Scared, anxious and stressed

Hello Janny

Like you I have suffered for over three years.  Spotting, constant UTI's and a GP who just didn't want to help.  When we moved to Devon two months ago I had my new customer appointment with my new GP.  The result was an immediate two week referral.  I had the ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound done.  The same evening my GP phoned to say prepare yourself for a hysterectomy.  We had a long but honest discussion.  The next step was a biopsy and D&C under GA.  Within four days I was told I had cancer.  Graded at 2 but staging not until after the operation. And to be honest it was a relief to a) know that I had been listened to and b) that something was going to be done.  I left with a 'plan', a named Macmillan nurse and a new sense of direction, to get the damn thing out and get to the next hurdle.  My surgery is next Tuesday.  Yes I'm scared of the surgery and the next steps if indeed I need any further treatment.  All I can tell you is to focus on what is good in your life, when you feel anxious take deep breaths and think about what you are going to do in the next hour, the next day, the next week and tell yourself 'its okay', 'i'm ok' 'everything is ok'.  

Hi Janny,

I had symptoms for many years before I went to the doctor, I was too scared, I was pre menopause and didn't even know womb cancer existed when I was diagnosed. Try and not worry too much about the past and focus on what you know now, your cervix looks healthy (which is good to know) and you have a scan booked in which will highlight any other problems pretty soon. My mum had post menopausal bleeding and had an ultrasound and then a hysteroscopy and it found fibroids, so she didn't need any other treatment. 

Any questions or worries just ask us, we have probably all shared the same fears

xxx

Hi all. I am new to the group. I have just been given my two week referral after bleeding like a period seven years into menopause. I’ve been a fool and Googled and an now convinced I have womb canc. The hospital letter also filled me with dread and states that it was a test for cancer. I have hidden it from my ten year old. I am terrified. I can’t eat properly and am having anxiety attacks. Iost my sister to brain cancer eleven years ago, my dad ten years ago to stomach cancer and now I am scared it’s history repeating itself. Please please give me some words of support before I self coust.

Hi bobbler,

As you have hopefully read in this thread, there are other non cancerous reasons for bleeding however you are definitely doing the right thing by getting checked out so quickly. Try and keep busy and distracted whilst you wait and if you think you need a little extra help with your anxiety whilst you wait you could  speak to your gp who will hopefully be able to help. I find mindfulness videos from you tube good to relax my mind and help me sleep. Womb cancer found early is often treatable with a hysterectomy only, some young women in the group are being treated with hormone therapy. 

im so sorry about your sister and dad, I can't imagine what you have been through. You have found a safe place to wait and please ask any questions or worries that you have and we can hopefully share our experiences and help.

lots of love

xxx

Thanks very much. I’m so confused right now. Last week I was in Greece with my family and this week I’m scared I’ve got cancer. It doesn’t feel real. To the outside world all is good, I’m very good at hiding my feelings. I’ve had to be. All the best to you and thank you for taking the time to talk to me. Lots of love 

Hi Alisa,

The waiting is the worst part, its torture, when you have a plan things are so much better. Have you got any plans or hobbies you can use to keep you occupied whilst you wait? It really helps

xxx

I’m self employed silver smith, I keep busy making shiny things My husband is working away at the mom which doesn’t help but he is back on Friday and coming to my appointment with me. 

Thanks for replying it makes the world of difference to have someone who knows what I am going through 

Hi Bobbler (Alisa), Janny and Zigoin, there's lots of great advice here from the lovely ladies. I just want to say "hello" and to say that whilst things may seem bleak right now iit does get better. I'm 21/2years on from the end of treatment (surgery, chemo and radiotherapy). It's been tough going at times but the good days now outnumber the bad days. I won't say do t worry because I know you will, but I would say hone your coping strategies and try not to let the worry take over so much that it blinds you to all the good things that are still in your lives. Looking back, those early days of diagnosis and treatment hold some good and precious memories for me and I hope that in time they will for you too. Sending you all gentle hugs. You're not alone - we are standing with you. x

Thank you and still hoping it’s a positive outcome and something unrelated to cancer. Here’s hoping and congratulations to you x