Brachytherapy - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

		HysterSisters > GYN Cancer Articles
Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy

From the GYN Cancer Articles List

HysterSisters Articles

Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

Is brachytherapy painful?

Brachytherapy, or internal localized radiation treatment, is not generally painful by itself, though the insertion of the radiation source can cause some discomfort, and there may be some mildly uncomfortable after-effects. Brachytherapy is usually done as an outpatient procedure and may take as little as 15 minutes. Depending on the location of the treatment and the insertion method, your doctor may sedate you for the procedure. If the insertion point is easy to access, though, you may not require sedation at all. The radiation source is often in the form of radioactive "seeds," or tiny metallic rods, which emit radiation directly to the location of cancerous cells. You might have a series of short treatments in which the radiation source is inserted and then removed minutes or hours later, or your doctor may leave the radiation source in a tumor permanently to continue killing cancer cells over a long period of time.

Women who have experienced brachytherapy suggest requesting an anti-anxiety medication or mild sedative to take before the procedure to calm your fears and relax you. They also point out that, though the treatment itself may take just a few minutes, you should plan on a two- to three-hour appointment for your first treatment to allow time to take measurements and perform other preparations to ensure the precise placement of the radiation source.

Side effects are relatively mild and vary with the location and intensity of radiation exposure, with some women reporting mild fatigue, soreness, and burning with urination lasting a day or two after brachytherapy.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

Printer Friendly Version

Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery

The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:

The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy. "Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."

Bleeding/Spotting Many Years Post-Hysterectomy

Brca

Find A Doctor Near You

Ruslana Kadze, M.D. 5525 Etiwanda Avenue Suite 228 Tarzana (Los Angeles) CA 91356 818-343-1717	Charles Miller, M.D. 120 Osler Drive Suite 100 Naperville IL 60540 630-428-2229	David Mainman, M.D. Desert Bloom Obstetrics & Gynecology 6452 E. Carondelet Drive, Suite A Tucson AZ 85710 520-885-5300
Kym Boyman, M.D. 1775 Williston Rd., Ste. 110 South Burlington VT 05403 802-735-1252	James Kondrup, M.D. 161 Riverside Drive Suite 109 Binghamton NY 13905 607-770-7074	Aileen Caceres, M.D. Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital 410 Celebration Place, Suite 302 Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573
Terry Grogg, M.D. 4461 S Broadway Suite 200 Suite 200 Grove City OH 43123 614-875-0444	Molly Senokozlieff, M.D. 9279 A Medical Plaza Dr. North Charleston SC 29406 843-569-2900	Robert Furr, M.D. Women's Surgery Center 1604 Gunbarrel Road Chattanooga TN 37421 4238996511

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: