chn's Cancer Blog
July 27, 2010
Any women experiencing vaginal shrinkage from the radiation?
I have been using dilators but they only go in so far. My OBG told me that this is indeed a side effect and is unfortunatetly not reversible.
My doctors never mentioned anything like this. I am just wondering if anyone else is having this problem..
I am 4 months out of treatment
Yes, indeedy that’s a problem I’m having, too.
I feel great except for this issue. At least there’s no sign of cancer.
Not sure what to tell you about this though.
It’s still painful, but I keep trying, :)
Theresa
Posted on PAgirl—
I can totally relate to this. I was making some real progress with the dilator, only to have a PET scan in May that showed activity in the upper vaginal area. It’s thought to be inflammation, but my med onc has ordered another PET scan for me, which will be tomorrow. To prevent further activity/inflammation in this area, I have stopped using the dilator. I’m sure I have lost ground here, and if and when I begin using it again, it’s going to be like starting over. However, I believe it’s worth trying. I’m sorry you have not noticed improvement with the use of the dilator yet. I would suggest that you search out Nova’s post on this blog about using dilators—she has given some good information. Also, there is a website that I just found yesterday that goes into detail about dilator usage. www dot nursingtimes dot net
The other thing I would recommend is talking to your doctor about estrogen cream. Also, there is an OTC product called Replens that some have found helpful.
I wish you the very best with all of this. I know it’s discouraging, but please don’t give up!
Martha
Posted on Hi Chn, this is indeed a side effect that i think they do not like to mention. it seems to be worse for some more than others. Please do go to my site and read my post on “opening up your vagina” I do know one woman who had surgery but it didn’t seem to work. As you know, with radiated tissue, it will keep tightening back up. This is indeed the worst of the side effects and I am sorry that you are experiencing problems. Some women have managed to really open things up so please do keep trying. It is a life long pursuit now however. Best to you, Nova
Posted on My doctor says it is vaginal stenosis. I am currently being treated. The imbalance in my hormone level has caused me to have frequent bacterial infections. Intercourse is painful and I bleed every time. Right now we are working on balancing all that with a course of flagly (an antibacterial) then he will put me on premarin vaginal cream 2 to 3 times a week which he says will help and is not risky like the premarin pill. It is not reversable but treatable. As Martha said in her post just another “gift” from radiation. I’d still rather trade that gift for new shoes! :) I know it sucks but we just have to look on the bright side we ARE alive!
Love ya,
Eva
Posted on Yes
Posted on I have had difficulty as well. Two months after treatment ended last year, I tried to have intercourse and was worse then a virgin. So I dialated twice a day with the biggest dialator I could find for 7 months. I was completely committed. I then use a vibrator to get blood flowing. I have in the last few months been able to have sex but I always have to dialate for a few minutes before any sexual encounter (takes away all the spontaneity :((
But if I go a week without dialating, it is so tight and I have to open it up again. It will probably be this way forever and I have come to accept it. Doctors never told me this. Thank God for Nova telling me way back when. So be diligent and keep after it.
Take care,
Ellen Smith
I hate to be unencouraging, but I’m a virgin now, too. My rad-onc seemed surprised that this happened, and gave me dilators. My gyn didn’t really know what to do, asked me if this was important to me, prescribed estrogen cream to use with the dilators,referred me to a specialist in Philadelphia. He called radiation therapy “the gift that keeps giving.” I had thought he would be able to just snip, snip the scar tissue but he was totally reluctant to do any corrective surgery because of how thin & brittle my tissue is, and recommended alternate ways of pleasure. His description of my radiated vaginal/rectal wall makes me afraid to use the dilators, afraid that I could easily puncture through the wall & have a real mess to deal with.
On a side note, a friend’s mother is going through rad tx for skin ca on her nose, and she was given little nose dilators to maintain patency throughout treatment.
