Hello, my endometrial cancer returned in January after three years and I’ve had palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy which ended in August. I’ll have a scan in November to check whether it has been successful in shrinking and containing the tumour for now. In the meantime I’m feeling well and getting on with life - and I’d welcome your thoughts on other non cancer related treatments. After waiting 18 months I saw the orthopaedic consultant today about my knees, in a nutshell he said both knees were shocking and couldn’t get any worse and he’d be happy to offer knee replacements, but there are other considerations to think about - not least of which is that my lymphatic system is compromised and I’ve already developed lymphoedema in one leg. He’s given me lots of information on knee replacements and we’ll meet again in three months (after my November scan) to make a decision . I really don’t know what to do - any thoughts?
Hi MRH24
I am sorry to hear that your endometrial cancer returned but pleased that the treatment has worked in stabilising it. I am glad you are feeling well and able to get on with life.
Regarding the knee surgery I can understand that this not an easy decision. My thoughts are............
Are you in pain with them and is it limiting what you can do?
If you do not have surgery will the damage progress and limit your mobility? Am just thinking that with the lymphoedema in one leg and the after effects of the chemo and radiotherapy- would that be affected if you were unable to move around.
Would one knee be done at a time and would it be worth having one done and see how the recovery is?
How long would the recovery be?
What type of chemo did you have and do the chemo drugs and/or radiotherapy mean that you need to wait- I am just thinking that it took a fair while for my bloods to return to normal after treatment. So for any surgery bloods would be checked to make sure they are in the normal range. After radiotherapy I was told that there can be risks to bones in the area and something about bone density- I wonder if this would affect anything?
What does the surgeon feel would be the risks to you after cancer treatment, compared to someone who hasn't had the treatment- and is there anything that can be done to mitigate them. I was for instance advised to take vit D and calcium.
What does the oncologist feel would be the risks for lymphatic system and would it affect the existing lymphoedema- or could the lymphoedema be improved due to having more mobility in your knee.
Is there any additional concerns with having surgery and anaesthetic after chemo?
What would the surgeon advise if it was a family member?
I suppose really it is a case of weighing up the pros and cons. My feeling would be to wait for the scan and if all is showing as stable then perhaps it would be an idea to consider it. Am thinking that while you are feeling well, that will help with recovery.
Just my thoughts. It's a big decision- I suppose for me it would come down to how much pain or limitation my knees would be having on me compared with any risks associated with the surgery and recovery. And what is most important for you.
If it would help, perhaps give the Support Line a call and chat it through.
Jane
