Good News-Vag Brachytherapy advice/tips

Thanks for sharing your good news.  You've got this!    

Excellent news. I am so happy for you!

I had both external beam and brachy.  For the brachy the vist takes over an hour but the actual amount of time you receive radiation is about 15 minutes. You have to lay still. They try to make you as comfortable as they can.  They gave me a small dose of valium, I think, or maybe it was xanax. This was to relax me and make it easier for me to be still. They explained each step as they were preparing for the treatment and during the treatment. Slightly uncomfortable position but not unbearable. They asked me if I wanted some music playing and I did so they played it softly for me. No soreness afterward, no burning. I already had the external beam radiation and had intestinal issues from that so I can't tell you if brachy alone will affect you in this way. I also had already experienced a UTI so I can't say if that might happen with brachy. I had 3 treatments. My doctor suggested a dialator but I asked if I could use an alternative and that was okay. It really wasn't as difficult as I had thought it would be. All of the techs, nurses and my doctors were women. There was one intern doing his rotation and they asked if it was okay if he was present. After having had surgery, radiation, exams, etc. I honestly didn't care who was in the room as long as they were going to try and kill any cancer cells. I worked all throughout my treatments teaching first grade but I did go to bed each night by 9:30!

Great news! Brachy was the easiest part of my treatments. I had 5 treatments and they lasted about 5 minutes. I used my dialator 2 Xs a week for the first 2 years and a bit less in the beginning of the 3rd year. I stopped using it entirely about 6 months ago. So far, no issues. Had a check up in July and all is well. I can't think of anything to suggest to prepare for it other than getting some AZO in case you have any burning when you urinate.  

There is an older thread 'Lets talk about radiation' that you may find helpful. 

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

candy546 said:

Brachytherapy was Difficult for Me

 Brachytherapy was difficult for me.  I had 25 external radiation treatments first which went smoothly except for the bowel and urinary issues associated with it.  Then I had 3 brachytherapy treatments.    I told one of the technicians it was the equivalent of medically necessary rape with a device.  i know that sounds really overdramatic, but that's how I felt. I'm thinking my problem is that i have been a widow for 7 years and never got back into dating or sexual activity which I see was probably a terrible mistake.  I'm using the dilator that they gave me which was mildly uncomfortable at first, but is easier with time.  Here's wishing you a more peaceful experience than mine. 

Candy, sorry your experience was so hard. They should have put lidocaine in your vagina if you had any pain. There is no reason to hurt during the process. While the actual procedure is embarrassing, the staff (all men) were so kind and caring that it made it easier. I went in with a mindset that it was no big deal to them. (Taking Lorazapam before hand helped too!) I'm not one to take pills but there are times that it is necessary. 

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

mcarp0117 said:

Thanks

Thanks fit the tips gals! I’m gonna ask about lidocaine, dialator and meds to calm me at my appt on 9/3. I had my hysterectomy June 13 and after 6 weeks we attempted sex again. It was so uncomfortable for me so I’m hoping the dialator will help after the radiation. 

I had three treatments. The first was longer as they had to ensure you were in exact correct position. The actual radiation was less than 5 minutes, IIRC. It was no more embarrassing than having a baby as everyone was extremely respectful and aware of your very undignified position. I had two medical students observing (both females) who seemed so mortified to observe the procedure that I almost giggled. I was offered and used lidocaine, and Lorazepam as I am not one to want to stoicly suffer if I don't have to.  The insertion was mildly uncomfortable which totally subsided within a few seconds. I just had an extremely full feeling. As far as rating the procedure among everything I had, it was very low. The stress for me was worrying about the outcome, latent side effects, etc. I never had pelvic radiation so I cannot compare the two, but as far as I know I have had no side effects. 

Good luck. 

Denise 

Got the brachy t-shirt too.  I never wrapped my head around radiation - I think part of it was the doctor I had.  One week my radiologist was on vacation and I met the doctor who did the radiation on my friend's breast cancer.  He was great and I am pretty sure it would have been different from the get-go if I had had him.  They should give you a dialator after you complete brachy, but if they don't definitely ask.  (I think this site ensures you know what you need to do or ask as it seems the care seems to vary greatly.)  I clearly remember the difficulties I had in the beginning, but keep at it and it all pays off.  I remember dear, sweet Jazzy Jan saying to do it everyday for 10 minutes and I held to that practice for years.  Now, I don't use it as much but still have to do it.  I hated it, but know that it is part of the journey.

Candy, I am sorry to hear how about your experience.  It must have been very difficult for you.  

crazy to me that you had to pay!  They only had S, M, L.  I was given a M to start and my gyn onc said to get a L.  That was difficult for a while too but I kept at it and it is no big deal now.  Keep at it, even if it is a little every day.