I just received my diagnosis today for level 3 endometrial cancer . I've been told I need a full hysterectomy with ovaries and lymph nodes followed by radiotherapy and possibly chemo.Although I am postmenopausal I'm uneasy about having my ovaries removed as I think this can cause weight gain and increase chance of heart disease particularly as I have been advised to lose 20 kilos. I wasnt given the option to keep them. Does anyone know why this is? It all seems very confusing and worrying,
Hello Windy10
Welcome to the Womb group. I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis of endometrial cancer.
The normal first line treatment is a hysterectomy and this normally includes the ovaries. My consultant explained to me that for endometrial cancer it is best to remove all the connected tissues- so cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. He explained it as if the cancer has tried to spread, it tends to go to the connected areas first so by taking it all out the increase the chances of removing everything and not leaving any tiny cells behind.
Some ladies do have the follow up treatment that you have mentioned and this is normally decided post op when they look in detail at the pathology of what they have removed. I myself had chemo and then radiotherapy.
I can understand your worries about your ovaries. Have you got a CNS that you can talk to ? They would be best placed to explain why they would normally suggest they are removed in post menopausal ladies. You could also give the Support Line a call and talk it through with one of the nurses.
If there is anything that you want to ask, please do so. There are many lovely ladies on here who will want to offer support to you. If you click on my name, my profile will come up, but I was treated in 2022 and am doing ok now. Going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be tough at times but we are here if you need us.
This booklet has some useful info and helped answer some questions for me when I had my diagnosis.
Womb cancer booklet | Macmillan Cancer Support
Jane
Cancer can be scary and it is natural to worry and to have lots of questions. Endometrial cancer is usually very treatable. My treatment took 6 months and although it was challenging at times, it was doable. Once you have a firm plan for treatment things will start to feel more in control and the treatment is something to focus on. I also found it helpful to break things down a bit- so step 1 is getting the surgery sorted.
Do give your nurses a call- mine were always helpful but there are also people on the Support Line who will listen, if you feel chatting things through would help.
