Coping after Womb Cancer Diagnosis

Hi Cushion

I also found it all happened really quickly and I found there wasn't a lot of time to process it all at the time. If was only once treatment was finished that I had time to think. Cancer can be a life changing experience and it is good to get support from other people who have been on a similar journey. I found family and friends were generally very well meaning but it was on here that I found people "got it" 

At 10 weeks post surgery, it is still early days really but it is good that you are feeling able to start to drive and are going to the cancer centre. With the discomfort in your right hand side and the tummy swelling do not be afraid to contact your CNS or even your GP to get checked over. I know that my tummy would sometimes become quite puffy by the end of the day, especially if I was doing too much. It did settle down by itself. It was explained to me that although my surgery was done laparoscopically- inside it was still major surgery and the body needs time for everything to settle back down into place. It sounds like you are making steady progress after such surgery and also with the added brachytherapy. 

If you feel talking to someone would help process things then Macmillan has some counselling that is available with BUPA.

Free counselling for people with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support

It is also worth giving the Support Line a call to see if there is anything else in your local area that may be of help. You can also talk with one of the nurses about any medical questions you may have. 

Jane

Hello

I'm on a similar timeline to you and I'm feeling a bit lost at the moment. I thought my stomach wouldn't ever return to normal and I didn't have the addition of the previous appendectomy. My CNS told me to remember all the rummaging inside that goes on during surgery that takes time to heal. I contacted her when I needed to check something post surgery. I think a lot of GPs do try to help people with a cancer diagnosis quickly too.

This forum has helped me when I feel a bit isolated and I've used the helpline too. 

You're definitely not on your own here. 

Sending best wishes

Hi Cushion 

I am also 10 weeks  post op  ! 

I Was diagnosed in April very  quickly , worse part was having to wait 12wks for my Operation ! 

Operation went really well , key hole surgery four entry points done by a brilliant human ! in over night due to not going down until after 5.00pm..

Recovered well , still in some discomfort pulling , burning sensation low down . bloated now and again .. driving by four weeks .. 

I think we forget , we have had major surgery on the inside and it can take up to 3mths if not longer to recover.  

From the day I found out I had cancer to be honest I have felt very detached .. numb !? I can't really explain it .

I seem to shock people when I say I have cancer in a matter of fact way . 

I think this has alot to do with the fact I have always been terrified of the 'C'  word  due to family history .

And the way I was told over the phone by a consultant while sitting on a bench by myself in the middle of town didn't help. 

. His exact words were 'we found something nasty'  he never actually used the word Cancer so for me saying the word has helped me take ownership of my disease  this in turn is helping me process what is happening. Still along way to go in that regard . 

I am now 9 days into 23 external radiotherapy sessions..  14 to go ..

I then have 2 bracky therapy sessions at the end to finish off my Radiotherapy regime . 

I found out today I have  four cycles of Chemotherapy to look forward too .  .. 

On a positive note my first CT scan results  which was chest to pelvis   came back today ... showing no spread .. 

I have not attended any cancer coffee mornings etc.   

where I live we have a Maggie's cancer centre in the grounds of the hospital I am having treatment in ,   I am building up the courage too go and have a look what is there and what they  offer .. 

I have found this group a godsend , just knowing we are not alone in  this  has helped my mental health tremendously .. I am trying  to take one day at a time and not let my mind work  over time 

Best Wishes to you 

Cariad xx

I am 13 weeks post op after having a full hysterectomy and was in hospital for 4 days. I first got diagnosed in May and have had some worrying waits along the way. I finally got a diagnosis last week of carcinoma sarcoma which was at an early stage but aggressive.  I have been told today that I will be having 6 sessions of Chemo and 5 lots.of 5 radiotherapy. To say I am over whelmed is an understatement so I know how you arr feeling. I like Cariad have a Maggies in the hospital I am being treated and after reading all your comments I may myself go and see if there is something there for me. Give me something to focus on. I hope.speaking on here helps you liked it's helped me xx

Hi Jane

Thank you for your reply. I feel much the same as you about having to explain to family and friends and the ladies on here understand as they are going through it. I haven’t rang anybody for medical help and am waiting a bit longer to see if it settles first. 
Thanks cushion

Hi Clem

Thank you for telling me how you feel and I too feel lost at times. I haven’t thought of using the helpline but will think about it. I’m quite an outgoing person who loves human contact and I’m not so good on the phone but think I’m going to have to adapt. 
Thsnks

Hi Cariad

It sounds like you have been through a lot of treatment and I was lucky to have my hysterectomy 4 weeks after diagnosis. It really seems to vary what people are offered. I too am quite matter of fact when I talk to people and it took me a while to realise how serious the operation was as I just described it as minor surgery till people started correcting me. Good that your scan results were clear. Awful way to be told over the phone and that shouldn’t be allowed. Good luck for your continuing treatment. Maybe give the Maggie centre a try. I looked them up recently but haven’t got one near me. Take care and glad this group is helping you. 
Xx

Hi Nannytobe

I have the same cancer as you and it was quite frightening when they said it was aggressive. Give Maggies a go and see if it helps you. I haven’t tried any therapies yet but they do offer them, 

Take carexx

Cariad and Nannytobe, please do pop into Maggies! I visited Maggies in Leeds when I took my aunt for chemo and they were very welcoming. When I was subsequently diagnosed myself I popped in for a chat as I was finding the waiting for results and dates a bit challenging and it was good to talk through with an independent person, you don’t need an appointment and they are lovely places to take a break and have a cup of tea in, whether you do or don’t want to talk to anyone.

Hi Cushion

It can be scary when they say it is an aggressive type. I also had carcinoma sarcoma. I am now 2 years post treatment and doing well.

If you click on my name my profile will come up.