Brachytherapy dilator use

Sandy,

I went through the same hard decision. I decided to get it because I wanted to grab onto everything offered to get my best chance at never having to go through chemo again.  I finished the brachy therapy on 1-28-16. It truly was the easiest part of this entire experience.  So, I have faithfully used the dialator 2 days a week after I started them (14 days after brachy ended).  Or, sex once per week and the dialator once per week. 

They had me use the dialator every day for 2 weeks, then 2 Xs per week after that. I did get a bit sore after that first week and switched to the cool cones for the 2nd week. Since then, I only use the "standard" dialator instead of buying the cool cones. I have not had any problems at all. It really isn't a big deal. I turn on the TV to help pass the time. 10 minutes goes by pretty fast. I have had a couple of check ups now with no problems. So, it is well worth that 20 minutes a week to stay healthy!

Good luck on your decision. For me, I'm glad I did it.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

Soup52 said:

I'm trying not to be

I'm trying not to be negative, but I hate using the dialator and I don't use it as often as I should. I don't understand what it would have to do with reoccurrence. I thought it was primarily so the doctor could examine you. Anyway I'm trying to get myself to use it more often.

Soup, using the dialator has nothing to do with a recurrence. I was talking about my decision to have the brachytherapy so that I could do whatever I could to not have a recurrence.  Sorry my message wasn't clear. Glad you called it out!

You are correct, the dialator is to keep scar tissue from literally closing up the vaginal walls.  Should that happen, internal check ups would be impossible.  From my perspective, I have an active sex life and really want to keep it. Along with keeping check ups viable. I can't say I look forward to using the dialator. I don't particularly like it either. But, it isn't painful. And, is worth the effort for the benefits. My radiologist believes after two or so years it may not be necessary any longer based on patients he has worked with. So, I plan to continue to use it and I'm glad it isn't painful. Thus, my comment regarding it being no big deal to use it.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

SandyD said:

Didn't know about the 2 years

Cindi, that's really helpful information. My rad oncologist left me with the impression that this would be the rest of my life and that I would need to do it everyday. Doesn't sound quite as bad as I was imagining. 

BTW what are "cool cones"?

Cool water cones are also a type of dilator, but they are softer and more tapered and have their own lubrication.  You keep them in the refrigerator, hence the "cool" cone.  I stumbled upon them because after my hysterectomy, even before brachytherapy, I was already showing some signs of stenosis and I wanted to nip that in the bud. I ordered the smallest size from coolwatercones.com.  I found them much more comfortable as they are softer than the typical dilator. I have since moved on to a small vibrator, the hard plasic dilator from the radiology department, and a larger cool water cone.  I have my second pelvic exam coming up soon, and I'm hoping all of this has made a difference and it will be much more comfortable.

Unfortunately, I cannot speak to the sexual side of this as the BF has not completely recovered from prostate surgery/radiation.  But soon, I hope!

CheeseQueen57 said:

How soon after surgery?

Hi Chris,

How soon after surgery did you start using the cool cones?  I'm afraid I might have the same issue. Post-surgery pelvic exam at 2 weeks was NOT fun.  I'm 5 weeks out from surgery now and I thought the surgeon's instructions were nothing inside for 6 weeks I believe : )

My oncologist told me 12 weeks, Susan.  But I've had two pelvic exams with no pain at all.  He also did not recommend radiation unless I had a recurrence.  So, hopefully I will not have to have radiation at all but if I do, I'm going to remember all these tips.

Love,

Eldri Elizabeth

CheeseQueen57 said:

How soon after surgery?

Hi Chris,

How soon after surgery did you start using the cool cones?  I'm afraid I might have the same issue. Post-surgery pelvic exam at 2 weeks was NOT fun.  I'm 5 weeks out from surgery now and I thought the surgeon's instructions were nothing inside for 6 weeks I believe : )

I didn't know there was a problem until the first radiologist I saw did a quick pelvic.  Owww, owww, oww!  He was the one who said there was already some stenosis.  I actually started inserting a gloved, lubed finger to check things out. Yup, it was kinda tight.  But after about a week of that, I moved to the cool cone.  And my gyn/onc said no sex for 3 months.

Chris

Sandy, thanks for letting me know the information helped. Made my day. :-)

Raz - Great to hear from you. It is nice to know that I may be able to get away with skipping every now and again!

Thanks for bringing up this old thread. It's been a long time since I've seen Edit Girl's picture and I dearly miss her. She had such a helpful, calming presense on this board; I wish you could have known her.

As someone who has "stepped in it" a few times since I've been here, I'd say, "don't worry about it". The longer you are here and the more you post, it's bound to happen. We try to keep this a safe place to vent as well as get advice and sometimes somebody's toes get stepped on. The important thing is to be as forgiving when someone unintentionally pushes your buttons as you'd hope they'd be when you push theirs. We're family here, afterall, so it's not realistic to expect that that there won't be disagreements from time to time.

Lyn70 said:

Checking Out Cool Cones

I just started using my dialator tonight. Ugh! My radiologist's nurse gave me one box marked small. It reminds me of a taper candle and I would disagree with the 'small'. She also gave me some lubricant which I already see irritates me. I washed it off immediately. Checking out cool cones from editgirl's post. Bless her for the information which lives on in us all. Hugs.

I'm on the dilator train, and I'm feelin' real blue

I got the dilator gel, and it feels like nasty goo

It's an ugly white color, and I don't know what to do.......

Editgrl was witty and beautiful, and she lives on. She left "us" a lot of good information, and she joins hallowed ranks of angel women who were smart, kind, and beautiful, and I'm grateful beyond words.