Radiology Consult

Well, my first visit to the radiologist was not as bad as I expected it to be. I am going to have three vaginal radiation treatments as a preventative measure against the "dreaded C" recurring.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am getting really tired of having my feet in stirrups. It seems as though the whole world has seen my "other end". I naively thought that the consult would just be talk. Little did I know that it included being fitted with a huge plastic tampon device. Guess the treatments are only going to be 5 to 15 minutes long so I guess I can put up with that. I know lots of you have to have chemo and extensive radiation. My thoughts are always with you.

I'd love to hear from any of you about the lovely side effects of this radiation ie using the dilator and dryness etc.

LOL about the feet always in the stirrups! I used to be a little more 'shy' about exams. Now, I just drop my pants, up on the table and scootch to the end of the table. After going through surgery (hyster), recovering, and suffering other indignities, I no longer feel shy. Heck, I'll show it to anyone who asks! (just kidding!!)
Good luck with your radiation.

LOL yes, there is no more feeling bashful, walk in and drop 'em. lol

As for the internals, there is definately a "crispy" feeling afterward. There may be some discomfort with urinating too. For me both of those side effects only lasted a few days.

Ask your doc about using a dilator. I've had to use one since I healed from treatments. At first I had to use it daily for 10 minutes. Then my doc said I could cut down on how often. Unfortunately because of scar tissue it hurts if I wait more than a day or two..

I just finished a few weeks ago with 25 external and three internal rads - not a whole lot of fun, I have to agree. When I went in for the initial external I had something shoved up every orifice that was below my waist for the first planning session. That one took about two hours total but the two following were quick - maybe a total of 15-30 minutes each. I had no problems with any side effects from the internal, but lots of bowel problems and radiation burn from the external.

They gave me a dialator and said it should be used three times a week, for 10 to 15 minutes each time. I guess it is something you get used to, however I have not reached that point yet - I feel really uncomfortable using it. It does hurt a bit now, but I guess as time goes on and I get used to it the pain will lessen. Lots of lubrication is necessary - several have suggested AstroGlide or Replens rather than KY. Not fun, but necessary.

I guess the dilator is going to be a mind over matter situation. I've been told I will have to use it three times a week until my gyn/onc tells me I can stop. If today's spotting and soreness after the brief fitting time yesterday is any indication, the radiation treatments won't be much fun Anyone else have spotting? The doctor told me I was healed too but apparently not anymore!

I had some spotting the second time I used the dilator and from what I have read I think that is fairly common. It was only a little bit, pinkish colored, and stopped fairly quickly. Today will be my 4th try, and hopefully will be better than the previous three.

Even though you may be "healed" from surgery, areas can still be tender. Earlier this year I was hospitalized and couldn't use the dilator for close to a month (another surgery). When I started using it again I had spotting for the first week or so.

It does get easier over time.