Hi all! I'd love any words of wisdom from you all. I finished 29 external radiation treatments, 6 chemos and 5 internal treatments at the end of March. I was 1A2 adenocarcinoma with no HPV present. I did have one affected lymph node. Because of the pelvic radiation I am in surgical menopause.
I'm struggling with the effects of the pelvic radiation and either wasn't aware of them ahead of time or didn't pay attention! Definately notice vaginial shortening and hemmoroids which I didn't have before. I also get these "gushes" of discharge which I'm pretty sure are not urine.
Any advice on dealing with these things and how long they could last? I have been using a set of dilators and have seen a little improvement over the last two weeks.
THANKS!!!!
Amanda
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Stage 1A2 w/ lymph node finishing treatment - words of wisdom??
- By tahichkad
- Posted May 19, 2009 at 8:47 pm · 11 replies
- In Health challenges after treatment
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Exercise Cancer Surgery Hysterectomy Menopause Pain Hemorrhoids HPV Diarrhea
11 replies
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- By Eimaj
- Posted May 19, 2009 at 10:59 pm
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Hello Amanda,
So sorry you are having to deal with these nasty side effects. I was stage 1a1 adenocarcinoma. I had a radical hysterectomy. I didn't have radiation or chemo, but I can certainly relate to some of your symptoms. I battle with hemorrhoids also. I am 4 months post op and still have to take stool softener every day, so I can have a regular BM. I am in surgical menopause too, because I had my ovaries removed. No fun at all... I am in the process of working on what path of HRT I will take. The surgery also made my vagina shorter and intimacy is different now. It feels a bit like I am a virgin again.. I am curious how many lymph nodes they removed and tested during your surgery?
- By Nurkao
- Posted May 20, 2009 at 12:07 am
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Hi, Amanda:
So sorry to hear that you had cervial cancer. This is not something I would wish on anyone. It has not been a fun journey.
I had Stage 1B2 with 2 positive lymph nodes. I had a radical hysterectomy & finished 6 chemo & 25 external & 3 internal radiation treatments the end of June 2008. Yes, hemorroids are definitely a result of radiation to the pelvic area. I had 2 children & was never bothered with hemorroids before but now have problems. As Eimaj says: stool softeners & making sure you get a lot of fiber really helps so you have soft BMs.
I really can't tell you if the "gushes" are urine or not. I have problems with urine control since I had radiation but had the problem after the radical hysterectomy. This problem has gotten better with time.
I have been using a "dialator" since I finished my radiation treatments. My gyn - who is in his middle 30s - told me to go to an adult book store. His advice was good because I found something there that is more like the "real" thing. I forget what they call it. I felt stupid going into this store but I just made up my mind I was going to & it wasn't too bad.
I told my gyn about my vagina being short & he told me I still had plenty of length. He suggested we experience with different positions - like me on top. I also found a pillow under my hips helps also.
I was through menopause when I had my hysterectomy so I can't tell you anything about HRT.
I hope my suggestions help you.
- By chamomile
- Posted May 20, 2009 at 12:14 am
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Amanda, I have not been through chemo or radiation so I don't have any advice for you other than to say that I'm sorry that you're having to deal with all of the side effects. I hope your treatments were successful!
If you do not mind sharing, what size was your tumor and how was your lymph node involvement detected? I had 1A1 adenocarcinoma and chose only to have a cold knife cone and then a LEEP cone a year later. I've heard that only a small percentage of very early stage cancers spread to lymph nodes, BUT it is still an uncertainty and more so with adenos. I have not had a lymph node dissection, and my docs are rely on periodic scans. I'm sorry... I hope I'm not hijacking your discussion.
- By catlover6
- Posted May 20, 2009 at 3:45 pm
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Hi Amanda,
Sorry to hear you are having problems with the after effects....I'm sure they told you some of it (not all) but if you were like me, all this happened so fast your head was just spinning. I had a discharge issue soon after treatments too, my doctor said that it was most likely 'dead' tissue from all the radiation, I guess your body is just healing from all the trama. It only lasted a few months then I really hadn't had an issue since. (I'm now 8 months out of treatment)
Menopause is just wonderful...just kidding, the mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, etc...
I'm also having lots of problems with pain in the hips/tailbone, on different pain meds trying to find something that works..... I hope you can avoid that part. The cure is a wonderful thing but the side effects from the treatment are for the birds! Good Luck and hang in there.
