Apologies if this seems inferior, I apologise.
Peri-menopausal 48 year old who began significant bleeding in Feb 24 after 18 months on HRT (combined). 3 x hysteroscopy in March, July then Devember under GA (other's not). Consultant was waiting when I woke up to apologies that she hadn't seen anything in July but no more explanation than that. On 31st December I was asked to see another Consultant where I was told that the Endometrial Polyp removed was showing signs of cancer & had been sent for a 2nd opinion. In the meantime I needed urgent MRI & CT scans - all of which were clear. The sample was then sent to Birmingham for a erd opinion but Oxford had advised full hysterectomy as it was more likely a rare sarcoma. My operation is this Thursday but I am confused & want answers. I did all my Cancer nurse last week to go through this & she said that sometimes they just can't be 100% sure either way & for that reason the risks is too high not to do anything.
Has anyone been through this? Any advice is really welcome.
Thank you.
Hi VGB
Welcome to the Womb group. You are very welcome to post here- do not worry.
With womb cancer there can be different types. Most endometrial cancers start in the glandular tissue in the inside of the womb. There are however some other rarer types that can start in the muscle or the connective tissues. These types may be sarcoma. There can also be types that contain both carcinoma and sarcoma cells- mine was one.
Soft tissue sarcomas can originate in the womb but can also start elsewhere in the body.
It sounds like they have found some cancer in the polyp but that because it was a rarer type that it was sent to be looked at by experts. This can sometimes be sarcoma experts. Because they are rarer and there are potentially different types then it can be harder for them to be 100% sure.
It sounds like they are sure enough to recommend the hysterectomy but that are perhaps not completely sure as to which type and that the safest thing is to have the surgery. As the MRI and CT scans have come back clear it sounds very hopeful that anything has been contained within the womb.
It is routine after a hysterectomy for everything that is removed to be sent to pathology for a detailed analysis. So any provisional grade (type of cancer) and provisional stage (where the cancer is) is confirmed after the surgery.
I would think that you post op results will confirm more and give more detail as to whether it is a sarcoma or not and if so which type.
I can understand that it is confusing and you want answers and I am glad that you managed to talk it through with your nurse.
I wish you well for your surgery on Thursday. In the meantime if there is anything you need you know where we are.
Jane
Hi Vikkie
It can all feel very overwhelming.
My hysterectomy was in April 22. It was done via key hole and was straightforward. I was in for one night and home the next day. I had very little pain and recovered well. It was a case of not lifting anything too heavy or twisting. I was able to walk around in my hospital room within a couple of hours and was walking around the ward the following morning. I was able to get up and about and went shopping within a few days (I had someone carry my bags) and went for regular walks during my recovery. It was a case of pacing myself, giving myself time to rest and not over doing things.
Its natural to feel nervous when facing something new but once I knew there was cancer, I just wanted it out as soon as possible.
Maybe spend the next few days getting ready for the surgery. I did a big shop and a big tidy up so everything I needed was to hand. I also bought some new comfy clothes- nothing tight around the waist etc. Also think about what you will take to hospital and pack ready- it can help to focus on that.
Good Luck
Jane
