Now have diagnosis

At least now you know exactly what you're dealing with. I was lucky that my surgery could be done laparascopicaly, which meant only an overnight stay andba very quick recovery. I am sorry to hear, that yours has to be an incision. Sadly the removal of the omentum makes no difference to the size of your stomach! Luckily for me, my childcare duties were over, as both our grandchildren are in school and our son in law works from home and can be quite flexible, but you're right, it can affect the whole family. Such a shame about your holiday, but keep in mind, this time next year, you'll be through surgery and any post operative treatment and things will look so much different. My worst time emotionally was after I was told, I would require both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. I sobbed down the phone to my CNS, who was amazing! Up to that point I hadn't shed a tear! Remember, it's alright to cry and feel sorry for yourself sometimes. This is happening to you. We're all here to support you and I will post updates regularly, as to how both my treatmentsbare going. Take care, stay strong and positive and you will get through this.x

As Love to walk says, you now know what to expect in terms of your diagnosis. Well done for staying calm and positive but if you need to shed a tear or two don't hold those emotions in. Most ladies find that things can move quite quickly after a formal diagnosis - scans, pre op assessment, appointment with the surgeon - so less time to think about other things. I had a 3 night stay in hospital after my total abdominal hysterectomy, it would of been 2 if I'd managed to 'open my bowels' earlier! No room for embarrassment after a major op. But the doctor on the ward was quite strict about that. However, despite the abdominal incision I had very little pain - just felt a bit uncomfortable. I even had a little walk round the ward the day after my op.  It's understandable that you're disappointed about your holiday with your family  but, as you say, there's always next year. Your focus will be on your operation and recovery.  You will receive lots of avice and support from this forum, feel free to ask anything you want. Take care. xx

Hi Jkg, I’m glad you felt able to share your update with us. When is your holiday booked for? My hysterectomy was 8.5 weeks after my staging scan. How quickly it all happens varies from hospital to hospital.

Mine too was 6 and a half weeks post CT scan.

Holiday is beginning of September.i would certainly hope I am on for surgery before then.

Well, I can understand you hoping for that, but with your staging scan not happening for a couple of weeks, then waiting for the MDT to process your results and make a plan, and then waiting for you to have your pre-op assessment and then be allocated an op date, it might not. When we get diagnosed with cancer, it’s such a big thing for us and we imagine things will happen quickly but often they don’t. 

I’d recommend contacting your CNS and asking her what she thinks. She will be best placed to know what the current operating schedule is like - especially as summer holidays may mean consultants/surgeons may be on holiday. It would be a shame to cancel your holiday without checking as you might be doing so needlessly.

Hi

Yes I will speak to them but I know from being a medical secretary in our hospital although in a different department it is quite good for cancer treatment

 My scans will be reported by a Radiologist and he will flag it up to the MDT. I'm told if I had my scan on a Tuesday the MDT is Friday, they will ring me and then get me into the Consultant to hear the plan. You are right that sometimes Summer Holidays get in the way but I'm still hopeful. I won't be cancelling holiday until I know for definite that I would have to miss it.

Jkg, my hospital has an excellent reputation for cancer treatment. They’re a university teaching hospital and at the forefront for research and treatments. But they are busy. To give you an idea, my CNS told me that at the weekly MDT meeting they usually have at least 50 cases to review and it can be nearer the hundred mark. With progresses in cancer research/testing, more and more cancers are being detected early, especially gynae, which is great but increases the workload. And of course as surgery happens frequently with endometrial cancer, that then involves not just the gynae cancer surgeons and nurses etc but also general nursing and theatre staff, so it’s a complicated scenario - which means it can take time, especially for women in your situation needing a 3-4 day stay not an overnight or one day stay (which will also require planning and scheduling) 

Hello Jkg

I am sorry that you have been told that it is a high grade cancer but there are quite a few of us on here in a similar position so you are not on your own. Mine was also a grade 3- carcinoma sarcoma- although that wasn't confirmed until after my post op pathology came back. 

I had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy last year and finished treatment at the end of September. It wasn't easy at the time but it is surprising what you can be capable of when you have no choice. I also felt quite calm when I was told and I think we all react differently and all along I have just tried to go with the flow. Some days were better than others.

It sounds like you have your family around and they will be a great support and motivation. It's a shame about your holiday but hopefully by this time next year you will be able to do it. 

Yes, a cancer diagnosis has a knock on effect on our families but I found it also bought us closer together. With the childcare it may be worth contacting local nurseries as they are lowering the age for the funding in September. 

I hope that they get you in for your surgery quickly and you are not waiting too long.

If there is anything that you want to ask or need help for please just ask.

Jane

Hi

I was actually just reading your story. I suppose the radiotherapy effects everyone differently but it sounds like you had a tough time. I will just take each stage as it comes. It is worrying to have this going on inside me and I want it gone asap. The waiting game is awful but I'll have to get used to it. Whilst I am feeling ok physically it is easier to  block it all out but I know there will be times I'm not so strong and this forum will help.