recurrence after 1 year - new thread

Completed radiation 8 on Friday - so far- so good. Have decided to go with the low dose Cisplatin starting March 20. My radonc spent over an hour showing me my scans and how close l.nodes and blood vessels are to lesions and why they want to do all they can to kill those bad cells while localized. She was so patient and actually gave me an anatomy lesson as to what those vacant places are since my lady parts are gone. I was so impressed with this young woman and her ability to show me why things are needed and done. Am not from Missouri but am a mule who has to know why and one has to get my attention. One thing about long term radiation, one meets lots of folks whose app't. is before or  right after yours.  And yes, No Time for Cancer, 78 is old but not ancient.  So the 3rd journey is under way and i am feeling good as to the choices made.  Will check in next week after chemo 1!  Only thing I wish was that someone had told me to have the hysterectomy in 2008 when they saw shadow in uterus which after a D&C proved to just be fluid. Was that the harrbinger of UPSC?

DF

Had the cisplatin on Tuesday. I was delighted with the way everything went. Saw the gynonc first and she discussed the results of tumor board. As I had expected, they were split on the cisplatin but most felt it was certainly worth a shot. The male RN that did the infusion was the same age as my RN son and he did a fantastic job finding a vein and then explaining all the bags hanging. So many things are given with cisplatin - liter of saline, amends(sp) that contains Mg and K; then the cisplatin that is diluted and finally more saline flush - 5 hrs. But was visited by 4 different people who went over side effects, anti nausea meds, diet, etc. I was so glad to have all this information. I am one who wants to KNOW!!

The tumor board hinted that they think there is cancer in lymph system although nothing shows so far. They think that is why I have the vaginal wall lesions. So for now, just one day at a time. Radiation #10 today - 15 more external - 1 or 2 more chemo as tolerated- then 5 brachy on the lesions.  

I am truly at peace with everything as I feel I am heeding the best advice and if cancer comes knocking again, I'll deal with that then. 

As always, DF

#13 external radiation and #1 cisplatin has sort of messed up my weekend. I am tired, but did do the steriods so not wiped out and now know how to taper. They do help one muster on. I have had the best of care this go round, and part was because I pointed out the problems of not telling me everyting I needed to know first time around.  As a result, I am able to go forward and not be fearful. I have 12 more external and 2 more cisplatin if I continue to tolerate well. Then 5 brachy if needed.  Looks like mid April will find all this behind me and I will get some idea of what the future holds. No guarantee on anything, but feeling positive as I move forward. Family and friends are all terrific.

Well, ladies, I took your advice and did the 3 rounds of cisplatin to enhance the radiation and yesterday was #3! As you shared, it was not too bad and now I know I did my best to stop the cancer. Not sure I would have w/o your encouragement! Now 5 external rads and 5 internal and done by 1 May. The worst part was a nurse in infusion who did not read the chart about my hard to find veins and made quite a mess of the start. I was already getting up to leave sans chemo when my oncologist's nurse appeared with the IV team - a lady and her ultrasound machine. She got it going and all went well from that point onward.  For reasons unknown to me, I have never been offered a port!!!!

So, again, I am grateful for all of you who suggest and encourage and help us make decisions that better our lives. I am so looking forward to summer and some long slow horseback rides in the woods.