Hospital called...

Hi ladies. It is hard to know what to expect. I had my operation in October 2017 and was sent an appointment in the post shortly afterwards, for about 3 weeks after the surgery.  I was worried so I took a friend with me for moral support.  It was good news for me - no further treatment needed.  Now, they could have told me over the phone I suppose, but there was something reassuring about being told face to face and it was a lovely smiley female doctor and a lovely smiley female student. afterwards I was a bit shook up as the relief sank in. I don't know whether anyone can force you to make any decisions right away. If you feel pressurised I suggest saying something like: this is all a bit much to take in at the moment, please can we have some time to think and get back to you with questions? If they say "do you have any questions" and your mind has gone blank, try asking: well, what do most patients want to ask at this point? which will buy you a bit of time to think. (Tactics I learned from meetings in my office-job!).  I am sure someone else will be along here to add more advice. Good luck, LR.

Hi Emma and Pauline, it’s usual to have a face to face appointment for post hysterectomy histology results. The consultant or registrar will be able to tell you the confirmed grade and stage, and will tell you the recommended or suggested treatment plan. For me, I was told that my probable grade 1 stage 1a was still grade 1 but that the stage had gone up to a 2, and that radiotherapy would be recommended (external and internal). I didn’t have to decide then and there - the next step was to then wait for an appointment with my consultant oncologist to discuss all of this in more detail. I had that appointment a couple of weeks later, and it was then that, after discussion, the consultant oncologist asked me if I’d like to sign a consent form for that. I could have taken time to decide but I didn’t want to wait. That appointment was at the end of a February and I started my radiotherapy today. All the best for tomorrow.

Hi Emma and Pauline.  

I am not sure whether you can read too much into being asked for a face to face appointment - it will be to discuss the histology results and there will be a plan for if further treatment is recommended.  I had the results of mine over the phone, but that was more due to Covid restrictions I think - my consultant rang.  I then had an appointment with the oncologist a couple of weeks later, by which time I had prepared questions  I am glad you didn’t have to wait 16 weeks, that does seem extreme!  I think 4 weeks is much more usual.  

I think it is unlikely that they will want you to make any decision there and then - much more likely that they would make suggestions and allow you to ask any questions.  It would be completely normal to be able to go away and think about it all - it is a lot to take in and you do not want to feel rushed.

Good luck on Thursday- I will be thinking of you both  xx

Bramble65

Hi Emma and Pauline.

Things have changed since my op was right in the middle of the early days of Covid so a lot was done on the phone.

Whether it's good news or bad news it's best done face to face with your team or consultant. I was initially told by a nurse, I'd never met, via phone call that I had cancer. I remember putting the phone down and thinking it was a hoax.

If your histology has been completed they'll let you know the results as soon as possible. If further treatment is needed they will advise what it will be, how long it will take and possible side effects. You won't be pressured to signing consent forms but single treatments such as Brachytherapy, if that is only adjuvant treatment offered, for that the optimum time is 6 to 8 week following the hysterectomy. (Brachytherapy is also offered after a course of external radiotherapy)

The stages and grades of cancer, together with LVSI or Lymph node involvement play a big part in what treatment may be offered so your Oncologist will take everything into consideration. Having said that, I was stage 1b/grade 3 serous. I was only offered Brachytherapy and went along with them. In hindsight as I was grade 3 serous I wish I'd pushed for chemo as less than a year later I recurred.

Don't forget ask permission to record the conversation then you can play it back to clarify anything you've missed or misheard.

In the meantime, read the Chemotherapy Support thread and the Radiotherapy support thread for details of what to expect and side effects.

Sending hugs to you both, Barb xx

Hi Emma & Pauline,

I got a letter with an appointment to go to the hospital for my results which is normal but I wanted to know my results before I went so I could prepare myself. I called my specialist nurse who told me my results. Mine wasn't good news but yours might be. If I hadn't known I'd have not been able to take in everything at my appointment. It enabled me to ask questions. You will have time to decide what you want to do. They will give you treatment options & what they think is the right treatment for you

Good luck with everything! 

Sue x