I had brachytherapy radiation, which probably contributed.  Possibly the stress of my husband's condition does not help either.  I was so relieved to hear that it was not a recurrence that I said that I would learn to deal with the condition and did not ask too many questions.  He did a CA125, which was consistent with the last one I had done in Feb..  He said that the CA125 would indicate recurrence before a CT scan would.  I have another appointment for a PAP at the end of the month.  I will ask more questions then.  I am due for my once a year CT in September.   The fear of recurrence is terrible, as you all understand.  My oncologist said the greatest chance of recurrence is within the first 3 years.  I am not sure if that is 3 years after surgery or 3 years after treatment.  I would think 3 years after treatment.  In that case, I have about 1 1/2 years left to go.

My husband was my strength through my cancer so far.  I don't know how I am going to handle all of this without him.  I know that other women do it but I don't know how I am going to handle this....right now I don't feel like a very strong person.

Thank you all for your replies and concern.  I hope that this helps someone from panicking if they see blood.  However, it is always a very good idea to see a doctor ASAP if you see blood.

Pat

Ro10

Pat51 said:

Thank you ladies!

I am sorry that I have not gotten back to post sooner.  My husband was given a very short prognosis and my house has been over run daily with family and friends wanting to visit him.  I am thrilled that so many people love him, but it is exhausting.  Feels like I am running a diner and coffee house!! 

Anyway, the good news from the doctor was that the bleeding was NOT a recurrence.  He did not even do a PAP.  He said that my vaginal walls were weeping blood all over.  The tissue is thin and tearing easily.  He said that he could not give me estrogen because of UPSC and that there was really nothing that he could do for me.  I had brachytherapy radiation, which probably contributed.  Possibly the stress of my husband's condition does not help either.  I was so relieved to hear that it was not a recurrence that I said that I would learn to deal with the condition and did not ask too many questions.  He did a CA125, which was consistent with the last one I had done in Feb..  He said that the CA125 would indicate recurrence before a CT scan would.  I have another appointment for a PAP at the end of the month.  I will ask more questions then.  I am due for my once a year CT in September.   The fear of recurrence is terrible, as you all understand.  My oncologist said the greatest chance of recurrence is within the first 3 years.  I am not sure if that is 3 years after surgery or 3 years after treatment.  I would think 3 years after treatment.  In that case, I have about 1 1/2 years left to go.

My husband was my strength through my cancer so far.  I don't know how I am going to handle all of this without him.  I know that other women do it but I don't know how I am going to handle this....right now I don't feel like a very strong person.

Thank you all for your replies and concern.  I hope that this helps someone from panicking if they see blood.  However, it is always a very good idea to see a doctor ASAP if you see blood.

Pat

Pat, glad to get your note

Glad to hear you do not have a recurrence.  You do not need any more stress.  I am sorry your visitors do not bring you coffee or trats so you do not feel like a diner or coffee house.  Hope you are getting some quality time with your husband.  You and your family remain in my prayers.  In peace and caring.

jazzy1

Pat51 said:

Thank you ladies!

I am sorry that I have not gotten back to post sooner.  My husband was given a very short prognosis and my house has been over run daily with family and friends wanting to visit him.  I am thrilled that so many people love him, but it is exhausting.  Feels like I am running a diner and coffee house!! 

Anyway, the good news from the doctor was that the bleeding was NOT a recurrence.  He did not even do a PAP.  He said that my vaginal walls were weeping blood all over.  The tissue is thin and tearing easily.  He said that he could not give me estrogen because of UPSC and that there was really nothing that he could do for me.  I had brachytherapy radiation, which probably contributed.  Possibly the stress of my husband's condition does not help either.  I was so relieved to hear that it was not a recurrence that I said that I would learn to deal with the condition and did not ask too many questions.  He did a CA125, which was consistent with the last one I had done in Feb..  He said that the CA125 would indicate recurrence before a CT scan would.  I have another appointment for a PAP at the end of the month.  I will ask more questions then.  I am due for my once a year CT in September.   The fear of recurrence is terrible, as you all understand.  My oncologist said the greatest chance of recurrence is within the first 3 years.  I am not sure if that is 3 years after surgery or 3 years after treatment.  I would think 3 years after treatment.  In that case, I have about 1 1/2 years left to go.

