Hi, I am new here. I had a hysterectomy in November for suspected grade 1 endometrial cancer. Histology results came back that say its actually grade 2 and stage 3a. I am waiting to talk to an oncologist about further treatment. I know most likely chemotherapy or radiotherapy or possibly both. I have several health conditions (lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, and poor kidney function, fatty liver, CFS/Fibromyalgia). So I am already concerned about how I will cope with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Add into this I am a widow and care for my autistic son. Most of my family live an hour or more away from me too. So, I am wondering how I might cope with chemotherapy or radiotherapy with my current health issues? And if I will still be able to care for my son while I am undergoing treatment. Thank you in advance for your response.
Hi Angiaqua
Welcome to the Womb group.
I am sorry to hear of your cancer and hope that you are recovering ok from the surgery. It is always tough when the histology comes back different from the provisional stage and grade. I know for me it was a shock to hear that I needed Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.
I coped better than I thought I would with both treatments. I am not saying they were easy but I did find them doable. With your other health conditions they will only suggest you go ahead if the benefits outweigh any risks. The oncologist appointment will be to talk through the treatments and to check that you are healthy enough to go through them.
With Chemotherapy mine was a 21 day cycle. So one day in hospital for the treatment and then 20 days at home to recover. I felt rough for the first week, by the second week I felt better and by the third week I could do most things. I did have side effects but most could be managed through medication. I had 4 cycles of chemo. People can react differently to chemotherapy and there are different regimes, doses and drugs. Mine was carboplatin and paclitaxel which does seem to be the first line treatment for gynaecological chemotherapy. There are exceptions though.
There are different types of radiotherapy that may be recommended. I had external beam radiotherapy and that was done daily for 25 sessions. However you may be offered brachytherapy which seems to be done over 3 sessions.
Living alone and being a carer are important and perhaps also discuss this when you go for your appointment. Dependant on what treatment you are offered and what you decide to do you might need some support. For me I would say it was the radiotherapy that was hardest and part of that was the side effects and the travelling every day. Chemo was easier as it was just the one day at the hospital (home the same day) and then taking it easy at home.
During the treatments I had regular blood tests and regular oncology appointments so they do keep a very close eye on you. I also had a 24 hour phone number I could call.
Hope this helps a bit. If you feel like talking it through would help, then perhaps give the Support Line a call.
I wish you well with your appointment and which ever treatments you do. In the meantime if there is anything you want to ask, please do so. If you click on my name my profile will come up and give you an idea about the timings of the treatments etc.
Jane
