Wait between diagnosis and surgery

Hi Dolly3

Welcome to the womb group.

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis of endometrial cancer and can understand what a worrying time it is. 

My surgery was 4 weeks after my first symptom but there can be a lot of variation between hospitals and how busy they are. 

From having your diagnosis at the beginning of the month to your surgery is just over a month so that is not too bad really. Your provisional stage 1a means that they believe the cancer is at the very earliest of stages which means it is thought to be contained within your womb and has gone less than 50% into the muscle. This is good news. 

Once you have your surgery they will look at what is removed to get your post op results. It is these results that they use to see if any further treatment is necessary and if so what. Some ladies (particularly at stage 1a) may find surgery alone can remove the cancer. 

I can remember once I had my diagnosis, I just wanted it all taken out and I appreciate it is hard to wait. 

Perhaps use this time to prepare for the surgery and get things ready for recovery. I found the surgery was straightforward and I was home the next day. I had little pain and recovered quickly. 

I prepared by doing a big food shop, giving the house a good tidy and packing my bag for the hospital. I found comfy clothes the best and nothing tight around my tummy. I also moved some things downstairs so I would have everything close to hand. 

There is no heavy lifting, twisting etc for 6 weeks but I was able to go for walks everyday. Quick shopping trips were ok as long as someone carried it. 

I wish you well for your surgery and if there is anything you want to ask about, please do so. 

In the meantime, if talking things through would help, then please do give the Support Line a call. 

This link contains some information that may be helpful.

Womb cancer booklet | Macmillan Cancer Support

Jane

Thank you very much! 

I agree with Jane. I also did batch cooking and froze alot so we could have easy meals.

I was diagnosed in November 2021 and had my hysterectomy in January 2022. For me I found focussing on and shopping for my packing list helped - for example treated myself to a new light dressing gown and new slippers! I also treated myself to a long charging lead for my iPad and phone as I know the power points can be a bit of a way from the bed. Even though it was only likely to be an overnight stay (and it was) I wanted to feel like I was supporting myself and taking care of myself for that time. It helped me prepare and also helped me to feel I had a bit of control.

I did a huge shop. Stocked up cupboards and batch cooked. Also got a few ready meals for the freezer. Snacks and drinks etc.

Also got a few comfy clothes for recovery. Lounge type. Just made sure I had everything I needed to be able to relax and recover.