Hi I’m new

Hi ZippyG, I’m going to chime in on this one.  We may not think so at the time, usually we are in a state of shock at the diagnosis, but the time scale once this thing starts is usually pretty quick.

 It seems like all the hospitals do things differently.  I was diagnosed in July 2020 after a transvaginal ultrasound scan and a biopsy. I thought I had a polyp after slight pinkish discharge. Turned out there were cancer cells there. Had my total hysterectomy in the August and was hoping that would be it. But my histology results were Grade 1 Stage 1b, so consultant advised three sessions of brachytherapy as a belt and braces approach. The only CT scan I had was at the first session of the brachytherapy.

I have to say the recovery from the op was very quick. I was fit and healthy at the time and not overweight. I stayed in hospital for two nights until bowels were working properly. I felt a bit sore the first night and had trapped wind pains, but next morning I was up and sitting in the chair, then moving around the ward unaided. Once I got home I took things carefully, but after a few days felt able to go for short walks. I just tried to go a few steps further each day. I didn’t have any bleeding after the op and no dressings on the op site, just glue and dissolvable stitches. I took paracetamol for about three days, but didn’t have any pain really.

I am on three monthly checks now, and these have nearly all been telephone consultations. Thankfully I haven’t had any problems so far, fingers crossed. I hope it all goes well for you too.

Viv x

A 5 minute drive is great - I’m an hour away from my hospital so had to get up at 5am on op day so I could have a shower before my taxi arrived! Southampton is also a super hospital and they’ve been brilliant. My journey from diagnosis to op took a bit longer as my hysteroscopy failed and I had to go onto a waiting list to have it under general anaesthetic - was diagnosed mid November, had chest x ray and MRI the following week, and had my hysterectomy 2 months later.
I hear you that you’re feeling overwhelmed - there’s so much to take on board anyway and though it’s great that you’ve had things happen so quickly, I can imagine that the sheer speed has taken your breath away. I’d encourage you to contact your CNS team to talk about how you’re feeling  - they’re there to support you and mine have been wonderful,

Hi ZippyG

Glad you found us!

The support I found on here was is absolutely amazing. The doctors and specialists can tell you many things but this group can actually  share their own experiences first hand, the doctors cannot. 

Also we actually care too so please do let us know how you get on and we can celebrate you when you get your good results!

Best wishes for a positive outcome. 

Ps: Do read Marmitefan59 diary from day 1, my experiences were very similar,  gives you some indication what to expect before and after the op. I'm 4 weeks post op and recovering very well. I have my energy back and am looking forward to returning back to work. 

Xx

Thanks for your warm welcome xx I have read ur diary marmitefan59 it’s so helpful on what to expect etc

madesp im pleased ur recovery is going well

how long after the op did u get results about any spreading or if any other therapy or treatment was needed x

Hi Zippy, time varies a lot between hospitals and will also depend on which day of the week the MDT (multi disciplinary team) meeting is. All results go to an MDT before you get them. At my hospital it’s on a Friday morning, so, for example, if results came back from the lab on a Friday afternoon they wouldn’t be discussed till the following Friday morning, which would add a week onto the wait.

I had my hysterectomy on Sat 22nd January and got my hysterectomy histology results late morning at a face to face appointment on Friday 4th February, my results having been discussed at the MDT that morning (along with 49 other results). But my hospital is typically quite quick with results - others on the group have recently waited 4-6 weeks for theirs.

It’s the waiting isn’t it

I suppose I have the recovery from op to take my mind off the waiting x they have been very proactive up to now I just wondered x

Hi ZippyG

I got my results by phone from the nurse 3 weeks and one day after op.But was warned it can take up to 6 weeks for histology to complete ....this is due to staff shortages in the labs.

X

Yes also my relief was that the cancer was removed and yes you will have plenty of time to indulge yourself into a new box set on TV or try a new hobby. I had loads of visitors to talk to but they were respectful and mindful of my fatigue and didn't overstay.  X

Hi and a warm welcome to our spot in the Online Community. As you've already recognised we've got a lovely group of supportive ladies who've all been where you find yourself now and you'll realise you're not alone.

That's great to get a date for your op so soon. You might also find this link to what to take in my overnight bag useful for when you have surgery.

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.

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 to three working days for replies from our expert team.

Sending you welcoming hugs, Barb xx 

So now I have an MRI booked for Sunday on my pelvic area with and without dye 

how long does the surgery take laparoscopic I’m having everything taken away cervix and ovaries included with lymph nodes