FMS dilators during radiation therapy?

Question from Diana H.: My name is D.H., I’m 60 years old and currently undergoing chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. I’ve been diagnosed with anal cancer.
It is treatable, and I can already feel that my vagina is narrowing as a result of the radiation.
My oncologist recommended tampons with Bepanthen ointment. As a physiotherapist, I started doing some research and I’m so happy I found you. I’ve just ordered the medical dilator set (the smallest size).
My question for you: Can I already start using the FMS dilators during the course of radiation therapy?
Am I allowed to use lubricant? Or should I wait until the treatment is over?
I’m 60 – and of course I still want to enjoy my sexuality.
I’m really looking forward to receiving your product. You give me hope – and I will definitely tell my doctor that there are better treatment options for patients like me than a basic tampon.
I hope everything will turn out well.

Answer: Dear Diana, when my husband and I read your message, our immediate thought was: yes – this is exactly how we see it too!
And it's still so difficult to reach women who are going through what you're going through. We would love for more people to discover what our products can offer (including, for example, trans women with a neo-vagina).
If you have any ideas – support groups, forums, anything – we’d be very grateful! As for your question:
Yes, you can absolutely begin using the FMS dilators during your treatment – just let your body and your own sense of comfort guide you.
When it comes to lubricants: go ahead and try, but gently. If it causes any irritation or burning, stop using it and instead apply a wound healing cream, such as Bepanthen.
One more thing: We’ve been working on the development of vaginal stents – these are like small dilators that stay inside the vagina for several hours each day, gently maintaining space and flexibility.
We’re currently running a small study to gather feedback. Would you be interested in taking part?
We’d send you one or more prototypes, and you’d use them and share your experience with us.
We wish you all the very best – and strength and success for your therapy.