This is my first time posting on any forum. I'm a little worried about my uterus and wondered if anyone could pass on their experience and knowledge of thick uterine linings and cancer.
I am 33 years old and a mum of two little boys. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 months ago but do not take tamoxifen. 4 months ago I was given a transvaginal ultrasound to check my ovaries, which both appeared normal. However! The lining of my uterus measured 23mm!! This was on day 18 of my cycle. There was no sign of fibroids or polyps during the ultrasound and the thick lining was evenly spread all around my uterus.
I was referred urgently to gynaecology but the consultant who vetted the referral downgraded me to a routine appointment. Finally my appointment is now next week and the worry has been driving me crazy. The breast clinic downgraded me from urgent to routine last year and then diagnosed breast cancer when I was eventually seen.
I have been anaemic for 3 years, I've had extremely heavy periods for 18 months, I am utterly exhausted all the time (that could be due to having very young children?), I have light spotting between cycles and intercourse has been painful for years.
I'm hoping biopsies will be taken next week at my appointment but the letter doesn't say.
Any thoughts or opinions would be very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Oh my goodness Daloni, you certainly have been through the mill. What an awful shame that you have an infection and are unwell. I'm so sorry that I can't offer any advice to you as I've never been at that stage. I'm feeling guilty that I'm garbling on about something that may be nothing at all. I'll bet your children are so immensely proud of their mum and love you very much. Thank you for your kind words and best wishes. I wish you tonnes of love and light.
As you say, Daloni has certainly had a challenging time of it, but we all know here that the waiting for a diagnosis is one of the hardest times so don't feel guilty. I'm sure her positive attitude is an inspiration for you, and like her I hope your outcome is good.
This group is here so you can 'garble on', and you must use it when you need it. We're here to support each other and share our experiences, and I think all of us know how yhe tmind goes into overdrive until we know what we're dealing with. Hang on in there, once you have the information you need you will feel more in control. And don't forget that everyone wants a good outcome for you- your family friends, the medics and all of us here.
Big hug
Lynda x Can't get the spelling probs sorted, sorry but hope it makes sense. Technology- bah!
Lynda.... How kind of you to say so. You're right, the waiting for a diagnosis or result is worse than actually having your fears confirmed. Or it was for me when I was diagnosed with BC last year. I'm so disappointed that I have been downgraded again and can only assume that it's because of my 'young' age (which was the breast clinics reason for downgrading me also). Less than a week to wait now though. I am so glad I joined this forum, it's lovely that you kind ladies are actually taking time out to reply to me.
Thanks for asking..... An endometrial biopsy was taken today and I should get the result in 4 weeks time. It was quite an odd consultation though. Initially the consultant was very dismissive about the possibility of endometrial cancer because of my age (33). She said only 1% of endometrial cancers are in women under 45 years old. She said that my 23mm thick lining was normal and nothing to worry about. I explained that I have been so worried for months about this because of what the radiologist said following the TVU and obviously my breast cancer. So she agreed to do a scan and if there showed to be any polyps then she would arrange for a hysteroscopy in a few months time (I believe this was simply to pacify me!)! She said that she would never do an endometrial biopsy on anyone under 60 years of age. So I was pleased she was willing to do the scan at least! Anyway, the scan showed that my lining was less thick this time and measured 20mm, but there were two 'echoes/shadows' in the lining, which she showed me. No polyps at all. So she immediately went back on everything she had previously said and did an endometrial biopsy there and then! Now I have the wait for results. I am concerned about these echoes/shadows.....can you shed any light on this? But I am so pleased she took a biopsy in the end. Thanks xx
Oh well done, Alison! It's so hard to stand your ground when talking to doctors and it sounds like you handled a very difficult situation really well. I can't shed any light on shadows or their meaning I'm afraid. The wait for results is the usual time - but the experience of women on this forum ( including mine) is that they call you in sooner if the results show any cancer. I would say try not to worry but of course I'd be wasting my breath. We all know how hard the waiting period is I found meditation helped me (I use an app called Get Some Headspace) as it helped me manage my anxiety and to remember to feel other more positive emotions that were getting smothered under the blanket if worry. Wishing you all the very best. With love and hugs. Daloni xxx
Thanks Daloni. I'm so pleased a biopsy was eventually taken but am so worried about these white shadows. It's going to be a long 4 weeks. How are things with you?.
Getting better sloooowly from an infection. Frustrating as I'm used to bouncing back quickly. The docs have given me a couple of weeks respite before starting radiotherapy for which I'm grateful. With the September sunshine and a fair wind behind me I might get the garden sorted :-) xx
As Daloni says, it is rarer in younger women so keeping my fingers crossed for you!
The waiting is the pits! I found writing down my feelings on here really helped me, & continues to help me release my worries. I liken it to a suggestion I was given on here of imagining that I'd put all my worries into a balloon & then release the balloon! I write it down, that releases it for me!!
Thinking of you
Hugs
Joyxxxxx
