Post vaginal brachytherapy side effects - short and long term

UIL71UMICH74

Four weeks ago had a total hysterectomy via robot. The fast recovery was amazing compared to long recoveries from open hysterectomies. Now I need to decide on doing four radiation treatments to the vaginal cuff where they say cancer is most likely to return. I had 2.5 mm invasion into the myometrium, less than 50%. There was no spread to lymph nodes or other parts. The surgeon said she removed the uterus in tact so, theoretically, cancer cells did not spill out into the pelvic region during surgery. But the cells were designated “aggressive” so my diagnosis is Stage 1A Grade 3. The radiologist says my 5 year survival rate is 85% without radiation and 93% with radiation. A friend with Stage 2 cancer had five VBT treatments which left her with bowel and bladder problems. The surgeon and radiologist say I will have no symptoms other than vaginal scarring which needs a dilator. But that is not consistent with published articles, my friend’s experience, and the radiation nurse who warned about two days of diarrhea, burning urination, and fatigue after each of the four treatments. So - what to do? Live longer with potential long term side effects OR take my chances for 85% survival and no side effects. The radiologist warned that if I took my chances and it reappeared, the treatments would require 25 external pelvic radiation treatments with a survival rate of only 50-70%. Interested in other current patient’s experiences. Thank you very much.