Last week I had a scare. For a couple of weeks before that I had some pelvic discomfort, sharp jabs, low level localized pain. Since I still suffer from sudden urges to urinate, I thought that my problem was bladder related. But then last week I started to have a pinkish discharge, almost the kind I had before the onset of spottings.
I immediately set up an appointment with the oncologist and went to see him a few days later. He examined me VERY thoroughly -- front, back (for a couple of days I was sore during BMs :)) but luckily he concluded that all he found was a mild inflammation at the end of the vagina, in the area that was affected by the radiation. He said that this is not uncommon, it can show up even months after the treatment. He seems to have been right, the symptoms are slowly receding...
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Update #2
I am getting busier and busier since I had a good look at all the projects that got postponed due to the illness. Luckily I am recovering very quickly. Sometimes there are days that I hardly even think of what has passed. The elimination processes are more or less back to normal. The most annoying aspect that is still there is the urinary urgency. Even that happens only when I stand up from lying down or sitting for a longer period. I am working on it, though, twisting my legs together and holding it in tightly until the feeling of urgency is gone. At that point I still feel the need to go to the bathroom but I am in control.
I have my first follow-up appointment tomorrow. I will ask whether they think if I still have some remnants of an inflammation. Another issue I must solve is the rash on my arms, souvenir from the CT scan dye. This week-end it was particularly bad. It flared up and my arms right now are covered with hot, red welts again. I MUST see an immunologist about them!
I have my first follow-up appointment tomorrow. I will ask whether they think if I still have some remnants of an inflammation. Another issue I must solve is the rash on my arms, souvenir from the CT scan dye. This week-end it was particularly bad. It flared up and my arms right now are covered with hot, red welts again. I MUST see an immunologist about them!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Update #1
An important milestone: I had the first normal bowel movement in over a month. I did have a few more softer ones during the day, but that first one of the day felt goood! It also put my mind to rest as far as my concerns about possible chronic colitis go. I mean, there is always a chance that some degree of unusual bathroom habits may linger on, but today was already close enough to normalcy with which I can live.
I still have bladder sensitivity, urgency, and vaginal burning (I did not use the dilator - ahem, dildo - yet). I also still have the occasional moments of weakness, a sensation akin to near fainting. And the rash on my forearms, originally triggered by the CT scan dye two months ago, is still alive and well. Yesterday I actually developed some dime size welts which are still there, although getting paler and not itchy any more. If I get better in a few days I will go see my family doctor. Maybe we should consult an immunologist...
I still have bladder sensitivity, urgency, and vaginal burning (I did not use the dilator - ahem, dildo - yet). I also still have the occasional moments of weakness, a sensation akin to near fainting. And the rash on my forearms, originally triggered by the CT scan dye two months ago, is still alive and well. Yesterday I actually developed some dime size welts which are still there, although getting paler and not itchy any more. If I get better in a few days I will go see my family doctor. Maybe we should consult an immunologist...
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Brachy 2
I finally have not only the second brachytherapy session but the very last radiation session behind me! A grrrrreat relief...!
The session itself seemed a bit shorter than the first, but then it may have been psychological, due to the familiarity the second time around. After the session I also had an instruction session as to how to use the dilator provided, just in case I develop vaginal stenosis (tightening of the dear little canal until completely shut - as a result of some serious inflammation). Well, I will consult my husband to see if we could use a more natural methods of keeping the opening accessible... :)
During the day on Friday I experienced some weakness and decided to do some grocery shopping and prepare extra food so I can rest. I just about finished when the kids dropped by to see how I was and to congratulate me for surviving the treatment. Seeing all the food resulted in an impromptu dinner party, and everything disappeared as fast as if we were hit by a cloud of locusts. After which I heard the following remark: "See, I told you there is always enough good food at Mom's..." Bless their souls, it WAS a nice little party!
As a result of the celebrations, on Saturday we had an "hors d'oeuvres day", having toasts, spreads, omelet, salad. I also did some web search about possible long lasting post-radiation problems, and the thing that popped up most prominently was hyperbaric oxygen therapy . The theory is that increased availability of oxygen to damaged cells can increase the chances of healing. I gave it a thought: a session in the pressure chamber costs on the average around $180. The research suggests that there is improvement by repairing damage to the bowel and rectum. Since I managed to reduce the side effects to my bowel, I may not really need oxygen therapy. Instead I do deep breathing exercises several times a day, whenever I remember to do so.
The breathing exercise is quite simple. I exhale forcefully, then breathe in, taking in a nice amount of fresh air, hold it for a few second, exhale fast and repeat. The emphasis is on the "hold it in for a few seconds". This may not be as effective each time as a pressure chamber session, but I hope that doing it dozens of times during the day may cumulatively be of similar value.
