Feeling very scared

Bless you Mabel, I feel for you as I can still remember the phone call back in November when I first heard I had cancer. I had to ask the doctor to stop talking for a bit as her voice was whizzing through my mind like a fast train and I couldn’t take it all in. You will find this group is a great source of support, also you should have been given the number of your specialist nurse team who you can contact weekdays in office hours, the Macmillan help line is also good and you can call them 7 days a week 8-8. What have you been told so far and what is to happen next? 

Hi Mabel and a warm welcome to our little corner of the Online Community. Here you'll find a lovely group of supportive ladies who have all been exactly where you find yourself now. Any possibility of cancer diagnosis brings all sorts of stress and fears and if anyone can hold your hand and reassure you we will as you’re not alone in this. We're all at the start, in the middle or the end of what can only be described as an emotional roller-coaster ride. 

When you received your diagnosis it'll all go straight over your head as you're in a state of shock, you're not alone in this, we've been there too.

It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and how you came to find yourself here. 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.

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.

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 

I have been told I have stage 1b Grade 1 these are following a total hysterectomy.  I have got to have 2 or 3 brachytherapy sessions in the next few weeks.  Thank you for your support xx

Hi again Mabel, 

Aha! I thought you meant you’d just been told you have cancer. Bless you, you’ve already gone through so much and done so well. When did you have your hysterectomy? I had mine on 22nd Jan and got my histology results on 4th Feb. I was grade 1 stage 1a, but after the histology the stage was revised to 2 (big shock to me) so I’ve been recommended 25 daily sessions of radiotherapy plus 2 brachytherapy sessions towards the end or just after. Have you had an appointment yet with an oncologist? There’s a few of us here who’ve recently had a hysterectomy and are facing adjuvant therapy so there will be plenty of support for you! 

Hi again Mabel. I too thought you've just been diagnosed. Continue to take time to heal your body and if you've any questions for us just yell.

Big hugs, Barb xx

Hi Mabel, I had my hysterectomy back in August 2020. I was told I was Grade 1 Stage 1b, the same as you. I remember feeling very disappointed when my surgeon advised three sessions of brachytherapy, as up until then I had hoped I wouldn’t need any further treatment. He said it would cut the chances of recurrence for me from 15% to about 8%, he also said some women choose not to have it. That put me in a dilemma as I was worried about any consequences from the treatment when I was feeling healthy.

In the end after two weeks of agonising I had a consult with the oncologist who reassured me and I went ahead with it. In truth the process is OK, tho slightly undignified, but all the staff do their utmost to put you at ease. I was very reassured when he explained the radioactive source is the size of a grain of rice. It’s a very targeted treatment. I had one session a week for three weeks.I have been fine ever since. I am now on three monthly checks, all except one have been telephone consults.  

I hope this helps you a bit, and good luck with the brachytherapy!

Viv

Viv, I just wanted to say that I’m very encouraged by your story (in your profile) and want to thank you for sharing 

Hi Mabel, I was also stage 1b, grade 1. I was actually relieved when I got that verdict after my op, as it had looked on the scans like it might have spread, but turned out it hadn’t and the hysterectomy removed it all. I had my hysterectomy in November then was offered brachytherapy as an extra precaution against recurrence. I had 3 sessions in January, and it’s very quick and painless although a bit undignified! I had a few bladder and bowel problems after but nothing unmanageable. I had similar problems after hysteroscopies and after the hysterectomy so I knew it would clear up. So most of the scary stuff will be behind you soon and, like me and others, you’ll just be on 3 month check ups. Good luck with the brachytherapy.

I, too, was Stage 1b, grade 1. I wonder why some of us are offered radiotherapy and others brachytherapy? I've just had 25 fractions of radiotherapy and wasn't offered brachy. Maybe because I had LVTI.

That may be the reason Lesley. I didn’t have LVTI and signal lymph nodes were sampled and were clear. The brachytherapy was just to zap any stray cells that might have escaped when they removed everything through the vagina, as the tumour was close to the outside surface of the uterus (but thankfully not right the way through).