Hysterectomy

Hi GFmom, it’s great that your predicted grade is a 1 - for many women it stays the same at the post op histology. Some hospitals do a predicted stage as well, others don’t. Mine did and I was told predicted grade 1 stage 1A. Post op results were the grade stayed the same, but a few cancer cells were found on top of the cervix (near where the cancerous polyp was) and so I was restaged to a “technical” stage 2 and offered radio and brachy. I’ve been on this group since September 2021, and, from what I’ve seen in posts, for most women the grade seems more likely to stay the same, and the predicted stage usually stays the same but for a few goes up and for some it goes down. This may well be why your hospital has opted not to give a predicted stage - but they may well already have an idea. What sort of job do you do? How long you need off may depend on this. On average I’d say 6-8 weeks but I know some have returned to work as soon as after 4-5 weeks. 

Hi GF mom

I am pleased that your MRI showed no spread to lymph nodes. 

Grade 1 is good because it means that the cancer cells look similar to normal cells, there is little change and these types are less likely to spread and tend to be slow growing. Occasionally there can be some change but for grades- most people will stay the same. This is because they have tested the type of cells during the biopsy. Very occasionally they may pick up something post op, but it is unusual. 

I was given a provisional stage before surgery and at my hospital this is the norm. I was told stage 1-2. Stage can sometimes change but for most, my oncologist said, it would likely only go up or down slightly. This is because they can have a good idea from the scans but it is only when they do the surgery that they can have a closer look. So for a likely stage 1, occasionally a few stray cells could be found in the cervix so that would go to stage 2. If for example a few cells were found on the outer womb or fallopian tube, then again it may alter the stage slightly- but it would still be a local cancer. 

The staging and grading is what determines whether there is a need for any follow up treatment. My results came back 3 1/2 weeks post op. There can be a variation between hospitals and the length of time to get the results doesn't necessarily mean anything good or bad- it's just how busy they are. 

So to answer your question, there can occasionally be a little change, but more often than not the doctors get it right- they really are the experts and have the experience. A few other markers etc will come back with the post op which can also affect the treatment offered. But it is good news that your lymph glands are clear which would suggest an early stage. 

I was stage 1b and if I had only had the surgery, I would have felt well enough to return to work at around 6 weeks. However my job was long hours and very active/full on. If I had an office type job I would probably been ok at around 4/5 weeks. For me it was the extra treatments that meant not going back then and the effects of the treatment.

Not long to wait now for your hysterectomy and I would imagine that by Christmas you will be feeling a lot better and should be recovering well. 2 weeks post surgery, I was doing most things, just avoiding any heavy lifting, carrying shopping bags etc.

In the meantime we are here if you need us.

Jane