The session itself seemed a bit shorter than the first, but then it may have been psychological, due to the familiarity the second time around. After the session I also had an instruction session as to how to use the dilator provided, just in case I develop vaginal stenosis (tightening of the dear little canal until completely shut - as a result of some serious inflammation). Well, I will consult my husband to see if we could use a more natural methods of keeping the opening accessible... :)
During the day on Friday I experienced some weakness and decided to do some grocery shopping and prepare extra food so I can rest. I just about finished when the kids dropped by to see how I was and to congratulate me for surviving the treatment. Seeing all the food resulted in an impromptu dinner party, and everything disappeared as fast as if we were hit by a cloud of locusts. After which I heard the following remark: "See, I told you there is always enough good food at Mom's..." Bless their souls, it WAS a nice little party!
As a result of the celebrations, on Saturday we had an "hors d'oeuvres day", having toasts, spreads, omelet, salad. I also did some web search about possible long lasting post-radiation problems, and the thing that popped up most prominently was hyperbaric oxygen therapy . The theory is that increased availability of oxygen to damaged cells can increase the chances of healing. I gave it a thought: a session in the pressure chamber costs on the average around $180. The research suggests that there is improvement by repairing damage to the bowel and rectum. Since I managed to reduce the side effects to my bowel, I may not really need oxygen therapy. Instead I do deep breathing exercises several times a day, whenever I remember to do so.
The breathing exercise is quite simple. I exhale forcefully, then breathe in, taking in a nice amount of fresh air, hold it for a few second, exhale fast and repeat. The emphasis is on the "hold it in for a few seconds". This may not be as effective each time as a pressure chamber session, but I hope that doing it dozens of times during the day may cumulatively be of similar value.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Brachy 1
Yesterday I had the first session of brachytherapy. It was relatively easy, except for the ignominy of having a tube shoved up into my privates... The radiation is not supposed to worsen the bladder or the intestinal problems because the affects of the irradiation (as they said) has a tiny range. Yet, at the end of the session they held up a Geiger counter against my belly and nodded, indicating that it was the right amount that I got administered. That made me suspicious, after all if it can be measure outside the body then it must have some effect on the surrounding organs.
The rest of the day was not different than the previous days in the past week. I do feel weakened, although my muscles themselves are obviously not weaker. Today, almost 34 hours later I was suddenly hit by a low level pelvic floor pain, almost like a menstrual cramp, making my teeth hurt and making me slightly nauseous. Plus, since then I feel a burning sensation all along the vaginal walls. I will have to ask them tomorrow to have a look. I suppose this is the inflammation that may (will?) cause the stenosis (the narrowing of the whole vagina)...
The rest of the day was not different than the previous days in the past week. I do feel weakened, although my muscles themselves are obviously not weaker. Today, almost 34 hours later I was suddenly hit by a low level pelvic floor pain, almost like a menstrual cramp, making my teeth hurt and making me slightly nauseous. Plus, since then I feel a burning sensation all along the vaginal walls. I will have to ask them tomorrow to have a look. I suppose this is the inflammation that may (will?) cause the stenosis (the narrowing of the whole vagina)...
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Day #25
That's it! Last day of external radiation.
Tomorrow I will have the first of the two brachytherapy sessions. After my session this morning I met both the technician who will administer the intravaginal treatment and my regular doctor. I got all the preparatory explanations of how things will unfold. The radiation source this time is iridium 192 grains. They also warned me that this time there may be a bit stronger side effects. This made me look for all the possible long term effects and I am not exactly happy with what may possibly stay with me...
Tomorrow I will have the first of the two brachytherapy sessions. After my session this morning I met both the technician who will administer the intravaginal treatment and my regular doctor. I got all the preparatory explanations of how things will unfold. The radiation source this time is iridium 192 grains. They also warned me that this time there may be a bit stronger side effects. This made me look for all the possible long term effects and I am not exactly happy with what may possibly stay with me...
Monday, August 22, 2011
Day #24
Ahhh... I am sooo sick and tired already of these treatment sessions. Almost a month and a half already!
I mentioned to the girls about the cracked hemorrhoid that is still bothering me. They suggested sitz-baths, which I tried this afternoon but I found it to be ineffective since the crack is not external, it seems to be a bit higher up where the bathwater cannot really reach. I really hope it will heal soon because it is quite painful.
BTW, the girls also warned that Vaseline is not a good idea for a sore anal area. They suggest that it is better not to use anything, just wash often, possibly after every BM.
I mentioned to the girls about the cracked hemorrhoid that is still bothering me. They suggested sitz-baths, which I tried this afternoon but I found it to be ineffective since the crack is not external, it seems to be a bit higher up where the bathwater cannot really reach. I really hope it will heal soon because it is quite painful.
BTW, the girls also warned that Vaseline is not a good idea for a sore anal area. They suggest that it is better not to use anything, just wash often, possibly after every BM.
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