Post menopausal bleeding

Hello again Dawn68 and welcome to our spot in the Online Community. We've got a lovely group of ladies who've all been in the same position as you are now. It's a veritable roller-coaster ride of emotions but we've all been there so can support you.

It's amazing how quickly after being put on the 2 week wait pathway things happen. Normally after referral the next steps are an Ultrasound which will look for the thickness of the womb. After that will be hysteroscopy and biopsies. I had to have mine done under Epidural as they couldn't insert the tube with the camera dur to my stenosed cervix. Then CT scan and MRI, not always both. 

It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and your journey to date. You can enter it into your profile (click on your username and select “Profile”) It’s helpful to other members with a similar diagnosis who can then hopefully answer your questions. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. You can amend or update it at any time. If you’re not sure what to write, just click on my username.

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.

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

Click on the link I’ve created to find out more information covering diagnosis and treatments for Womb cancer.

You might also find this link to what to take in my overnight bag useful for when you have surgery.

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.

Sending you welcoming hugs, B xx 

Hello Dawn68.  My progress in 2017 took a few weeks and was: ultrasound, appointment with nurse to discuss that, hysteroscopy and biopsies (under general anaesthetic), appointment with doctor telling me results of biopsy, then an operation which was a TLH and BSO - keyhole surgery to remove womb, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes.  That stay in hospital was about 36 hours. I did not need chemo or radiotherapy.  My attitude after that was like your attitude towards those skin malignancies... it's gone now, they got rid of it. Please note that some women find they cannot tolerate the hysteroscopy and if so you are within your rights to request to have it done under anaesthetic. But don't get ahead of yourself just yet. There may be another reason for your symptoms. There are different types of surgery and some women are treated with hormones and no operation. Make a note of any questions you want to ask along the way and also note down the answers you are given. Sometimes you get a lot of information and it is hard to remember it all. Good  luck. After my operation I paid for a private physio as I am sporty and wanted to ensure I was not going to harm my post-op body when running, cycling etc. But again, don't get ahead of yourself yet.  See what they find and what they advise. LR.

Thank you LittleRunner

ive got a bad feeling about this one. I have bowel, breast, uterine and cervical cancer in family and this is going to be a long 2 weeks. Do you know if when they do the hysteroscopy, does the imaging give them an idea of what it is or not. I know they will have to wait for results but I just wondered if they know from the other scans 

I had two days of pm bleeding and went straight to my GP. Got on the two week referral and got a phone call within a few days to go for a examination which was difficult as I didn’t know what to expect. Had a biopsy and within a week had to go back to “discuss the results “. I was expecting it to be cancer. It was early stage but quite aggressive. After that I had CT and MRI scans. Surgery was within a month. Follow up radiotherapy 6 weeks after the surgery. Waiting for the diagnosis is the worst part. Once you know what you’re dealing with it’s just one appointment after another. My consultant did say it was one of the best cancers to get as they an take it all out. The emotional side hit me much later and must admit although I expected to go back to my old life it was pretty life changing. Wishing you a positive outcome.

The imaging will give them some idea but results of the biopsy is what determines the next course of action.

Hi Dawn,

Sorry you are here, but don't panic yet. I had a natural menopause (no HRT), and was 'messing around' with periods, no periods for 5 years altogether. Can't say I went for years without anything, but sometimes months. I never knew where I was.

If it turns out to be cancer you have gone early about it. I had a smear of blood and saw the doctor, who referred me to the hospital. The hysteroscopy was no problem for me, having had 3 labours and a weak neck of the womb. They couldn't see anything to raise alarm bells, so took a biopsy, which confirmed cancer. It was caught early and I only needed a hysterectomy by keyhole. That was quite marvellous, and I recovered quickly at 72 years old!

Good luck!! xxxx 

Hi Dawn68. After I'd had my hysteroscopy (via epidural) the surgeon came by and said she'd not noticed anything "Sinister" It was the biopsy that found the cells.

Barb xx

Hi Dawn, I did not get my hysteroscopy results for about 3 weeks, I have the impression the diagnosis came from them looking at the biopsies.

These 2 weeks are dragging and I’ve only just been referred. I waited 2 weeks for a GP consultation. I’m so scared they gonna diagnose cancer. My appointment date/tine is 1 hour before my first college class and I’m worried I might not get to complete it if I do get a cancer diagnosis and need recovery time from whatever treatment or surgery. I’m tied in too for the cost of it. I’m scared if it is cancer and I’ve left it too late. I’ve got all sorts of scenarios going on in my head I feel it’s going to explode 

Cancer can be treated and cured. But you need to take one step at a time. Believe me I know how you feel but you need to get through these next few weeks for your own sanity. You can’t control the timing or the outcome so focus all your energy on things you enjoy. Things that keep your mind occupied. The time will pass, you will get the results. Prepare yourself for the road ahead. Help is always there. Do you have someone to talk to?