After a D&C and biopsy, I was advised I had polyps. A week later I was advised I had Endometrial Cancer. My first OMG moment. I had a hysterectomy and biopsy on two lymph nodes early last week (two weeks tomorrow) and was told by the surgeon last thing before I left hospital to take it easy dont stress as my cancer was not agressive, slow moving, and they could see it was contained.
ON Friday two days ago, my surgeon rang and I knew I was in trouble as she wanted to know if my husband was with me. So my pesky little inconvenience has finally been diagnosed as Stage1A Grade 2 Serous Endometrial Carcinoma. The cancer was contained in the uterous, ie they said it hadn't spread. My massive OMG moment.
I have been in shock since, and feel even worse after trying to find out about this cancer the literature is very disheartening.
It has been explained to me I can expect to have four cycles of chemo every three weeks, followed by 28 radiation therapies and then possiblly 2 more three weekly chemos. Also explained they are going to hit me with the really heavy duty stuff if I can take it. This regime will be confirmed on my next appointment as I have to wait another four weeks to heal from the surgery.
This treatment will obviously have a lifespan of nearly six solid months. Is this normal. I know so little, cannot find too much on the internet except awful statistics and not a lot about serous. I am trying to keep a clear head but its challenging me big time.
If this cancer is as bad as it appears, is there an argument for not having treatment. I am so confused, I hope someone can help me or guide me somewhere. I need some positivity, and being in Australia there are no forums here. Thank you in advance, Ella.
Hi nannyjanet. I agree the staging/grading can be confusing. I'm not medically trained but can offer my observations - After my ultrasound, CT & MRI scan and biopsy I was told I was stage 1a/grade 1 (Stage 1a contained within the womb, not penetrated the muscle by 50%) After my hysterectomy and the womb and everything else was examined I was regraded to stage 1B - penetrated more than 50% into the muscle but still within the womb. and grade 3 - high grade serous.
I suppose when you think about it biopsies only take a random sample of tissue so they might miss something altogether. My Oncologist showed me my MRI scan & I could barely make out the 4cm (less than 2") tumour. Until they can put the cells under a microscope they can't see what type they were. My CNS described mine as angry looking.
Good luck for 6th August.
Barb x
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
Hi Madesp.No you're not being paranoid, you just want to know what's what. The initial biopsy will suggest what stage and grade it might be but it can't be confirmed until the tissue removed after the hysterectomy is fully examined. CT and MRI scans give an analysis of the size of tumour.
Endometrial cancer is a slow growing cancer so don't worry too much about the delay. I naively thought the 2 week wait cancer pathway meant from GP referral to seeing a consultant with an op date in mind. In effect it's 2 weeks for every test, then result etc.
Don't worry my love, you'll get there.
Big hugs, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
