Hi all, I'm very nervous and never been in a community group. I have come on here because I would just like some information and support.
It all started when I just mentioned to a pharmacist at my doctors surgery that I was having some break through bleeding when being on HRT.
I was then told I had to make an appointment with the doctor and she said because of my age (54) she was going to refer me for a transvaginal scan.
So I went for that and got the results for that yesterday. I read on the NHS app all the referal letters etc. Apperantly my womb thickness is 8mm and the normal is 5mm. And the doctor actually says that they think I have cancer. So this got me in a panic, as now I have to wait for an appointment to somewhere called the GRACE centre at my local hospital to see someone. I am really scared as this is the unknown. I'm quite resigned to having a hysterectomy but I'm honestly not sure about the other treatments like chemo or radiation.
They scare me. My mother had breast cancer and I saw what happened to her and even though she had these she still passed away.
That's why I joined this community.
Thanks. Destiny xx
Good Morning Destiny196833
Welcome to the Online Community. Please do not be nervous. I found that the Online Community was a friendly place where others going through similar are happy to share their experiences and offer support. They really helped me during my journey with womb cancer last year.
The Online community is divided into sections and although you are very welcome to post here, you may want to consider having a look at our Womb cancer forum. There are some lovely ladies on there who have been where you are now.
(+) Womb (uterus) cancer forum - Macmillan Online Community
Having tests is always a worrying time. It is normal when you have some break through bleeding to be referred for a transvaginal scan. It is a good way for them to have a quick look at what is going on. Because your lining is slightly thicker than it should be then they need to have a bit of a closer look. The GRACE centre referral that you talk about is basically a gynaecology rapid access, colposcopy and examination clinic. Its big words but it basically in my case was a clinic run by nurses where anyone with any symptoms that could lead to a diagnosis of cancer are seen very quickly. This means that either cancer can be ruled out quickly or that if there is any, it can be treated quickly.
You say your doctor thinks it may be cancer so what is likely to happen is that when you go you will be asked your medical history, have an examination and probably a biopsy of your womb lining. The biopsy is the only way to know for sure what is happening. Mine was done as an outpatient on the first visit. I was also sent for a CT scan.
You are right that if it is cancer then a hysterectomy is the most likely treatment. Sometimes that is enough. Mine was last year and done laparoscopically. Depending on grades and stages sometimes some further treatment is needed.
It is understandable to feel scared. I know I was but hopefully you will be seen very soon and once you know what you are dealing with hopefully things will feel a bit more in control. The nurses were lovely at my local hospital and really supportive.
In the meantime if there is anything else we can do to support you, please just ask. If you feel chatting to someone would help then I recommend giving the Support Line a call. The number is at the bottom of this and they are lovely on there.
Jane
Yes the waiting is horrible but once you not what you are dealing with and have a plan most people tend to feel a bit better. Hope you do not have to wait too much longer
