scared brachytherapy

Am new here. Dr. has prescribed three whole days of brachytherapy hospitalized and inmobilized on the bed with a catherer to remove urine and five days of only liquids, two of those prior to the procedure.

Can someone tell me how is it possible to fast two days before procedure with only liquids, then, once the implant has been placed inside the vaginal cuff, one cannot move for three whole days on the bed? I was told no one can come see me those 3 days, that I can only have liquids since I can not get off the bed to defecate.
Plus, that it is painful.

All I read about here are these brief half hour treatments that is not what I have been told will happen. I had Stage I with %50 or more involvement with no lymph nodes contaminated.
Thanks.

Hi Arts, I know how you feel nervous and scared, I too am probably going to have it done as well. If you go to the forums section and scroll down past the post op section we are in now you will see cancer/gyn and thats where you would want to post this. Everyone in that section is dealing or has dealt with cancer and they are a big help! Good luck to you and im sure alot of people there can give you their opinions. Bea

Would it be possible for you to get a second opinion? It could be that the inpatient treatment is the only one that would work for your situation, but if there is any chance that the outpatient treatments would work as well, it seems it wouldn't hurt to ask another oncologist. I've had two outpatient treatments and got the impression from my rad/onc that the inpatient treatment is an older method.

artsgreenhouse,
While no one wants to join this forum, I believe you will find the CC ladies most welcoming and willing to share their knowledge and experience.
We've had quite a few women here who've gone through brachytherapy and to my best knowledge they have had the outpatient treatments so as skysib said perhaps your doctor may be using an older method. I too would suggest if possible you consider seeking a second opinion. I am hoping those with first hand experience with brachytherapy come along shortly as they see your thread title. Please keep us posted.
s


brachytherapy

thank you all.

Hi artsgreenhouse

In your place, I would certainly get a second opinion.

My main issue with your doc is the diet thing.

In May of this year I had brachytherapy, which was what they call "pulsed rate", ie the radioactive source was only activated for about 10 minutes every hour, so I had about 30 hours of treatment. No way was it painful - the applicator was put in under GA and I had gas when it was removed (faaar out LOL). Because it was pulsed rate, the nurses and other staff could come in while the machine was off and I could have had visits at these times (but not from pregnant women or children). If you have continuous low dose brachy, it can be switched off while you have visits, but of course that means that total treatment time is longer.

As far as diet goes, I was put on what they call low-residue the day before the procedure and was served meals all through the treatment and I never needed to "poop". I think they also give you something to slow down your bowels. It's a pretty boring procedure, so it was nice to have meals to look forward to - the centre where I was treated is known for its good food. So you might want to go somewhere with a more humane approach.

Being on your back for so long can be a bore (I spoke to one lady who had 5 days of it), but you should be encouraged to wiggle your legs about. I also used to pull with my arms. My back hurt at first, but pulling up on the triangle thing over the bed and painkillers really helped. After a while I was OK. You may get a problem with "gas" but they give you meds for that.

Make sure to have plenty of distractions. Besides books - both paper and audio - I had my laptop with attached DVD player. I also managed to get a fair bit of sleep.

Believe me, brachy is no big deal. I was terrified when I first found out about it, but I actually preferred it to the external rads because all I had to do was lie in bed and get served three meals a day, plus the "low residue" diet is not nearly as bad as the "abdominal radiation" diet.

Best of luck

Thank you so much for your explanation of what happens during the brachytherapy. I had a complete hysterectomy on the 12th of August. Three weeks tomorrow. I have an appointment tomorrow with the radiation oncologist, for the consultation. The pathology report said Stage 2 Endometrium Cancer. Honestly, I am very scared. I try not to show it, but it is still on my mind. I am turning 48 on sunday. I still have two kids here at home. I have researched the possible treatments so I could be informed. I am still uneasy about this.

I am hoping that after the consultation I will understand things better.

Thank you again for your explanation.

Barb

I just had my consultation with the radiation oncologist today and I thought I was going to have the hospital radiation treatment too but he said that was an older method. He said it was going to be short 10 to 15 min procedures. All drs are different but if you dont like that whole liquid diet and hospital stay maybe check with a second dr?