In November I had a vaginal scan for slight vaginal spotting. Was told that I did not have cancer.
Fast forward to two weeks ago.I had a biopsy and removal of polyps under GA.Yestetday got the dreaded phone call. I have to have a CT scan,hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I wasn't told the grade of cancer and didn't want to know. However I assume it is aggressive.
Has anyone else gone through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. How did you cope and how were you at the other end of it.
I am having a difficult time coming to terms with this.I am not an optimistic person. Sometimes I think I will go mad. I am 72 have a lovely supportive husband and family, but I am so worried about them as well
Hi Charliebear70
I am sorry to hear that you have had a diagnosis of cancer. I remember what a scary time it was for me.
A scan is the normal next step after a diagnosis and will give a provisional stage of cancer- so where it is in the body.
I had my diagnosis in 2022. I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy and this was followed up with chemotherapy and then radiotherapy. I did not know I would need follow up treatment until after I had my post op results back. I remember feeling very overwhelmed at what may lay ahead.
My advice is to take one step at a time and focus on one thing at a time. First the scan. Then focus on preparing for the surgery. Hopefully it will be done quickly so you are not waiting too long. So think about what you will need for hospital, get things ready at home etc. Then focus on getting the surgery done and your recovery.
My surgery was straightforward. I spent one night in hospital and had little pain. I recovered well.
Chemo was hard at times but it was doable. Having a supportive husband and family will really help. My chemo was on a 21 day cycle and this seems the most common one with womb cancer. So it was one day in hospital. 20 days at home. Then the cycle repeated. I did have some side effects but on the whole these were manageable with medication and support. I kept a lot of hair as I did scalp cooling. With chemo is can be a case of going with the flow as people can be affected differently. I found with each cycle the first week was the worst and by the second week I felt a lot better.
I had external radiotherapy and had 25 sessions.
Looking back when treatment was done I felt very tired but relieved it was done. I then moved on to check ups and was seen every 12 weeks for 2 years. I am now on patient led follow up.
Mine was considered early stage but aggressive. I remain well from the original diagnosis.
It can be hard on those around you as well, I found but it does help to have people to share how you are feeling with.
We do have the Support Line available from 8am-8pm daily if you feel like talking to someone would help. Your family are also welcome to call.
As things start moving after the scan you will be given a cancer nurse specialist (CNS) and they will also be able to offer you support. If your experience is similar to mine things at the moment may feel a bit in limbo and you are still coping with the shock of it all. I found once I knew what was going to happen and when, things began to feel a bit more in control.
Please do ask if there is anything you need.
Jane
