Hello ladies,
I am 59 and postmenopausal. A week ago I started to have occasional spotting, light pink to reddish brown in color. A TV ultrasound 2 days ago revealed my endometrium is thickened at 17mm. I have many risk factors for endometrial cancer (overweight, no children, family history)
An endometrial biopsy was recommended, however my appointment is not for another 3 weeks. They do not seem concerned about the delay, which is frustrating to me.
In the meantime, I have developed cramping pelvic pain - just like the bad menstrual cramps I used to get - in addition to a feeling of pressure in my pelvis, along with diarrhea. I have also been losing weight over the past few months. (a silver lining? Pun intended 
) 
On top of this, as a former smoker, I had a screening lung CT a month ago which revealed 3 nodules in my lungs. At the time, I was told they would rescan in a year to monitor. But now I am concerned about possible metastasis from endometrial cancer.
I have read that my symptoms don't necessarily mean I have cancer, but my gut is telling me otherwise (I will admit to consulting with Dr. Google, who, as we all know, doesn't always have the best bedside manner)
My question to all of you lovely ladies is two part.
1. If it's not cancer, what would explain both bleeding and cramping pain?
2. Have any of you had, or do you know of anyone who has had, both bleeding and cramping + other symptoms, along with a significantly thickened endometrium, had it not turn out to be cancer?
Thanks so much for reading my long post. I'm just scared, and I'm so glad to have found thus forum. I have read many of your stories, and I am thoroughly impressed by the strength, and the kindness, of each of you. 
️
Hello Katharinelk
Welcome to the Womb group.
I am sorry to hear that you are having some concerning symptoms and are worried that this could be endometrial cancer. I understand your fears but you have done the right thing in getting these checked out.
Waiting the 3 weeks for the biopsy will be hard but it is the only thing that will be able to confirm whether there is cancer present or whether something else could be causing your symptoms. I would suggest that it might be an idea to call your hospital today and ask if it is possible to be put on a short notice cancellation list. It may get you a short notice appointment. Also it is worth checking that this is on an Urgent referral.
In answer to your questions;
Bleeding can be caused by the hyperplasia (thickened womb lining), atrophy of the womb lining, fibroids, polyps amongst other things. As you are having diarrhoea, the cramping could possibly be related.
My symptoms were a heavy bleed. I did later on have a feeling of pressure, slight cramping- but it was the bleed that was the main signal something wasn't right.
I wonder if it would be helpful to give the Support Line a call and talk things through with one of the nurses- they would be trained to talk you through your symptoms and what they could mean. The details are below.
It is natural to Google- I know I did but looking back most of it was out of date and not that accurate. You have symptoms that do need investigating but with they normally try to rule out the most serious possible causes first and that is what they are doing with the biopsy.
Hope this helps, but if you need anything else- do please ask
Jane
Hi Katherine
I took paracetamol before hand.
Everyone is different in how they find the biopsy and remember if they start and you feel like you are not managing or if it is too painful. You can ask them to stop.
For me the painful part was where they go through the cervix- if you count to 10 that bit is done. It was a pushing sensation and a sort of cramp feeling. Other than that it was ok. When they do the actual biopsy bit they use 2 flexible straws and it sort of sucks the tiny tissue sample out. Some people say they get a bit of period type pain but for me it was ok.
I did feel a bit light headed due to bleeding and the anxiety of the situation but i was very well looked after. A cup of tea and biscuit afterwards and some TLC from the nurses and I was fine.
At home I did feel a bit washed out for the rest of the day and had some light bleeding for a couple of days. For me the thought of it was worse than what actually happened.
What helped me was that the nurse who would be doing the procedure phoned me at home and talked me through what would happen. Looking back I think the whole appointment was around an hour but there was going through medical history first and afterwards time to recover.
Hope this helps
Jane
