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Aug 01, 2019 - 10:43 am
I was diagnosed with 3C1 grade 1 in January 2018 and it was highly recommended that I do both chemo and radiation. I chose to do only the 6 rounds of chemo. Chemo was completed end of May 2018. I am currently in remission.If you had a similar diagnosis - What did you decide to do for chemo/radiation treatment after surgery and how are you doing? |
Joined: Feb 2018
Similar
I was diagnosed with IVB grade 2 (endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma) in April of 2017. I had surgery, then chemo. Also was recommended to have radiation but after much consultation I declined it for now as well. In October of this year I'll have a PET scan which I'm praying will allow me to say I am 2 years NED. So far all physical exams have been normal and the CT scan at the 1-year mark was also NED.
Joined: Jul 2019
Thank you for responding to
Thank you for responding to my post. I too will be having CT scan later this year, hoping we stay NED.
Joined: Oct 2018
I was UPSC/clear cell, Ia in
I was UPSC/clear cell, Ia in the uterus but isolated tumor cells found in a sentinel node (and they only took two nodes). I had 6 rounds carbo/taxol, plus external pelvic IMRT radiation after chemo. I'm nearly three months out from radiation, feeling pretty good but lasting GI side effects, although greatly improved.
Joined: Jul 2019
Thank you for responding to
Thank you for responding to my post. I am happy to hear that you tolerated radiation and you are feeling good.
Joined: Jun 2016
Systemic vs Localized treatment
We all kind of face that dilema of whether or not to do radiation when our doctors recommend it. As hard as it is to get through chemo, it just seems like radiation is scarier. You really have to weigh the risks vs. benefits because ultimately you want your cancered cured, but those risks are really scary ones when you read about them.
There are a few cons to proceeding with radiation. First is that it only treats what it is directly aimed at. It's less likely to get stray cells like chemo can because it's a local rather than systemic treatment. Secondly, you can only use radiation to a given area once, so saving it for if there's a recurrence makes some sense. The thing is, you'd really like to avoid a recurrence because at that point a cure is less likely.
So when to listen to your doctor and proceed with pelvic and/or vaginal radiation that's often recommended? There actually are some indicators for us that should help in the decision that have been mentioned in many past threads, but bear repeating as often as someone needs them because this is a really important decision to be faced with. Some doctors treat us with overkill and don't worry enough about the aftermath we are left to live with, so the onus is on us to be as informed as we can be to have the best outcome.
The indicators are:
Uterine cancer has shown a tendency for spread to or recur first in the pelvis/vagina area and 2nd in the lungs. That's why they take pelvic and para-aortice lymph nodes as part of most hysterectomies for staging. Radiation isn't a guarantee, but has been shown to reduce risk significantly when its used in these circumstances.
at60, you don't share all of the particulars of your pathology, so you may need to revisit your report to help you with this decision. Grade 1 sounds like you were caught early, but you do have a more advanced stage, so it's hard to say without the other indicators whether or not you should reconsider your decision. Hope this helps you.
Joined: Jul 2019
Thank you for responding to
Thank you for responding to my post with such valuable info. My surgical pathology: Tumor Size - 4 x 4 x 1.9 cm, FIGO grade 1 with >50% myometrial invasion, One lymph node positive for metastatic carcinoma.
Joined: Jan 2019
Link for treatment MD Anderson
https://www.mdanderson.org/content/dam/mdanderson/documents/for-physicians/algorithms/cancer-treatment/ca-treatment-endometrial-web-algorithm.pdf
This is a good link for stage and treatment. I don't know how to make it active. Copy and paste.
Joined: Jul 2019
Thank you for responding.
Thank you for responding. Nothing is better than equine therapy, I'll take 60 sessions of that, love your photo.
