Hi all, my histology results from the hysterectomy showed that the cancer had spread to my cervix and that was removed during the op anyway, my surgeon said he would advise radiotherapy, but when I saw the oncologist on Friday she said she strongly advice chemo too as my cancer is stage 2 grade 3. She suggest 4-6 rounds of chemotherapy (Paclitaxel) followed by radiotherapy and more chemo (carbocation) I was surprised but I take their advice on board and have agreed to what she suggests, I went immediately for blood tests and an ECG and now have to wait for a PIK line as my veins are not brilliant. I am also still suffering with leg pain and now arm pains which feel muscular to me so she is checking everything out. I will also be having another scan.
I am dreading losing my hair and she has put me down for the cold cap but she said it may not help. Looks like wearing hats all winter or looking at wigs, but that is a small price to pay if it prevents the cancer from coming back. Feel a bit down about it all but I have to get on with it. Hope everyone is doing well
Hi Kimi
I am sorry to hear that your histology shows the need for chemo and that it was unexpected.
I was in a similar position myself in 2022. I was told maybe some radiotherapy may be needed depending on histology but not chemo. When my results came back I was told I needed chemo (carboplatin and paclitaxel) and also 25 sessions of external beam radiotherapy.
I was a stage1b and a grade 3. Most grade 3 cancers would suggest that chemo would be needed- although there can occasionally be exceptions as the follow up treatment is decided on the whole post op results- molecular/genetic factors. LVSI are also important.
I was really worried to be told that I would need the treatments but like you I took the advice of the consultant. Both treatments were not easy at times but they were no where near as bad as I had been concerned about. They were both doable. Where I had side effects- they were on the whole manageable with medication.
I also did scalp cooling and for me I feel it was successful. I will pop a link that has info about hair care etc and these things can really help increase the chances of it working.
The Changing Faces of Cancer- Scalp cooling, Hair loss and Regrowth. - Macmillan Online Community
I am sorry to hear that you are having some pains in your legs and arms and it is good that these are being checked out.
It is understandable to feel down about it all- especially when the treatments were unexpected. If there is anything you want to ask about, please do so. I found the time between being told the treatments were needed and them actually starting was tough. I had all these worries in my mind. Once I did the first chemo session and knew what to expect and how it may affect me- things felt easier. My advice is to focus on one treatment and one appointment at a time as if you look to far ahead at what is in front of you it can feel a bit overwhelming.
If it would help to talk things through we do have the Support Line available from 8am-8pm each day. There are many lovely ladies on here who have also had higher grade cancers and needed the same treatments so if you want to ask anything, please do so.
I wish you well with your treatments.
Jane
Hey Kimi33
Hope you're doing OK this morning and that your call with your telephone buddy goes well. If you do want to discuss who your buddy call is with, we'd recommend giving the support line a call on 0808 808 0000. They'll be able to look into this for you.
Please know we have this hair loss information page which i hope you find useful. We have information on there about wigs, hats, scalp care and more to help you deal with hair loss.
Please do let us know if we can assist you with anything else Kimi33, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Best Wishes,
Wayne
Macmillan Online Community Team
Its understandable, it is a scary time- but once the first one is done- if your experience is like mine- it will feel a lot easier. I knew nothing about chemo before having it other than what is seen in films/books/media etc. My experience in the end was nothing like that. I was on a 21 day cycle- seems to be the common one with endometrial cancer- and day 1 I was at the hospital-home later that day and then 20 days at home.
I felt rough for the first week and by the 2nd I felt more human. Washed out- a bit like when you have been poorly but are getting better. I was able to go to the shops and have walks etc. I did see friends and family regularly and that helps. I just had to pace myself and avoid infections.
People can be affected differently but when they go through all the potential side effects- it can be overwhelming. For me it was aches and pains- like flu feeling, tummy effects, fatigue that were the main ones. I did find that the effects built up with each cycle- particularly the fatigue. You'll be given a 24 hour number to call so you will be able to contact the hospital at any time for help.
Break it all down into one appointment at a time and try to focus on that. Listen to your body and it will tell you when to rest. You will have a review each cycle- mine were done by phone and you will also have regular bloods taken to keep an eye on things. Where I did have side effects there was often medication that could help.
I hope that your call with the Macmillan Buddy goes well. I can understand why you would prefer a female Buddy. Perhaps give the Support Line a quick call and ask about the Buddy. They should be able to help you. Number is at the end of this.
Jane