- By its_my_goliath
- Posted May 21, 2009 at 9:45 pm
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Hi there,
I had similar treatments to you. I haven't had much for side effects. I had reoccurence in another location and had to basically do the radiation/chemo all over again. Not much fun! :)
Anyways, sex or dilator whatever you can stand and with either lots of lube. :)
You might want to search herbal remedies for menopause. I've heard of women taking black cohosh and that helps with night sweats and other things.
I had similar with the discharge after. Get checked out though...the dead tissue coming off caused an infection for me.
You're not alone, take care of yourself.
- By Tavy
- Posted May 22, 2009 at 8:13 am
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HI there,
You're not alone. Stage 1b here (don't know if there was lymph node involvement or not. original doc said I didn't have cancer and just did a total hyst for CIN III. I don't have one enlarged lymph node - but don't know why). Total hysterectomy and 6 weeks of external radiation. Hemorrhoids, vaginal shortening, bladder and bowel urgency problems, fatigue, menopause and hip and leg pain. I'm just over one year out of treatment. Yeah the side effects suck, but my last bunch of tests show NO CANCER!
Exercise, 1 Immodium per day, eating less fresh fruits and veggies, drinking lots of water and having a good cry once in a while have helped :)
Good luck to you and be blessed!
Tavy
- By tahichkad
- Posted May 22, 2009 at 9:48 am
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Thanks for the replies!!! I saw my gyn onc this week and he prescribed estriol cream for the vaginal shortening - actually he said it isn't shortened there's just not nearly enough estrogen present so it is really inflamed. And not in a good way :)
The discharges concerned him but my body cooperated and did one on the exam table! He's sending me for an u/s and CT with IVP on Tuesday. He speculated that the endometrium wasn't completed killed off during radiation and is sloughing off now. I tend to believe that as I got a period today (!). I started HRT 2 weeks ago today which would make sense.
I still don't love the idea of HRT but I feel so much more like myself that I think I'll stick with it for 6 months or so to get myself past the initial cancer diagnosis and treatment until I'm a little more settled. If that ever happens???
Amanda
- By janet22
- Posted June 18, 2009 at 7:09 pm
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Hi there, I have had the same experiences here, stage 1B adenocarcinoma with lymph node involvement. I went through 29 external radiation txs, 7 cisplatin chemo txs, and 5 internal radiation txs. I have had the hemorroids, diarrhea, and am currently trying to figure out the dilator that they gave me. I am going through early menopause due to all the radiation txs. I was wondering if having sex is just as good as using the dilator? The problem is , I don't care anything about sex anymore-my husband is waiting patiently while I go through all this. Also, I was wondering if anyone has experienced numbness in the groin area and upper thighs due to either the radiation or the radical robotical surgery?
- By tahichkad
- Posted June 18, 2009 at 7:16 pm
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From what I understand, the dilator and sex are pretty much the same thing. I'm finding I'd rather just have sex lately - not from desire but it's faster and less messy than the dilators. Plus, there is the added benefit of making my hubby happy!
I haven't had any numbness but I didn't have a hysterectomy (yet).
- By coryn
- Posted July 8, 2009 at 12:51 pm
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HI, its so nice to read all the posts and see we are all in the same boat. I no longer feel as alone. I have the "gushes" since having my treatment, and was getting worried about them. I was 1B2, no lymph nodes involved, and had 25 external rad, 5 chemo, and 3 days internal rad. I have found that having sex has helped, and my vagina isnt shortening. Slowly my sex drive has improved, since about 6 weeks into the HRT. The hemroids cleared up as well as my immune system got better, and the use of prescription cream. My largest struggle right now is feeling a bit down, when I am used to having all this energy and feeling happy. I am going to return to work in a few weeks, which should help keep my mind on something new. All the cancer thoughts start to run you over, especially when some nights I even dream about it. Take care of yourself, be patient, and remember we are all here together!!
- By esca
- Posted July 8, 2009 at 7:03 pm
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Hi guys
Its good to know that I am not alone. I also was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma malignum 1b1. I had hysterctomy, chemo and radiation. I do have joint pains, hot flashes, aches, leg hurts and no desire for sex...i have been using the dialator. I started using VIVELLE patch for estrogen..i just could not tolerate the hot flahes and lack of sleep. I just had my first year after treatments and I am cleared!!! I am still confused about the adenocarcinoma..I was told that it was not caused by hpv? there is so much stigma against cervical cancer...it is hard to share with other people....I hope you concider bioidentical hormones like vivelle...my doctor prescribed it and also the estrace cream....
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