Pre-Cancerous Cells turned out to be cancer!

 Hi  NSS and a warm welcome to our little corner of the Online Community. I'm sorry to read you had to go through the double whammy of hearing you had cancer again.

Here on this forum you'll find a lovely group of supportive ladies who have all been exactly where you are now. A possibility of cancer diagnosis brings all sorts of stress and fears and if anyone can hold your hand and reassure you we will. We're all at the start, in the middle or the end of what can only be described as a roller-coaster ride. The ride no-one wants to get on.

Before my hysterectomy, my biopsy histology pointed to Stage 1A grade 1 cancer. After the op I was regraded to stage 1B, grade 3. The op removed the 4cm tumour, my lymph nodes and LVSI were clear, however the peritoneal wash revealed some malignant cells. Therefore as a belt & braces method to prevent recurrence I had 3 x Brachytherapy sessions, painless but undignified.

Once you see your radiotherapy consultant things will be clearer. If you want to ask any of us any questions please come back and do so. There's always someone around and we can offer a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold or listen to a rant, we’re here for you.

When you have a minute, it would be helpful if you could pop something about your  journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. (It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself.) To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can update it at any time and if you're not sure what you should write have a quick look at mine by clicking on my username.

It might also be a good idea to download this booklet Understanding Womb (Endometrial) Cancer I found it invaluable in my journey. 

It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear. It's free to call on 0808 808 00 00  8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Have a look to see what is available by Clicking here .

There is also an Ask an Expert section, but you should allow two working days for replies from our expert team.

To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section. 

Sending you welcoming hugs, B xx 

Thank you for your warm welcome.  I do feel slightly reassured after seeing the Radiotherapy Consultant.  She says was staged at 1b and contained. However risk is low to intermediate so internal radiotherapy is going to start.  As they didn’t think I had cancer they are going to do either a CT or MRI scan which they would have done prior to hysterectomy.  I can’t remember which one. I’m worried something will show up and also I get a bit claustrophobic.  She said they hadn’t checked lymph nodes as cancer only showed up after a biopsy!  However she said everything has been taken away so she was optimistic.  I find it very hard living with test results at the back of my mind.  Do other people feel the same?

Hello there NSS, welcome to the forum.  My experience was a small amount of post menopausal bleeding. I thought I had a polyp, but after a ultrasound scan and biopsy they found cancer cells so last August I went straight to hysterectomy, no further investigations. 

I was graded at Grade1 Stage 1b, my surgeon explained Stage 1 b meant the cancer had grown more than 50% through the wall of the womb. If it had been less than 50% no further treatment would have been needed, but as it was over ( they didn’t tell me by how much, said that was just the cut off point) he advised three sessions of brachytherapy (internal radiation) to cut my chances of recurrence from about 85% to 7%. He said it was a 'belt and braces' approach and some women decide not to have it, so I agonised for a bit then said yes, do it! Like you I was very disappointed that although the cancer was gone they were still advising further treatment.

Like you I needed to have a CT scan before they did the first treatment, so my first appointment took about 2 hours, the next two sessions were quick. Just went in, got undressed, lay on the table and had the applicator put in, quick five minute burst and all done. It reassured me to know that the radioactive source is only the size of a grain of rice!

The brachytherapy was OK tho not dignified but the hospital staff were all really kind and made me feel as comfortable as possible.  No side effects except I felt tired after each session, but was fine by the next morning.  Hope this helps.

Viv x

P.S. the ct scan was fine, most of the time your head is outside of the machine,!

Hi NSS. I'm a mirror image of Viv's story. We went through all this at the same time and had the same treatments. The only difference was I didn't have a CT scan prior to first Brachy treatment, they just did a quick internal exam to see all healing up ok. The procedure was painless, just not very dignified - and it's all been over nearly 5 months.

Big hugs to you, Barb xx 

Hi, just an update I've been very lucky my CT scans came back clear.  I have just finished four sessions of Brachytherapy.  I was terrified but can honestly say it was nothing to be afraid of .  The radiographers were amazing so kind and explained everything.  I didn't feel embarrassed, it was painless, just a bit undignified but nothing to be concerned about at all.  Felt a bit tired and sick afterwards but got some medication and I was fine.  I am now starting the dilators and must say not really keen, feel a bit upset about having to use them three times a week, it's not particularly pleasant but I do realise it is a small price to pay to get back to "normal" again.  I have an appointment in six weeks time with the Consultant and I understand I will be put on a "patient led referral" rather than being seen every six months.  For some of us there really is light at the end of the tunnel even though you can't see it when you are first diagnosed.  Big hug to you all. xxx

Hi NSS so good to read your CT scans are clear. I agree the radiographer teams and nurses are brilliant. My nurse held my hand until she had to leave the room as she could feel me shaking and she gave me a quick hug, even during Covid lockdown.

I also agree dilators aren't nice, much prefer my buzzy toys, do the same job and more fun!

It's my 68th birthday today and I'll pop off in a while to have my afternoon Nap (not)

Growing older disgracefully, Barb xx