Joined: Feb 2004
Thanks for the Nice Algorithm
MABound, the only adverse risk factor I had that your post didn't mention was tumor size. My tumor was approximately 4 cm. and anything over 2 cm. is considered an adverse risk factor. Just for sake of clarity, I also had extensive LVSI, lower uterine segment involvement and a tumor invading approximately 80% of the thickness of the myometrium. As a result, I had both pelvic radiation and brachytherapy. The algorithm Forherself posted a link to lists the adverse risk factors on page 3. For the life of me, I couldn't find what footnote 4 on page 3 (about depth of invasion) refers back to, so if someone has better eyes than I do, and finds what I missed, please let me know. Forherself, thank you for the very helpful algorithm!
Joined: Jan 2017
1A UPSC
2017 - UPSC 1A; chemo and 4 brachy. Recurred vaginal wall 2018; chemo and 25 pelvic and 4 brachy.
NED since April 2018. Am having some after effects of radiation - may be PRD - pelvic radiation disease. SO far it is manageable but makes it hard to go far from home. At 79, not as bad if I wanted to run about, but because of the quick recurrence, radiation seemed best choice. Sort of damned if you do but also if you don't.
One day at a time.
Joined: Jul 2019
Thank you for responding to
Thank you for responding to my post. Glad to hear your 1+ year NED now.
Joined: Feb 2016
I had Stage 3c Grade 3
Had surgery, completed 16 of 18 weeks of chemo (had a stroke) I completed 28 days of external radiation and 3 sessions of internal. 8 months after completing radiation I reoccurred in the peritoneal area. I’ve been NED for about a year and a half being treated with Megace. But I’ve had serious stuff I attribute to radiation such as a blocked ureter that despite surgery has caused me serious problems. I have minor GI damage. I had bad radiation cystitis which finally cleared and vaginal stenosis that’s resulted in loss of any relations. I was treated in 2016. It’s a tough choice. My doctor talked like I had no choice. Did I? Hard to say in hindsight.
Joined: Jul 2019
Thank you for responding to
Thank you for responding to my post. Although I chose not to do radiation at 3c1 (and it was highly recommended to do the radiation), if I had 3C3 I most likely would have opted for the radiation too as you did. Glad to hear you are now NED 1+ year now.
Joined: Sep 2018
Radiation and bulking
Much of this I know I’ve said all before so excuse me for repeating myself but 25 external radiation & 1 brachytherapy has totally changed (ruined) my life. I haven’t had the horrid side effect Cheese has had with her urther but there is a small blockage in the right urter That will be watched. My doctor insisted I have radiation I should have refused. Stage 3b grade1 35 lymph nodes removed all negative,,, results lymphedema. radiation cystitis was awful but has been treated with HBOT but I now have a non compliant bladder that won’t expland to hold urine & a weak urethra that won’t close which means I’m totally incontinent. the radiation dermatitis is almost worse then the incontinence for which there is no cure I’ve been told. Monday I’m having bulking, Botox in the bladder and collagen in the urether. I will have to self catheterize as long as the product stays active, about 6/8 months, 9/10 times a day. then I’ll have to do it again for the rest of my life If it works. My docs are not optimist for the long run which will mean bladder removal. I won’t do that without a fight!! cancer Is s beast but so are the treatments. Please cross all you digits for successful bulking. Thank you. I have learned so much from all of you. Thank you for sharing. I’m wishing you all well. Hugs to all of you.
Joined: Feb 2018
Oh, dear
I am so very sorry to hear all this happened to you. My heart goes out to you.
Joined: Jul 2019
I too am so sorry this all
I too am so sorry this all happened to you. I see 'fight!!' in your post, that in itself is a good sign.
Joined: Jan 2019
Beautiful photo.
That looks llike Angel Face. Lovely and such a fragrance.
Joined: Oct 2009
At60
Each of us makes our own decisions based on the information available to us at the time. I was diagnosed about 10 years ago 2B endometrial adenocarcinoma. I had chemo and both external radiation and brachytherapy. I am doing well.
My heart goes out to those of us who develop terrible unintended radiation syndrome or problems with bowels or bladder.