My husband was my strength through my cancer so far.  I don't know how I am going to handle all of this without him.  I know that other women do it but I don't know how I am going to handle this....right now I don't feel like a very strong person.

Thank you all for your replies and concern.  I hope that this helps someone from panicking if they see blood.  However, it is always a very good idea to see a doctor ASAP if you see blood.

Pat

Pat

Glad to hear the good news about your bleeding.  Join the ranks as many of us have had these same 'SCARE MOMENTs'......and as you said grateful it's not cancer.

 

You truly have your  hands full and wish I could come thru the monitor and give you a big (((((hug)))))...As YOU need one and deserve one.  Darn it, hate to read all you're trying to endure, but as I've always read, God never gives us more then we can handle!!!  

 

Enjoy the time with your husband and know we're all here for you if you need to unload and regroup for continued strength!

 

Peace,

Jan

NorahS

jazzy1 said:

Pat

Glad to hear the good news about your bleeding.  Join the ranks as many of us have had these same 'SCARE MOMENTs'......and as you said grateful it's not cancer.

 

You truly have your  hands full and wish I could come thru the monitor and give you a big (((((hug)))))...As YOU need one and deserve one.  Darn it, hate to read all you're trying to endure, but as I've always read, God never gives us more then we can handle!!!  

 

Enjoy the time with your husband and know we're all here for you if you need to unload and regroup for continued strength!

 

Peace,

Jan

Pat...

...thinking of you and wishing you strength in the hours and days ahead.

Please post when you can and let us know how you are doing.

Double Whammy

NorahS said:

Pat...

...thinking of you and wishing you strength in the hours and days ahead.

Please post when you can and let us know how you are doing.

We're here, Pat

You have so much on your plate right now, and I'm glad you don't have to add a recurrence to that.  We'll be here to support you so please don't hesitate to come here if you need anything.  This group is incredible.  I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. 

PS I agree with Ro, so if someone calls and wants to come by and asks "can I do anything" just tell them to bring coffee or sandwiches or whatever.  I doubt they expect you to entertain them and that they stay and visit to support you.  Let them.

Hugs,

Suzanne

Rewriter

Pat51 said:

Thank you ladies!

I am sorry that I have not gotten back to post sooner.  My husband was given a very short prognosis and my house has been over run daily with family and friends wanting to visit him.  I am thrilled that so many people love him, but it is exhausting.  Feels like I am running a diner and coffee house!! 

Anyway, the good news from the doctor was that the bleeding was NOT a recurrence.  He did not even do a PAP.  He said that my vaginal walls were weeping blood all over.  The tissue is thin and tearing easily.  He said that he could not give me estrogen because of UPSC and that there was really nothing that he could do for me.  I had brachytherapy radiation, which probably contributed.  Possibly the stress of my husband's condition does not help either.  I was so relieved to hear that it was not a recurrence that I said that I would learn to deal with the condition and did not ask too many questions.  He did a CA125, which was consistent with the last one I had done in Feb..  He said that the CA125 would indicate recurrence before a CT scan would.  I have another appointment for a PAP at the end of the month.  I will ask more questions then.  I am due for my once a year CT in September.   The fear of recurrence is terrible, as you all understand.  My oncologist said the greatest chance of recurrence is within the first 3 years.  I am not sure if that is 3 years after surgery or 3 years after treatment.  I would think 3 years after treatment.  In that case, I have about 1 1/2 years left to go.

My husband was my strength through my cancer so far.  I don't know how I am going to handle all of this without him.  I know that other women do it but I don't know how I am going to handle this....right now I don't feel like a very strong person.

Thank you all for your replies and concern.  I hope that this helps someone from panicking if they see blood.  However, it is always a very good idea to see a doctor ASAP if you see blood.

Pat

Thin vaginal tissue

This is an excerpt from an article in the New York Times by Jane Brody:

 

Dr. Deborah Coady, a New York gynecologist and author, has found that applying a coating of natural oils like vitamin E or safflower, coconut or olive oil three or four times a day for a month or two can hydrate the vulvar skin, strengthen it and even heal fissures.