Brachytherapy

I had my 'simulation' for radiation yesterday and will start in a week or so. (I was scheduled to start a couple of weeks ago but a post-chemo CT revealing mets caused a delay.) The nurse doing the internal measurement commented to the techs "Whoa, that's a short one" - uh, yeah, that's what a radical hysterectomy will do for you - a super short vagina. My radiation oncologist is a nice young man who seems a little...prissy, and he kept obliquely referring to the 'device'. I finally said "You mean the radioactive dildo?" The techs were highly amused. I don't know if your mother's sense of humor is such that she'd enjoy the tweaking her doctor, but if so she might try that term out next time she's in. Worked wonders for me.

derMaus said:

I had my 'simulation' for

I had my 'simulation' for radiation yesterday and will start in a week or so. (I was scheduled to start a couple of weeks ago but a post-chemo CT revealing mets caused a delay.) The nurse doing the internal measurement commented to the techs "Whoa, that's a short one" - uh, yeah, that's what a radical hysterectomy will do for you - a super short vagina. My radiation oncologist is a nice young man who seems a little...prissy, and he kept obliquely referring to the 'device'. I finally said "You mean the radioactive dildo?" The techs were highly amused. I don't know if your mother's sense of humor is such that she'd enjoy the tweaking her doctor, but if so she might try that term out next time she's in. Worked wonders for me.

That is EXACTLY the way I described that thing to people!

I go Tuesday for my first brachytherapy. It was timely that I found these postings today

Kvdyson said:

Good luck to you, C***83.

Good luck to you, Cass83. Keep us posted on how you're doing.

Hope it went well for you today. 

Bet you never thought your name was x rated. 

DaughterSue said:

How did you do?

Let us know how you are doing  

I have had 2 of the 3 brachytherapies now. Other than being uncomfortable, it wasn't bad. I did take a hydroxycodene before I went, just in case (they said I could take tylenol or ibuprofen, but since I still had one left from my chemo leg pain, I took it) I have had no side affects, no bleeding, no pain when I urinate. It has been pretty much the easiest part of all the treatments. (The first one took the longest since I did the CT scan and everything then, the next one took 5 minutes after it was in place!) Next week is the last of my treatments!

DaughterSue said:

How did you do?

Let us know how you are doing  

I had my last brachytherapy on June 20th. I had a total of 3. Other than being uncomfortable, I had no pain, and have had no side affects at all. I have a follow up on July 24th with both my oncology gyn and rad onc, then will go every 3 months. Life is almost back to normal, well, a new normal anyway. My birthday is tomorrow and this year I am so very thankful to have one!

What great timing to be all done and celebrate a birthday- so happy for you and glad you are heading for your new normal (((HUGS)))

Congrats Cass83 on getting to the finish line! I hope you start building up your strength quickly. Remember, it takes quite a while to find your new normal. Be kind to yourself. Happy Birthday.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

DaughterSue said:

Thank you!

She's doing good and gaining her energy back. She has SUCH a positive attitude and acts like she's fine!! She goes to her oncologist for a check up July 10th. I have no idea what they will do? 

I'd imagine they will do blood work and a physical exam- that's what they do every 3 months for me.  My gyn/onc doesn't believe in doing scans unless there are symptoms.  They will more than likely also go over how they think things have gone and give you info on moving forward ie: what to look for and how often they want to see her.   So glad she's so positive- that helps so much.   Look at you both- you made it!  YAY!!!!  (((HUGS)))