Wishing you the best luck with your recovery.
using the dialators and not having any problems. Did they give you graduated dialators so you could increase the size when one becomes too comfortable? I have different sizes. I was told that if I have sex 3 times a week, it works the same. Hubby loves to help :) Colleen
Posted on July 15, 2010
I just wanted to let you all know that I visited the doctors post-pet scan and they are not concerned about the anal area lighting up. I was checked by the colon doctor who did not see or feel anything so they are assuming it is just inflammation.
However, I will have to repeat the scan in another 3 months just be sure.
A big relief to me as I am sure you can all imagine! Whew
Here is my question for this week:
DOes anyone know how to begin making my tight muscles feel better. It hurts to even cross my legs sometimes and it’s hard to straighten up after sitting for a long time. SInce I was sort of athletic before treatment, this is very bothersome. I have tried stretching and yoga but everything hurts and it just seems impossible!
I am not too happy with these after-side-effects!
PAgirl—
Thank you for sharing your good news with us about your PET scan—that’s great and I am so happy for you! I know you are relieved. As for the tightness in your hips and legs, I have experienced the same thing and I’m almost 2 years out of treatment now. It’s ongoing and I don’t know how to make it go away either. I used to be pretty flexible, but that’s gone! I am so stiff when I first get up in the mornings and it takes a long time to work out the kinks. I still run and workout, but things certainly hurt more than they used to. I wish I had an answer for you. I do think that exercise helps, so I would keep doing what you are doing. I will say that mine is a little bit better than it used to be, so don’t give up! I wish you all the best with future follow-ups and hope you’ll keep us posted.
Martha
Hi Chn – phew indeed – great news that there is nothing concerning the doctors. Hope you are able to relax and enjoy the good news.
Re the stiffness – me too . . . I never thought that I would hear myself saying, if I get down I won’t get up again, just like my step-gran used to but I have felt that and there have been times when I have had to be hauled up once crouched. I am still weak 9 mths post treatment and feel as if I am walking through treacle sometimes. I guess it is as Martha says, keep on with the exercise and stretching and hope that it gets better with time!
Best wishes, janet
Posted on Chn,
I am happy that the doctors are not worried about your scan. My friend/nurse had anal cancer over 2 years ago and she said her anal area still lights up some and they said it was from radiation damage.
About your tightness in your muscles, I remember when I couldn’t barely walk from my car in the parking lot to the door of Wal-mart. I would actually have to stop and I was almost in tears it hurt so bad. My medical doctor told me to start taking this antioxidant called OPC by Nutra Metrix. You can only buy it through the doctors office as far as I know. He said that it is a natural anti-inflammatory and to give it a month and I should see improvement. Well it worked and I take it everyday. It also helps rejuvenate your cells which is a plus in our situation. At least I think so. Maybe ask your GP about it. I hope you start feeling better and get your strength back.
Take care
Nancy
Posted on I’m glad to hear your good news. Phew, indeed. And regarding the stiffness, it sadly seems to go with the territory. I know for me the soreness seems to vary day by day. Sitting “criss-cross-applesauce” on the floor with my kids can be painful, but I do it anyway. I keep hoping that I’m stretching the muscles. Have you asked about physical therapy? I’ve wondered if anyone with our treatment has had success…if there are exercises that can be tailored to this pelvic treatment. Just a thought.
Warm wishes for a good weekend!
Ruth
Posted on I just found out that i have anal cancer and the lymph nodes are affected. I have had blood work, CT scan, and now a rectal utlrasound. Will meet with the surgeon next. I just don’t know what to expect, i think of farrah fawcette who lived such a short time with this disease. i am overwhelmed. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Posted on Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice. I think I am going to meet with my GP and ask for the meds Nancy talked about and ask to go to Physical THerapy (it can’t hurt, right?)
Mrs. Jake: Take the time to read over a lot of these posts—-they are very helpful in learning about what lies ahead as far as your treatment. Please feel free to post any questions—this is a wonderful form of support and everyone is so helpful. Tkae care and I am praying for you
Thanks for your support - 