I agree with the sentiment that it seems we are “damned if we we and damned if we don’t. “ In my case my Mother died of the same type, stage and grade of cancer as I had (endometrial ) just 4 years before I was diagnosed. Age may have been a factor too. I was 20 years younger than my Mother was when she was diagnosed. Personally, I was willing to do the radiation because I was sure I was going to die like my Mother did since we both had the same stage and grade. That was my rational at the time. Rosesforever, I hope your urinary / bladder issues can be fixed. Keeping you in my prayers for a good outcome.
Lori
Joined: Feb 2018
Lori
You are so brave, and I am so encouraged to hear that you're a 10-year survivor! I can imagine your fear after living through it with your mom. My cousin Judy died of endometrial cancer too. She was diagnosed in April and died in October. I was diagnosed the following April and I was terrified, thinking I had only months left.
Joined: Jul 2019
I would have made the same
I would have made the same decision as you if faced with the family history. Glad to hear 10+ years for you!
Joined: Oct 2009
Armywife, Thank you for
Armywife, Thank you for sharing your thinking having also lost your cousin to uterine cancer. It seems we had the same worries and fears. Being a long term survivor I hope that my posts from time to time on this board gives some hope and comfort to other “sisters” no matter where they are in their journey. There are many other women who read the posts but provide support through ongoing thoughts and prayers for all of us. I could never repay all the people whose posts have helped me get through treatments and learn how to accept our “new normal.” At60 keep us posted on how you are doing as time goes on.
Lori
Joined: Nov 2009
was initially diagnosed in
was initially diagnosed in 2005 with Stage 3a Grade2 endometrial adenocarcinoma. at that time they took out 25 lymph nodes. In 2010 I had surgery again and they took out 12 lymph node one or two which had microscopic cells. I did no treatment just watch and see. Last year after another major surgery they took about 8 total with 2 nodes having tested positive Ended up with ileostomy which was reversed a couple months later. No treatment because they were removed. In 2015 I also had a ureter reimplantment surgery.
They only treatment I had was in 2005/2006 was chemo and then brachytherapY. I am now currently on an every 3month scan cycle until this one which is 6 months. I get scanned again in December
Joined: Oct 2017
I had endometrial
I had endometrial adenocarcinoma stage 3a, grade 2. I had 7 rounds of chemo (adriamyacin/carboplatin as I was too allergic to the Taxol to even desensitize). I had 25 treatments with IMRT radiation and finished that May 2018. So far so good. The only side effects I had were a hemorrhoid and a when I get tired at night I also get really nauseous. Fortunately, that last side effect is slowly ebbing but I did end up quitting my job at the library as I just couldn't do evening work anymore. But overall I feel good and I'm very thankful. I have a yearly pet scan scheduled for October.
Joined: Jun 2019
So sorry for all of you lady
So sorry for all of you lady's losses.
After reading these posts I'm really questioning my treatment plan of 2 rounds carboplatin taxol 5 weeks radiation with 1 day cisplatin and then 2 more rounds carboplatin taxol.
My pathology report concluded Stage 3 endometrial cancer need to find out grade not sure I understand the report . And that I have 2 out of 4 for the genetic disposition for endometrial cancer.
They informed me that this was the best treatment for me for the best results but with only being able to have radiation once wondering if I should "save it. I'm grateful they want to do what they think is best for me but seems like a lot when my abdomen and pelvic catscan came back negative after my hysterectomy. They explained that was good but ot doesn't show any bad cell unless it's a pea size or more. My last ca 125 was 120 but that was done a few weeks after surgery and perhaps was still swollen .I haven't had a petscan. Though scared I want to do whatever is necessary to be NED but need to be mindful of my own body . And with the possibility of radiation causing bladder cancer and other problems it's hard to know what to do.
Joined: Jan 2016
Cheese, my story is pretty
Cheese, my story is pretty much like yours with the exception of problems with urinary tract. I was same stage and grade. I didn’t feel I had any time to question. Yes, continued bowel problems and no sex, but I’m alive.