Just had my diagnosis

Hi zigoin123

I didn't want to read and run and this is the first time I've posted on here...but I've been reading all the forums daily for the last 3 weeks and it's been such a great support and the ladies are all amazing. My story is my mom was diagnosed nearly 4 weeks ago with womb cancer (serous) kind which from what I've read on here it's a little more rarer than the common one. And as I'm sitting here writing this I'm waiting patiently for my dad to phone me to tell me my mom has come back to the ward after her surgery(full hysterectomy) and I believe she is having everything removed including the omen tum you mentioned we was also told there's a possibility of chemo and radiotherapy afterwards depending on histology reports. 

I have suffered with health anxiety since having my 1st son and cancer was the trigger up until 4 weeks ago I couldn't even say the word without shivering since it has now happened/happening  to my mom I can honestly say it isn't as scary as I thought (I know it's not me going through it) but my mom is my everything and we are battling together and it's def not all doom and gloom and this site although I've never posted has helped tremendously and I'm sure the lovely ladies will support you through it all xxx 

Wishing you all the best xxx

Hello Smileshigh, thank you for your feedback.  I do hope you get that phone call soon and all is well.  It is truly a terrifying time, whether it affects you directly or one close to you.  I'd be interested to know your Mum's journey and diagnosis if you feel like sharing.  

You are right, this forum is proving to be a wonderful source of knowledge and sympathy.

Hi Zigoin,

The different stages mentioned might be bacause they usually confirm stage (spread of cancer) and grade (rate of growth) after the operation when they have taken e everything back to the lab and tested it. Once they have those results they will usually meet with a team of different medical professionals and discuss whether you need any extra treatment. My initial diagnosis was stage 1a, grade 1 and my final histology confirmed that diagnosis, I just needed surgery to treat me. The site has lots of lovely women with different experiences and tips to share.

Treatment and what's removed usually depends on the individual and the health authority area, they do different things in different places, do you have a clinical nurse specialist that you can call who can talk you through why they are removing the omentum in your case? For me they removed my cervix, womb, tubes and ovaries, but I know it does differ from person to person.

The initial diagnosis is a big shock and there's no 'normal' way to react, we are all here for you and know how it feels, it helps to keep busy and distracted whilst you wait for surgery, we have lots of tips for the op, when you need them just ask. I'm sorry your old health centre missed things, it sounds like you have made a good move, gp wise.

lots of love 

xxx

Hi again

No I don't mind sharing at all I've actually found it better talking about it all : )

So I've literally just walked back through the front door it wasn't good : ( she looked very poorly and could barely speak to us but she has literally just come back from threatre so I guess I was naive to think she would be up and walking. The nurse told us the op went well and that they managed to go through the vagina as opposed to a full abdominal cut. I didn't ask any more questions! I just reminded my mom she's over the first hurdle and I'm praying when I go see her tomorrow she will be feeling better. 

So back to moms story a she's 62 year old (acts 21) diabetic post menopausal ! Who thinks shes invincible : )  so about 6 weeks ago she asked me to get her a docs app so I knew something must be bad as she never goes doctors! She told me she had spotted blood about 3 times over 4/ 6 weeks no other symptoms! When she got there the Dr put her in the 2 week hospital wait... again we wasn't concerned just knew it was standard! So she went to the hospital and they did her a ultrasound scan then an internal apparently the Dr said her whole womb lining was very thick and asked if they could biospy there and then which they did.... we heard absolutely nothing for 2 weeks so I just thought no news is good news! She then went back to her own gp to get a sick note and he literally said to her 'o you have cancer you know ' which knocked her off her chair! So we called the hospital who confirmed it and she was seen a week later! She has been diagnosed with grade 1 serous carcinoma(some of the ladies on here have had this type) they told her that the hysterectomy will remove everything then it will all be sent to histology where they will stage it and see if further treatment is needed...I think it will be after reading these forums! And here we are today she's over the major part but now it's another few waits of waiting which I think is absolutely horrendous but it's got to be done! And as you say it is truly terrifying at the start of it all but once they get your treatment plan and you know what's happening I guess it does get easier! 

