Hi all, I'm just really seeking some support.
I am 50, perimenopausal, and have been having heavy periods and irregular bleeding for the last 6 months, along with back and pelvic pain.
I was diagnosed with endometriosis at 19, so heavy periods, among other things, have always been an issue. I had my first coil fitted 4 years ago to help with this, and two years ago, it was replaced, and I stated using estrogen gel to help with perimenopause symptoms.
Was sent for an internal ultra sound, and my endometrium has come back as thickened (16mm). My estrogen bloods have come back in normal range.
I have been placed on the 2 week cancer pathway and have a hysteroscopy booked with a gynaecological oncologist on Tuesday.
I am trying to keep busy but am becoming increasingly more and more anxious and worried.
Any advice or anyone had similar thing that felt able to share would be much appreciated.
Hi Lucy
Welcome to the Womb group.
With the symptoms that you are having it is normal to be put on the 2 week cancer pathway. This is for people who have symptoms that may- in some people- mean there is cancer- so the most serious causes are always ruled out first.
With your medical history of endometriosis and also being in perimenopause, the symptoms you are having could be to do with these, however it is still important to have anything more serious ruled out. That is why they are sending you to the gynae oncologist to have a closer look. The hysteroscopy is a tiny camera that is used to take a closer look and normally at the same time they take some biopsies. It is only the biopsies that can confirm or exclude cancer. One thing I found was that after the biopsy I did bleed a fair bit so take some pads with you. I took some Night time Always ones. They did offer a standard NHS one but they are very basic. I did also feel a bit washed out and shaky afterwards so it may be an idea to take someone with you.
Biopsy for womb cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
A thickened endometrium can have different causes- I will pop a link that explains it.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
I can understand you feeling really anxious about this and it is good that you do not have to wait too long to be seen. My results from my biopsy took around a week. Trying to keep busy is a good plan but also I found it helped to go with the flow- in these circumstances it is normal to feel a bit all over the place.
We do have the Support Line that you are welcome to call if you feel like talking things through would help. In the meantime we are here if you need us.
Good Luck for Tuesday.
Jane
Sounds a good idea.
I felt ok the day after the biopsy but did feel quite washed out by it all. Almost like when you have had a really heavy period and feeling a bit crampy and tired. From what I remember I took some paracetamol when I got home and then had a soak in the bath and a hot water bottle did the trick.
Yes, I took paracetamol on advice from the nurse. It is scary to have these tests but it is far better to know for sure what is going on and have a plan - than this bit in the middle where you are worrying and don't know what's ahead.
There could be other reasons for your symptoms, other than cancer- but the serious things need to be ruled out first.
Jane
