Cancer diagnosis

Hi I am so sorry a cancer diagnosis is awful and scary and a shock! Endometrial cancer is slow growing and can be cured by surgery alone in most cases so try not to worry too much ( hard Ino) have trust in your medical team they will do there best for you. Wising you luck on your journey with love natalie xxxx

Hello

I was in total shock when I was diagnosed with cancer, I felt so well,  in fact I was dashing about and walking even more than usual right up to my hysterectomy. Waiting for the result of my CT scan were some of the scariest days and now I am waiting for my post op histology results.   Nothing anyone can say will make the worry disappear but knowing that so many woman here really do understand how you feel shows how important it is to have the support of a group like this.  Take care and try find a small moment of wonder in each day-for me it was giving Harry coming to me for a cuddle, seeing the moon and stars, watching a woodpecker in our garden.  

Hi Lolabo, bless you. I’m a little further down the line from you (I’m waiting for a date for my hysterectomy) but can still remember vividly the moment when I was given my hysteroscopy results over the phone and was told that I have cancer. I feel for you. I remember hearing the doctor say it and then her words just started blurring like a train rushing by and I thankfully had the presence of mind to ask her to stop and let me catch up as what she’d told me was monumental and my brain had frozen. I also remember then going downstairs and telling my husband. I told a close male friend but decided not to tell anyone else (including my adult children) till I knew more.

Have you been given the number of the specialist nurse team at your hospital? Mine were wonderful during that time - I called them 2-3 times while I was waiting for my MRI and chest x ray for both support and to ask questions that had popped up in my mind after that fateful phone call. I also called the Macmillan phone line just to see what it was like. I’d recommend doing either or both the instant that you feel the anxiety rising to a level that starts to feel overwhelming. It’s okay to feel scared, to feel anxious, to have a bad day, but you can get help to get it under control.

Have you actually been told there’ll be a delay due to Xmas or are you assuming? You may find it comes up quicker than you think as they tend to make time for this. I had a phone call the day after my results offering me an appointment 4 days later for both. Do you have any questions or worries about the MRI? I’m happy to answer if I can. I got my results in person from my consultant 4 days later. 

There’s some lovely supportive women on this group and we can all help each other

Hi Lolabo and a warm welcome to our spot in the Online Community. We've all been exactly where you find yourself now but rest assured you will not be alone on your journey. We're a lovely group of supportive ladies who remember exactly how you must've felt when you heard the dreaded unexpected words. We all agree the endless waiting for scans and results is the worst time, so 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’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.

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, Barb xx 

Mine seem to have been all done in reverse..so I had smear in GPS surgery..referred to gynecology for internal scan and (failed) biopsy..had hysteroscopy done under GA..then consultant rang says need face to face as can't discuss stuff over fone..told il need several procedures performed and an MRI..got the MRI done 2 days b4 Xmas..have consultation on Tue so I dunno if that's good or bad? Anxiety overload xx

Big Bang theory, bless you, all that means is that your MRI results arrived back in time for that appointment, so it’s neither good nor bad. The waiting is the hardest part of all of this. Be prepared for your consultant/surgeon being quite matter of fact about things - it’s everyday stuff to them. I’d suggest taking a notebook with you so that you can take notes on whAt is said - you could even write down some questions beforehand that you might like to ask. After your appointment you will likely then be sent a pre-assessment appointment (similar to what you will have had pre hysteroscopy but with a few extra things) and then a surgery date. Please do let us know how you get on. As I’ve said in my response to your other post, I’d advise you to speak to Macmillan about financial help. I don’t qualify as we have quite a lot of savings, but a friend with stomach cancer was given money by them for energy bills and travel expenses. 

Thanks for reply ️ I shall book an appointment with citizens advice centre for info on what will be best for me financially..Stay in work or claim benefits. But until I have a plan in place (depending on outcome from this Tuesdays consultation) I'll play it by ear..Thanku all you lovely ladies for the much needed support

Looks like you are slightly ahead of me as I have my mri scan tomorrow.  I’ve already been told mine is endometrial cancer, but my mri is to see if it has spread.  The waiting is really stressing me out though as I got called in for my hysteroscopy results the Monday before xmas.  I hope all goes well with your mri results - take care and keep us posted xx

Hi there Big bang theory. It's best to have a face to face rather than over the phone. I was told by a CNS I had cancer, not even a consultant but it was in the middle of lockdown so it was quite hard to take on board.

It might also be a good idea to download this booklet Understanding Womb (Endometrial) Cancer. I found it invaluable on my journey. Take a look through and jot down a few questions.

as MarmiteFan59 said take a notebook. You can also record the conversation with the consultant's permission which is useful to play back, sometime hard to listen to.

If you've any other questions don't hesitate to ask them, one of us will know the answer hopefully.

Happy New year hugs, Barb xx

Big bang theory, just for your info, when my friend with stomach cancer talked to Macmillan, they literally transferred money right away to his account!