| Uterine cancer | Diagnosing uterine cancer | Treatment for uterine cancer |
| Side effects of treating uterine cancer |
Reviewed by:
Dr Deborah Neesham, Gynaecological Oncologist, Royal Women's Hospital
On this page: Tiredness | Menopause | Bladder problems | Bowel problems | Lymphoedema
Taken from 
Cancer of the Uterus booklet (1.5MB)
It may take some time to recover from your treatment. You will find that there are physical changes as well as many emotional changes to cope with. It is important that you and the people around you (this could include your partner, employer and family members) are prepared.
Many women find that tiredness is a major problem. This tends to be particularly a problem if you need to have radiotherapy and other treatments. Travelling backwards and forwards to hospitals and clinics for treatment and appointments is also very tiring. If you start work again during the treatment or if you have a home and a family to care for, you will almost certainly be very tired.
Your tiredness may continue for quite a while even after treatment has finished. Some women find that it takes them up to one or two years to feel really well again. It may help to talk with your family and friends about how you feel and discuss ways in which they can help you. You may need to plan your activities during the day so that you get regular periods of rest.
Women who go through menopause as a result of the cancer treatment will have to adjust to the symptoms and body changes caused by no longer producing large amounts of the female hormones. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help reduce menopausal symptoms. Using HRT for more than five years increases the risk of some diseases including some cancers. However it also decreases the risk of some other diseases and cancers. You will need to discuss with your gynaecological oncologist what the benefits and risks are for you of having HRT. If you were already on HRT when your cancer was diagnosed, you will need to weigh up the risks of continuing it with your specialist.
Bladder sensations or control may change after cancer treatment or surgery. Some women find they need to go to the toilet more often. Others find they need to go in a hurry and sometimes don't get there in time. Others find that they pass urine when they cough or sneeze. While these problems may improve, even a small loss of bladder control can be distressing.
If bladder control is a problem, you should seek help straight away. Your specialist will be able to suggest ways to help with bladder control. These may include exercises to strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor. Ask to see a physiotherapist who can teach you about these exercises, or you can contact your community health centre for help, or call the Continence Helpline on 1800 330 066.
Some hospitals have continence nurses who can help you with bladder problems.
After surgery or cancer treatments some women have problems with their bowels. Some women find that they become constipated or suffer from diarrhoea or wind pain. Talk to your doctor, nurse or dietitian about your symptoms. There may be some simple treatments they can advise. Some women may need to change their diet or take medication.
Lymphoedema is swelling of part of the body, usually the legs or the arms. It may occur after treatment for cancer of the uterus if you have had the lymph nodes in your abdomen removed (lymphadenectomy). Removal of the nodes may prevent normal draining of the lymph fluid from the legs. As a result, fluid can build up in one or both legs causing swelling. This usually does not occur until some time after the original treatment.
It isn't possible to predict whether you will have problems with lymphoedema. If you have problems seek immediate help as symptoms are better managed if treated early. Seek advice from your specialist or nurse. You may be given special stockings to wear after your operation that can help prevent this problem.
Some hospitals have specialist physiotherapists who can advise you on how you may be able to reduce your risk of developing lymphoedema. They also help you manage if lymphoedema does occur in the future. The Cancer Council Helpline has more information and may be contacted on 13 11 20.
