Spoke with PA today about Pink spotting 7 months post surgery/ 4 months post Brachy

Denise, I believe you have been talking about this for some time - regarding discharge (I wanted to edit my post to clarify).  While they may tell the workout brought it on, I am glad you are going to make an appointment to talk to them.  I would suggest that you tell them you need some answers.  You had brachy, so are you using a dialator?  I will tell you - over six years after completing brachy - I still get pink on the dialator.  I have to wrap my head around it is a radiation burn.  Again, glad to hear you are following up.

Denise66 said:

PA F/U

Spoke with the PA over the phone today.  She's the PA at the radiation oncologist's office.  She said they examined me 2 weeks ago and also had a CT of the abdomen and pelvis.  She said based on my symptoms they are not concerned.  I told her I had pink spotting and blood.  I never had that.  I have only had yellowish discharge.  She said when you put pressure on the cuff that can happen.  She said I need to get used to my "new normal".  She asked if I still have the pink spotting and blood.  I said no.  I went back to my yellowish discharge again.  It's increased a bit since Saturday when I worked out.  But, not by much.  She again said, I need to get used to my new normal.  She said she knows it's hard for patients.  But she is not concerned this is a recurrance.  The radiation oncologist has a trained eye and the tissue looks completely healthy.  The doc has been doing this for a long time.  He knows what's going on with me.  She also said to get the PAP in june for anything microscopic that could be going on.  However, she firmly believes there is nothing going on.  She recommended Zoloft.

 

I did post on a couple of facebook endo sites.  I have encountered a couple of women who after brachy, had this yellowish discharge for months.  They are completely fine.  They said they also had spotting or blood after using the dilator.  I don't have that.  Just had this encounter with pink spotting and some blood after weight lifting. 

Does anyone have any other recommendations?  Do you think I should just calm down and accept this as my "new normal"?  Has anyone been told that?

Thanks everyone for being there for me.  It means so very much. 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Denise.  I support your efforts to get a definitive answer.  You explained before why you must wait until June for the PAP.  I think unless you have additional symptoms to report waiting for that exam and scraping of tissue to test for abnormal cells is about all you can do at this point.  You might consider keeping a log of the discharge, including activity that preceded the discharge.  If possible, take pictures.  Yes, we have a new normal but No everything is not necessarily "in your head.". The reference to Zoloft, if made in a offhand way would rub me the wrong way.  On the bright side, you are back to engaging in regular activities like sex and weight lifting.  Good for you.  Don't let this drop until you are satisfied you have an acceptable answer.  But it may be a time will tell issue.  Your condition is not likely to become deadly in two months; more likely, it will improve.  Best wishes, Oldbeauty

Hi Denise, It sounds like you have taken prudent steps to address your concerns. I remind myself when I see a bit of pink that with brachytherapy my vaginal cuff and vagina are like a single layer of tissue paper and will be for the rest of my life. I don’t appreciate the suggestion for Zoloft unless the NP sensed that you were suffering from anxiety over the pink spots. I think the NP had good intentions. If you prefer the reassurance of being examined by your GYN/ Onc sooner then request an appointment sooner.

You have the right to schedule an appointment with your GYN/ Onc. Tell the scheduler that you have unusual spotting. As far as the comment about a “new normal”... pink spotting has not been your “new normal”.  If you thought it was you wouldn’t be anxious, worried and wanting to go to yet another medical appointment. You go girl and get the exam and peace of mind❤️

Lori

Denise66 said:

Thank you so much!  It does

Thank you so much!  It does make me feel much better.  How long did the spotting last?  I noticed 2 pink spots on Saturday evening, then a couple more on Sunday.  Nothing today. 

Thanks again.  Very sweet of you to respond. 

It lasted just that one day. By the time I knew it had happened, it was over. My guess is that it happened only during that 15 minutes of heavy lifting, then stopped.