endometrial carcinosarcoma

Hello 

Good to hear you’ve had your hysterectomy. I hope you’re taking things easy and recovering well from major surgery.

It sounds like you have some strong anxieties about whether the cancer has spread or not. Only the post op histology will say for sure, plus whatever the surgeon saw with the naked eye during the op. It’s really hard waiting for results and I do feel for you. Have you got a post op assessment / consultation  booked in? They’re usually around 3 weeks after surgery though I know some ladies have had to wait 4-6 weeks.

Lymph node removal isn’t routine in all areas - some think it quite controversial because of the potential for developing lymphodema later on.  It’s hard emotionally - I knew from the off that I had an aggressive serous endometrial adenocarcinoma (you can read my story by clicking on my name and reading my profile) - but we have to trust that our surgeons will do their best by us at every stage. The best advice I had at this stage was from my Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)  who encouraged me to concentrate on one day at a time and to focus on the immediate task of recovering from surgery. She said anything else could wait and looking back she was right. You could make a list of questions to ask at your follow up, or to ask your CNS by phone if you need to talk sooner than that (she will have access to your notes.) 

Now is the time to bring all your coping strategies into play, so some find talking helpful, others meditate, some of us (me included) pray. Mindfulness techniques are helpful too. I knit my way through recovery and adjuvant treatment because it occupies 2 hands and enough of the brain to help prevent the negative thoughts taking up squatters rights in my head. I still Knit now - it’s very therapeutic. Others sew or paint or do some other craft. As you regain your fitness you may find regular walks help you cope with the anxiety too. I think it was the lovely Alison  and the lovely  who both said that worrying doesn’t change anything but it does rob us of the peace and joy of this day. I do understand something of your fears and I know what it’s like to feel so stressed and worried. I also know that what Ive said is often easier said than done! If you can, try to distract yourself and plan some treats to look forward to - looking back, yes the first few weeks after surgery were fraught with worry but they also hold some previous memories of time with family and friends, of love  and laughter. 

I hope you won’t have to wait too long now. We are all here for you. Gentle hugs xx

Thank you for your reply and kind words. I have been in this place once before ( rectal cancer in 2011) but it doesn't make it any easier. Got my physical and mental strategies in place and it is good to know people like yourself who have also been there are around to help.