Pelvic radiation therapy - will be having this for 7 weeks & worried about the long term side effects. Has anyone been through this & can give me some insight?

I’m going to be starting seven weeks of pelvic radiation therapy in a little over a weeks time. I’m very anxious about the long term side effects. I was too embarrassed to ask my consultant about it. I had endometrial cancer three years ago, and it came back. After my surgery 3 years ago I wasn’t offered any adjuvant therapy and feel this is why it has returned. Shock menopause has already caused me so many issues, that I’m afraid the radiation will make those issues worse. My relationship is already failing, I feel this may end it. 

Has anyone been through this, can you give me some insight, I’ve been reading up on the internet and I feel like my body is just going to be worse after. 

  • Hello Smile-always, 

    I saw you mention that you'll be starting your pelvic radiation therapy next week so I just wanted to wish you good luck and let you know we are sending you all our support.

    I know you've been doing some research in to this already but I do hope this information we have about pelvic radiotherapy for women will help to ease your mind. We have some information about coping with menopausal symptoms and sex and cancer for partners that you may find useful as well.

    Hopefully some of our members who have had this treatment will share their experiences and advice with you soon, but if it would help to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses, you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040. They're usually available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m but their helpline will be closed between the 24th - 26th December and New Year's Day.

    Having cancer treatment over the Christmas period must be incredibly difficult but I hope it helps to know that the Cancer Chat forum is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year so you are not alone, and if you need someone to talk to during this time, we will always be here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator