Cervical teriInternal radiotherapy advise

I would love to hear from anyone that's had internal radiotherapy for cervical cancer.

I'm absolutely terrified of going through this procedure and hope someone that's been through this can give me advice on how they coped.

  • Hello Lou67

    I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It's understandable that you're feeling worried ahead of your treatment starting. 

    I've had a look across the forum and can't see that we recently have any active members who have undergone internal radiotherapy but I can see that on the Jo's Trust forum, there are women talking about their experiences of this treatment. As a specific cervical cancer charity, you should be able to connect with women who can share their advice with you. 

    If you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses you're most welcome to give them a call. I know they will be happy to offer any advice, information, and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Sending my best wishes for your upcoming treatment and recovery. 

    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thank you so much for your reply,  I will try Jo's trust too x

  • Hi Lou,

    I had internal radiation for cervical cancer. I believe it was 6 rounds over several weeks. Have you started the treatment yet? What questions did you have? I'd be happy to answer anything you are wondering about.

    Laura xx

  • Hi Laura, 

    I'll be starting my first external radiotherapy on the 25th, and chemo on the 26th.

    I will be having treatment as an inpatient and will be staying in overnight, so I'm not not sure if we're the same.

    It's the thought of having the rods in for so long and the pain, which is panicking me, so I waited to see how others coped. 

    I appreciate you taking the time to reply xx

  • Hi, 

    I think our treatment was a little bit different, I had a cervical stent put in and it stayed there while I went for treatments. For me it was not painful, just discomfort, like period cramps. Since you will be in the hospital overnight I’m sure they will keep you resting and give pain meds if needed. You’ll do fine. What stage are you? I was 2A. I had 5 chemo treatments and 26 external radiation treatments. Those were easy, in and out of the clinic fairly quickly. Chemo was ok, made me awfully tired, but I just rested a lot. Keep me posted on how you’re doing.  

    Laura xx

  • Hi Laura, 

    I'm stage 2b.  I'll be having the same amount of external radiotherapy and chemo as you had, and then 2 sessions of the internal radiotherapy.  It could be slightly different to your treatment, but hope I will have a similar experience to you. 

    This is the first time I've used any forum for anything,  and I'm so glad I have, as even just writing my worries down has help, and so good to speak to people like you that has already gone through treatment.

    Take care and thank you again for sharing your experience xx

  • Offline in reply to Lou67

    Hi Lou

    Checking in to see how things were going for you?

    Laura xx

  • Offline in reply to LauraP

    Hi Laura, 

    I hope you're doing OK.

    I'm just starting my second week of treatment, and currently having my second chemo, and have just seen your message.

    I've been OK, just extremely tired on Saturday, which is what I was expecting on just the first week.  I'm not expecting the next few weeks will ss easy, but will take one week at a time. 

    I've got my date for the internal radiotherapy, which is in 5 weeks time.  Still extremely nervous,  but will try to put it to the back of my mind till nearer the time and concentrate on the  current treatment. 

    Xx

  • Offline in reply to Lou67

    Hi Lou,

    How are things going for you? I hope you are managing well.

    Laura xx

  • Offline in reply to LauraP

    Hi Laura, I had my brachytherapy and it went really well. It wasn't half as painful as and uncomfortable as i was expecting. Even taking out everything wasn't too bad, as they automatically gave me morphine beforehand.. I think it's more the unknown which is the scariest thing.

    I had fantastic news from the consultant just before the second treatment yesterday, that I don't need to go back next week, as the MRI they did showed little or no cancer left  I will need to go for a PET scan and another MRI in about 6 weeks, which I don't had a date for yet. I don't think it's really sunk in yet though.

    I hope you are well. Xx