I feel exhausted all of the time. Will my energy levels come back when treatment is finished?

“Fatigue is the biggest side effect from cancer treatment. Your energy levels may never recover to where they were at before the diagnosis. Think about what your body has been through, I would invite you to view your energy levels differently. Make sure that you optimize your good hours and be kind to yourself when your battery levels feel depleted. Most cancer centers have exercise programmes affiliated with them. I would strongly encourage you to engage in one of these programmes to get professional advice that meets your specific needs.”

Can radiotherapy be used to treat gynaecological cancers?

Yvonne O’ Meara - Psychosocial Oncologist & Systemic Psychotherapist

“Cervical cancer, vulva, vaginal and uterine and rarely ovarian cancer can be offered radiotherapy as part of the treatment. This treatment can be very challenging and leave its mark psychosexually. You will meet a radiation nurse specialist who will advise you on what to do, to ensure your best opportunity to maintain your sexual function.

You may experience during and after radiotherapy some of the following:

• Vaginal dryness

• Skin irritation/burning

• Cervical stenosis (narrowing or closing of the passageway through the cervix) 

• Loss of sensation (numbness or tingling)

• Painful sex (dispurina) 

• Inability to have an organism (inorganisma)

Please see the following booklet on vulvavaginal wellness that looks at dilator use and the most appropriate lubricants and moisturizers to you during and post treatment: https://thisisgo.ie/flipbook/vulvovaginal-health-guide/

It is important to communicate with your partner about your evolving sex life and together muddle through it. As a result of the above physical side effects you may experience low desire and low fatigue levels. Please see thisisGO.ie on how to address these issues.”