Carm, thanks for the info. I am thinking I need this. Asked my surgeon about what to expect from intercourse, but she didn't recommend dilator. Guess I will ask at my followup in Dec.
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katita started following
Question: How do you use a vaginal dilator?
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katita asked a questionEndometrial (Uterine) Cancer
How do you use a vaginal dilator?
11 answers-
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carm
over 4 years agoWow, I had not realized anyone had additional questions so here we go:
Katita- they are only recommended for a few minutes and although you can go longer if you have not been radiated, you do not want to risk additional injury. Also because they are cool, when inserted they will decrease blood flow to the area until they adjust to the body temperature and then there is the issue of keeping in too long that you create a pocket of warmth and oxygen that could allow a bacteria to grow so it is best to follow the instructions and just increase the frequency and not the length of time.
Cheryl12: Some docs recommend and some do not but the website will give the info regarding their benefit. I cannot speak for any other brand but women seem to prefer the Cool Water Cone brand. Vaginal dialators are usually recommended by radiology oncologists but if you have a savvy oncologist, especially a gyne onc, they will know the benefit of a dilator as well. Best of luck to all and I hope you have a wonderful new year ahead, Carm.
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katita asked a questionEndometrial (Uterine) Cancer
Is CA125 blood test a reliable source for reoccurrance, instead of CT scans?
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Cindy
over 4 years agoThe following website explains the CA 125 blood test: http://www.medicinenet.com/ca_125/article.htm . The CA 125 blood test is for ovarian cancer. As far as I know, it would not be an indicator for uterine cancer concurrence. I was getting the test monthly, now bi-monthly. My doctor looks for trends. If it consistently goes up, then that would be a sign that my ovarian cancer is returning. I also get CT scans every 6 months. CT scans are for more than just ovarian cancer. Both tests are indicators and not proof of cancer. Proof would involve surgery and pathology tests.
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carm
over 4 years agoHi, im an oncology nurse that specializes in gyne cancers and everyone is correct, the marker should give you pause to think but it is the scans that tell the story. The CA125 marker is a test that looks for a specific protein found on the surface of an ovary and other organs in the vacinity. Even diverticulitis or an upset stomach can cause the marker to rise. The marker is used to detect recurrence and should never be used for screening, but if the marker rises, it should make you ponder the reason. Did you eat anything that has disagreed with you? Do you have a virus? are you stressed out? these are things that can contribute to the markers escalation. Only a scan can confirm the presence of a malignancy. Good luck, Carm.
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