nearly 3 weeks since hysterectomy

Hi BabsMW, good to hear you’ve started your recovery. Take it nice and easy, I recovered pretty quickly from my keyhole surgery, but was working on the assumption that it takes at least twelve weeks to get back to near normal, so don’t do the hoovering yet!! I think 3-4 weeks is about the time it takes for path results, the wait is awful as we all know.  Fingers crossed for you now, good luck.

Hi  Bonnie B. I've just replied to your other post. Results vary from area to area but yes, usually 3 - 4 weeks. This is the definitely the worst wait! But don't forget, if you want to talk about your worries, we're all here to listen.

As said, no hoovering yet. I think I got away with it for about 3 months haha!

Sending hugs, B xx 

Hi Jigsaw33

Yep I'm trying to ignore all but the things that must be done.  It turns out I can ignore everything except washing the dishes!  Have had a wee wander in my very wee garden this afternoon, but had to come up as I was wanting to get weeds out between pavers !  Again not essential !  

Babs

I had my follow up appointment with my consultant on Thursday 8th.  All lymph nodes were clear.  He said at the MDTM that morning they had agreed that either external or internal radiotherapy would be advisable and that after that I would be cured !

I was stunned and euphoric all at once.  Discussed the problem of my IBS and external radiotherapy - 15 sessions.  He is more in favour of 3 sessions of Brachytherapy.  I see the oncology consultant this Thursday to discuss what they think.  

All has been well.  apart from the allergic reaction to the dressings in surgery.  But this weekend tummy painful and a little bit spotting.  This morning some bright red blood.  Not a lot.  I though perhaps a burst haemorrhoid but  no, from vaginal area.  A  black thread like 'thing too.  The did have to stitch my vagina as nicked it manipulating uterus.  Wondering if that could be it ?  Intending to speak to macMillan nurse at the hospital tomorrow, but would appreciate any thoughts meanwhile.

Hi  Bonnie B. To set your mind at rest give your CNS a call tomorrow. We've all had a bit of spotting just after the op which is quite normal. The black thread does sound like a stitch come loose, they're normally dissolvable but they might want to check you over. I was also stage 1B grade 3 and just had 3 brachytherapy sessions 6 weeks after op. My only side effect was a touch of the squits for one day a week after session 2. As you have IBS make sure you stress that you have it.  

Let us know how things go and hope the Oncologist sets your mind at rest as to what's the best treatment going forward.

Big hugs to you, Barb xx 

Did you consider not having it?  I’m concerned because my vagina was apparently v narrow. I have a list of questions for tomorrow. 

Hi again

i saw oncologist on Thursday. Different suggestions from my surgeon. 
6 sessions of chemo and 25 of radiotherapy!  Brachytherapy not suitable for me - I did agree on that. 
BUT if I was only stage 1b gr 3, is all of this really necessary?  
as I understood it 1b meant +50% through muscle wall. As it was in womb I’m presuming the muscle wall was that of the womb. Since I had total hysterectomy and surgeon said he had taken good margin, is chemo needed?  
confused and worried. I see them on Wednesday. 

Hi Babs,

Just been reading through your thread. That does seem to be a lot of treatment. I do know that some cancers are more dangerous than others. Is yours the 'ordinary 'kind? Maybe in view of your previous problem, and the grade of your cancer they are being extra careful. Either way I think you need to ask a few questions. Having said that, in my experience they are pretty good at knowing what is best for you. Good luck. xxxx

hi NannyAnny. According to my discharge letter it was a grade 3, but stage 1b Endometrioid adenocarcenoma of the uterus. After my total hysterectomy my surgeon thought only radiotherapy reqd. He had suggested brachytherapy but I doubted that wd be possible as smears always difficult/impossible. When I went to oncologist I was still just expecting radiotherapy. He had told me he felt he had taken a good margin when he did the surgery.

I have been writing my list of questions for Wednesday.  Reassuring you feel it a lot too. 

Babs

Hi Babs

Stage 1B does mean more than 50% through the muscle wall. Grade 3 - high grade serous. My lymph node score was 0 and nothing on LVSI (Lymphovascular Space Invasion). What were your scores on the those? The only reason I was offered Brachy as malignant cells had been found in the peritoneal flush. The Brachytherapy was an optional choice to bring my risk of recurrence lower. At the time my Oncologist said no need for chemo, nor external radiation.

I've got my second Oncology consultation tomorrow. Hope your meeting on Wednesday goes well.

Sending big hugs, Barb xx