Dear Nurses
Have you any experience of likely progression of enlarged 5cm x 2.5cm para aortic lymph node cancer? I was diagnosed with recurrent endometrial cancer 2 months ago in that lymph node and its size is compressing the left kidney's vein and artery. I', unable to have chemo/radiation and would like to know how things might progress/deteriorate going forward? Any info most welcome Thank you
Hello CKate,
Thank you for getting in touch and a warm welcome to the Online Community.
I can see that you’re a member of the womb cancer forum and I’ve no doubt you’ll receive lots of support there.
I’m Elise, one of the cancer information nurses.
We’re sorry to read about your cancer recurrence and understand the importance of information at this time.
As you may know, para-aortic lymph node involvement occurs in approximately 8% of endometrial cancer patients and in about 50% of patients with positive pelvic nodes.
It’s possible that one of the immediate concerns for you will be the continued compression on the blood supply to and from your left kidney.
Compression of the left renal vein can cause high blood pressure in the kidney veins (known as renal hypertension)
Some of the symptoms that you may be asked to look out for and that your gynaecologist may monitor include blood or protein in the urine, dizziness on standing, palpitations and pain across the pelvis, upper abdomen or sides.
We would hope that your specialist will discuss this risk with you very soon.
Any kind of kidney dysfunction can make someone feel generally unwell but if the other kidney is working normally the symptoms can be minimal.
The symptoms that any individual will experience as a cancer grows will vary depending on their own circumstances and is related to where a cancer is spreading to and the level of disruption to the body’s ability to function normally.
It’s possible that one of the symptoms you’ll notice is fatigue, as this is a very common problem for people living with cancer and it’s also common in people with kidney problems.
If no further cancer treatment is available to you , we would expect your consultant to refer you to your local palliative care team so that any symptoms can be assessed and treated in a timely manner to allow you to maintain your quality of life for as long as possible.
Palliative care is about providing relief from symptoms and promoting quality of life, this is different from end of life care (which is around the care needs of someone in the last few weeks or days of life)
I’m wondering if you feel able to call the nurses on the support line?
We’d welcome the chance to talk to you in a bit more detail and talk through how you’re doing.
We are available 7 days a week on 0808 808 000.
Best wishes,
Elise
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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