I got a phone call from the hospital I’ve been referred to on Friday offering me an appointment on Tuesday 22 December to what was described as a chat. I have had MRI and CT scans at my local hospital as well as a biopsy. I had my diagnosis on 30 November. I know very little about my womb cancer. Think doctor said it was growing in the wall of my womb, that’s about it. She did say specialist surgeons are at the hospital I am being referred to so I assume I’m probably going to need a hysterectomy at the very least.
What questions should I be asking? How long can I expect to wait for surgery? My local hospital only made the final decision to refer me on Thursday and next day I heard from the referral hospital. Should the speed this is happening at be a worry?
Hello WishingWell.46
Welcome to our little group of supportive ladies. Don't worry unduly about the speed at which things are happening, our wonderful NHS have definitely got their act together, especially in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We've all been there, totally newbies but the help you will get here on this forum will be invaluable.
It depends on the hospital trust but normally a MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) consisting of Surgeons, Oncologists, anaesthetists, nursing staff will meet and discuss the path of your treatment based on the scans you've had done. This group normally meet every 2 weeks (sometimes weekly) then they will add you to the list for surgery. Sometimes as quick as 2 weeks, be prepared to take a cancellation if offered.
Ask if you will have a laparoscopic hysterectomy from which recovery is really quick. (They will remove womb, fallopian tubes, ovaries and sample lymph nodes) After the op it's normally a 2/3 week wait for histology results and then they will ascertain if any further treatment is needed.
At your chat you may meet your specialist nurse who is always willing to answer any questions. Ask them for a copy of the Macmillan book Understanding Womb (Endometrial) Cancer. They will give you a lot of literature to read. Take a notebook with you, jot down a few things.
Just reading through the posts on here will be helpful, when you've had your chat come back and tell us what happened, then any questions you have. We'll be here to hold your hand, listen to a rant, send you virtual hugs. Your emotional roller-coaster ride is just about to start, we're all at the start, middle or end of it.
Anyway, hope that helps, sending you a big hug, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
Hello WishingWell.46
Like you, my diagnosis is recent and I’m waiting for a surgery date. It’s hard waiting and feeling like you don’t know much about what’s going on, isn’t it. I found Barb’s reply to you really helpful and reassuring so I hope you did too. I’m encouraged by what I read on here. It sounds like the NHS really have their act together on this. I hope your appointment on December 22 was helpful. Let us know how you get on. Sending hugs - JWO
JWO 
This was really helpful for me too. Thanks Barb
JWO
You're very welcome. I found this forum brilliant. To be diagnosed with cancer is such a huge shock and we spend the first few weeks in shock and disbelief. This will be an emotional rollercoaster but all of us here will listen to your fears, rants and virtually hold your hand and send you hugs. I couldn't have done without these lovely ladies.
Big hugs, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
