Brachy Therapy Questions

I've read a lot of past posts about Brachy Therapy and many say they needed a relaxant or seditive for the preparational appointment. I asked my doctor about this and she said it wouldn't be needed beacause they would only be measuring and using orifices that were already there and open. Comments from those who didn't have any relaxants for the preparational appointment, please.

Any other comments about Brachy Therapy good or bad?

Karen Hope707 Aug.29 TAH/BSO uterine cancer stage 1c grade 3, radiation coming soon: 25 external 3 internal

Dear Hope,

My brachytherapy was uncomfortable but not painful. I was very glad for the sedative--that was part of the setup protocol for me. Do you have a radiation oncology nurse with whom you could discuss it?

Best of luck to you in your treatments.

Hi Karen:

I was on anti-anxiety med before my treatments anyway, but didn't really need/use any sedative or relaxant. IMHO, it depends on how far along after your surgery that you start as to how painful it is. I still had stitches that hadn't dissolved yet when my "simulation/prep" was done. It did hurt but mostly because I had to be on my tummy in a hard plastic mold instead of on my back. If I'd been on my back, it'd been no problem, just a little discomfort when they did the internal measuring. As it was, I had to lay on my tummy with this hard plastic thing under it and my tummy and incision area really hurt afterwards. They tried to make me as comfortable as possible though.

After it was over, I went home and dosed up on pain meds and went to bed. I felt better after a nice nap.

Hugs.

I had 6 Brachytherapy treatments. Pain was not an issue but psychological well-being was. Ask you "doctor" if SHE would like a construction crew of docs and techs taking measurments in her "orifices" Sheesh! Consult with your radiation onc for use of meds. Good luck. anna

Hope,
Compared to the actual surgery Brachy was a piece of cake. The first visit was the worst because it lasted so long and the fear of the unknown. The next three took about 10 - 15 minutes total and I went in to the office after each one. I really didn't have any side effects other than being a little more tired than usual. The strangest part was right after the therapy when the nurse would walk around me with a gieger counter.

Hi Karen. I had endo cancer that had spread to my lower vagina/vulva area. That area, where the cancer was, was quite painful during paps, etc. So when I had the internal radiation that area was quite sensitive but I was still able to tolerate the internal radiation.

On the fourth visit, I had a "panic attack" - first one I'd ever had. Thought I was going to shake right off the table. So, the doctor encouraged me to take a sedative before my next one. I did and it went like a breeze.

I wish I'd have taken something the first few times to relax me as I'm sure it would have gone much better for me had I done that.

Good luck to you - this procedure is really doable and the staff that worked with me did everything they could to make me feel comfortable.

Vicky

Been there. It is stressful and I think a lot depends on the individual and the situation. By the time I had the simulation/set up, I had already been through (and survived!) a few months of chemo and the external radiation. Heck, after that, you feel like there's not much that you can't do!

The simulation/set up was long process (little more than an hour, I recall), sometimes uncomfortable, and frankly, embarrassing. I totally relied on my sense of humor to get me through and the absolute belief that the people who were working with me through that process were some of the most caring, wonderful and professional people I have ever come across.

You will survive and you will be very glad when it's done.

After that, the actual treatments were a piece of cake!

Best,

Maureenie - Despite the fact that I was under conscious sedation it WAS somewhat disconcerting to hear the guys who were working in my vagina dicuss the 49ers! However, I surmised that when one is working daily with a terrible disease like cancer for the sake of their sanity they have to try to keep it light. anna

I just found out yesterday that I would be having 3 brachy therapy treatments around the 3rd week of external radiation. I asked the rad/oncologist about sedation and HE said I wouldn't need it. He said it might be a bit uncomfortable and would take about 3 hours. I thought he meant 3 hours each time, but after reading these replies, maybe it's just the first time?? Anyway, I definitely plan on sedating myself with either xanax or demerol just to help with the humility. I am such a modest person. I can't even imagine what it's going to really be like.

Blessings,

Hey Priss Pot,

I just look at it like a mechanic working on a car. These docs and techs have seen it all. By the time they get through med school I am sure they do not give it a second thought.

I would take some sort of calming meds though just for your own comfort. I did not have brachy but I feel I would be healed today if I had. My dr refused and it was a BIG mistake on her part.

Just go for it!

Juanita