Yet another Newbie!

Hi Everone

With no cancer in my family, it came as a total shock to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I'm 67, a regular walker, slightly overweight (who isn't) and generally in very good health.

A couple of days after my 67th birthday I noticed spotting on my undies. At first I wasn't going to do anything about it, but when it happened a few days later, I mentioned it to my friend who insisted I get it checked out.

I had a phone consultation with my GP who referred me to a 2 week cancer screening pathway. I was confident it wasn't anything to worry about - no sudden weight loss, no pain, nothing!

After an ultrasound I had a hysteroscopy, which had to be done under an anaesthetic, and was told the biopsy results would take about 2 weeks. I was then sent for a MRI scan and then a CT scan. Having spent months avoiding people, I was constantly going in and out of hospital appointments.

I saw my consultant on 20th August and he was a little shocked I had not been told about my cancer diagnosis by a Doctor. I had found out from a secretary when I phoned to make sure the consultation wouldn't be a "just come back and have a check in 6 months time" as the appointment was at a hospital out of my county meaning a round trip of 5 hours drive. The secretary told me she was medically qualified to tell me and I found out I had cancer. Not the best way to find out, but in these horrible Covid 19 times, I would not blame anyone for lack of communication.

My consultant told me the cancer appears to be contained so a TLH should be successful. I'm self isolating at the moment, my operation is next Thursday so I'm going to stay at the Hospital Hotel the night before in order to be there for 7.15am I should be discharged on the Friday. Hopefully if the cancer is contained, no need for chemo.

I'm very calm, still in denial probably - these things don't happen to me. Had a couple of weepy sessions. But from the biopsy done on 17th July to the operation being done on 17th September, I can't thank our wonderful NHS enough - or my best friend who may have saved my life.

I think these forums will also prove to be life-savers, when you know you're not the only one facing the unknown it's a comfort to know others are in the same position.