Getting real now

Good idea to take your husband and notes. I found I was ok when I got the staging and grade info, as I already new it was cancer and that I would require a full hysterectomy. However, when I had my follow up appointment with the oncologist, then I was very overwhelmed, by what she told me would be required as follow up treatment and because my husband also went into shock and neither of us took notes, I needed to have another face to face appointment 2 weeks later! Good luck with your appointment and until you're actually told it's cancer, try and stay positive. Keep posting, as you might find, like me, that the support of this group is invaluable.

Hi Jkg, I got my results over the phone as it was in the post lockdown phase where things were quite strict still. I still remember that phone call as it felt like an express train rushing through a station without stopping. I struggled to retain what she told me and at one stage I asked her to stop talking for a but so I could take it all in. I made notes. I also asked what grade and type it was. The consultant may give you the contact details for your CNS (Cancer Nurse Specialist) - if not, ask for them as our CNS are a wonderful source of support (usually Monday to Friday office hours). I phoned mine straight after I was told so that she could go over it again with me. If it is cancer, the next step is likely to be a scan to assess the predicted stage. I had mine a week after plus a chest X ray. Some hospitals do MRI for this, some CT, some both. I had an MRI. I didn’t tell my adult children about the cancer until I’d had the MRI and the results as I knew their next question would be re what stage etc. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Feel free to click on my name and read my story.

Hi Jkg, it's understandable that you feel anxious about tomorrow's appointment. It's good that your husband will be there to support you, it can help with taking in all the information. I'm single so went to all my appointments on my own but often felt I should have asked more questions than I did. I shed a few tears when I was given my diagnosis but then composed myself, especially when the gynaecologist said it could be treated with a hysterectomy. Once I got into the swing of my treatment plan  - scans, pre-op assessment, appointment with surgeon - I felt more positive. Good luck with your appointment. x

The Registrar after hysteroscopy told me I would need a hysterectomy and ovaries taking out. She seemed quite surprised at how heavy and bulky my uterus was as if I should have had more symptoms. Throughout I've been asked if I'm up to date with smearse. s I am, had my last one at aged 64 and was told all was well, now I wonder if that's right. I've been just concentrating on getting surgery done then start recovering bit of course there are the as yet unknown add ons to get through.  I've read your story and found it interesting. I'll definitely keep posting

Have just updated my profile, if it's of any interest to you.

Hello Jkg

It is good that you have had the phone call to go in tomorrow and get your results. You say that you already know that it is cancer so although it is scary I would try and think of it as finding out what needs to happen next and an opportunity to ask questions. It is a good idea to take your husband and for him to make notes. I found it hard to focus when they said it out loud. At my hospital I had a nurse in with me and after talking to the consultant she took me to a separate room and went through things with me. She also gave me booklets and further information about what I could expect next. In my case I saw the consultant on the Friday and I had a hysterectomy on the Monday. 

If you have any questions maybe consider writing them down and taking them with you. It may help. 

I wish you luck for tomorrow and please do let us know how you get on

Jane

Hi

Just read it. Sounds like I am on a long journey. 

Thanks, I will.

I was called in for my last results and it was atypia hyperplasia, so not quite cancer yet, just because you have been called in doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cancer, I hope it’s not x

Some hospitals always give results face to face.

Jkg, JFYI re smears, they only cover the “underside” of the cervix, not the top of the cervix and certainly not the endometrium.