Have they said any more to you about the type and what treatments you may need?  Also have you got good support from friends and family? 

Ps I hope you havnt fell asleep reading the above it feels good just writing it out! I've had to be a rock these last week's as I have 3 boys who worship their nan and I ive had to act like nothings happening plus I'm due my 4th in 5 weeks!!!! 

Keep smiling xxx

DearZigoin123

I am very sorry to hear your news. You have chosen the right forum. Everyone here is very supportive and will listen to you and provide you with lot of information. Please do try to be  positive. Please try not to read google Dr. It is very misleading and some of the info is very old. 

Lots of  

Rahman 

Hello Zigoin123, I'm sorry for the reasons you find yourself here, but welcome. I hope you'll soon feel at home with us.
My gynae-oncologist removed my omentum during my hysterectomy procedure. He said that womb cancer can spread to the omentum (an area rich in lymph nodes, blood vessels etc£ and cancer can recur there so it was his opinion that I'd be better without iit. As I had an aggressive serous type of cancer I was happy with his decision.

The run up to the op can be an anxious time. You say you feel shell shocked and that's not surprising. A cancer diagnosis is hard to process and there's so much happening in a relatively short period of time. I think it's true to say that many of us found we didn't really begin to process everything until after the operation itself. I'd just say be kind to yourself over the next few weeks. You may find you go through a whole range of feelings over the next few weeks and that's very normal. I found it helped to keep things as normal as I could in the run up to the op because it gave me some control at a time when lots of things were suddenly out of my control.

I hope all goes well. If you have any questions, we're all happy to listen and to help where we can x

Hello Smileshigh, a warm welcome to you too. I'm glad you've had the courage to post. I "lurked" for quite a while before I posted too! I'm very sorry to hear about your Mum's diagnosis but pleased to hear she' had her surgery yesterday. You'll probably find that she looks a little better today and the nurses may well have her up and sat in a chair and/or walking round the bed. It may be a few days before she starts to feel "human" because the anaesthetic lingers in your body fir a while. Once it's gone things seem to improve.

You say that you've been struggling with anxiety since you found out about your Mum's diagnosis. It's a difficult time for everyone involved. It's obvious from what you say that you want to look after your Mum and that you're also a full time Mum too and perhaps have little time for yourself, but please can I gently encourage you to take steps to look after yourself too. Do you have someone you can "off load" to? It can help to speak to someone who isn't emotionally involved. Your local Macmillan centre will offer a range of support services for you and your Mum and it might be worth giving them a call if you feel you need a little extra support. You can ring the helpline On 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) and they can tell you where your nearest centre is.

I am one of the serous ladies on the forum. I had serous endometrial adenocarcinoma staged 3c1 after my op. I needed adjuvant treatment and finished treatment 21/2 years ago. You can read my story by clicking on my name above and going to my profile. There have been difficult days but the good days now outnumber the bad ones and I hope you and your Mum will find that true for you too.

Sending you both lots of good wishes x

Thank you Arla.  I feel better today having had a good mull over things yesterday.  First and foremost I cannot say how pleased I am my new GP was so very thorough.  Went through absolutely everything on my records with me and made an immediate referral.  However, as said by my CNS, we are where we are and we have to focus step by step on what lies, or may lie ahead.  

The general consensus was that surgery alone would be needed, but I cannot rely on that I'm afraid, so I have to plan for all eventualities, in degrees.

I believe the Omentum will be removed because as I am a Type 2 Diabetic (though very well controlled), there is a risk the cancer could spread and hide out there.  So my option would be to remove it along with all the other gubbins.  

I now have my date, 17 September, so I now need to start making lists of things to do, things to get and 'How To' instructions for my husband...Say no more.

Thank you for the response, it is reassuring.  And Yes, the forum seems kind, interested and informative.  I shall stay in touch.

XxX

Hello Fairycake, thank you for responding.  I am realising how reassuring the forum is, so I thank everyone for that.

Whilst I am a logical ordered sort of person I do know that I am going to have wobbles.  However, there is lots to plan and do.  But I will  make sure to take time out for myself.  

Thank you

XxX

Thank you Rahman, your words are comforting.

XxX