My mum was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in October, initially assessed as grade 3, stage 1. She had an MRI and CT scan in early November, which did not show any spread beyond the uterus. She then underwent surgery in mid-November to remove the cancer.
During the operation, the surgical team also took additional biopsies from surrounding areas. The post-operative pathology results later showed microscopic spread to the peritoneum, which meant the cancer was upstaged to stage 4. Chemotherapy has now been recommended.
I am still trying to understand how the peritoneal involvement was not detected on the earlier MRI and CT scans, and whether this means the spread was already present but too small to be seen on imaging, or if it may have progressed in the time between the scans and surgery.
At the moment, we are waiting for kidney function tests and blood tests to confirm she is fit to start chemotherapy.
I would really appreciate advice on:
Whether there are any supplements or nutritional support she can safely take at this stage
Whether Nestlé Oral Impact is appropriate before and after chemotherapy
What the next steps usually look like in this situation
And whether there is anything important she should prepare or do in advance of chemotherapy (nutrition, rest, medications, lifestyle adjustments, or warning signs to watch for)
Any guidance or clarification would be very helpful, as this has been a lot to process.
Hi Vincentl
I am really sorry to hear that your Mum's cancer was more advanced than previously thought. I understand that this may have come as a shock and it is a worrying time.
Where the spread is microscopic it could well be missed on previous scans as the cells would possible have been too small to see. Any grading and staging before surgery is provisional and sometimes post op results can be not quite as expected. it sounds like the surgeon was very thorough in checking the area and taking further samples.
I understand that it is worrying to hear that chemo is needed. My own chemo was in 2022.
To answer your questions.........
Any supplements and nutritional support before or during chemo- it is best to check with her CNS/consultant. There can be the possibility of interactions between the chemo drugs and the medication that is needed to take alongside. Even vitamin supplements, I was told to check first.
Nestle Oral Impact- again, its best to check. Hopefully it would be fine. And it is a good idea to look at diet etc to make sure mum is as fit and well as she can be to help better cope with the chemo.
Preparing for chemo- Mum will have a chemotherapy consents appointment that will involve talking through the chemo regime (there are different ones) and the possible side effects of any medication. It will also go through things to look out for, where to get help etc. She will also be given a SEPSIS card and a 24 hour number for the hospital.
This link has some general information.
Chemotherapy for womb cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
From personal experience family support will make a big difference to Mum. Things like helping her with travel to the hospital. Helping out at home where needed etc. My chemo was carboplatin and paclitaxel and it was on a three week cycle. For the first week I did feel rough but by the second week I felt a bit better. By the 3rd week I was able to do a lot of things. I would say it is best for mum to listen to her body. Rest in the first week is important. By the 2nd week I could go out and about more. Also people can be differently affected by chemo.
The blood tests that mum is having to check she is fit for chemo is the normal next step. I would expect her to be given an appointment next to confirm the details of her chemo and what will happen and when.
If there is anything you need, please do ask. I wish your Mum well with her treatment. There are many ladies on here who have gone through chemo and who will want to offer support.
We also have the Support Line available from 8am-8pm daily if you or Mum feel like talking things through would help.
Jane
