Priscila Carques de Godoi is a 59-year-old housewife from Americana, Brazil, who has consistently demonstrated resilience and compassion. Living with her husband, she dedicates much of her time to a project they started, assisting Venezuelan and Cuban refugees in their neighborhood. Married for 37 years, Priscila is also a mother to a 35-year-old daughter and a loving grandmother to two boys, Silas and Abel, aged 7 and 5, respectively. Her life seemed perfectly normal until routine gynecological tests revealed a startling diagnosis.

An Unexpected Turn

In 2011, during a routine gynecologic check-up, doctors identified atypical cells, leading to the removal of Priscila’s cervix. The procedure appeared successful, and she remained healthy for several years. However, her gynecologist detected another abnormality during a follow-up appointment last year. Considering Priscila’s age and the nature of the findings, her doctor recommended a hysterectomy. Subsequent biopsy results revealed the presence of uterine cancer.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis for the second time was a devastating blow. “It’s hard not to feel despondent and apprehensive,” Priscila recalls. The news was shocking, as she had believed that the initial surgery in 2011 had resolved her health issues. The prospect of facing cancer again was daunting, but her medical team brought her hope.

Discovering Brachytherapy

Priscila’s oncologist assured her that her condition was treatable and that she had a good chance of recovery. She was introduced to brachytherapy at the radiology clinic, a treatment she had never heard of before. Brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy that involves placing radioactive material directly inside the body the closest to the tumor. It allows high doses of radiation to target the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Learning about this treatment brought Priscila a sense of relief and hope. “I was initially unfamiliar with this treatment, but learning about its importance and efficiency lifted my spirits,” she says. The medical staff explained that brachytherapy’s targeted approach made it particularly effective for her type of cancer, providing a tailored treatment that would spare other organs from unnecessary radiation exposure.

The Brachytherapy Procedure

The treatment process began with the insertion of hollow tubes into Priscila’s uterus, through which the brachytherapy machine would deliver the radioactive material directly to the tumor site. The procedure was meticulously monitored with imaging techniques to ensure precision. This localized approach meant that the radiation dose was confined to the area needing treatment, reducing the risk of side effects commonly associated with external radiation therapies.

Priscila underwent several sessions of brachytherapy, each one carefully planned and executed. Despite the initial apprehensions, the procedure was smoother than she had anticipated. “I didn’t know this treatment before and had never heard of it. But the team’s guidance and the clear communication made the process much easier,” she notes.

Life After Brachytherapy

Seven months after completing her brachytherapy treatment, Priscila reflects on her journey with gratitude and optimism. “I feel fine, and I’m certain that brachytherapy has significantly improved my quality of life,” she shares. Regular follow-up appointments and tests have consistently shown positive results, with her doctor expressing satisfaction with her progress.

The specific targeting of brachytherapy meant that Priscila experienced fewer side effects than with other conventional radiation treatments like external beam radiation treatment. “Of course, I had some side effects at first, but with the team’s support, I was able to ease the symptoms right from the start,” she says. The precision of the treatment meant that her other organs were spared, allowing her to maintain a better overall quality of life during and after the treatment.

A Mission to Raise Awareness

Inspired by her positive experience, Priscila is passionate about raising awareness of brachytherapy. She dreams of a future where more women and men can access this advanced treatment. “My greatest desire is that lots of women will find out about this treatment and that men also, according to their needs, will be able to access this treatment,” she expresses. Priscila believes that the significant advancements in technology and the efficiency of brachytherapy can provide many patients with a better quality of life, just as it has for her.

A Message of Hope

Priscila’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of innovative treatments like brachytherapy. Her story is about resilience, hope, and the importance of being informed about medical advancements. As she continues her life, helping refugees and enjoying time with her family, Priscila is determined to ensure that others can access the life-changing benefits of brachytherapy. Her experience highlights the necessity of awareness and prevention, emphasizing the role of advanced medical treatments in providing patients with the best possible outcomes.

In sharing her story, Priscila hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges, showing that despite frightening diagnoses, there is hope, effective treatment, and the possibility of a fulfilling life post-treatment.

If you know someone who can benefit from Brachytherapy, please share the AboutBrachytherapy website [hyperlink] with them. Read more about other cervical cancer patients’ experiences with brachytherapy.