Very nearly 47 - Endometria cancer diagnosis

Hi Onemore

Welcome to the Womb group.

I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis of a grade 3 endometrial cancer. I understand that it is a worrying time. 

After the biopsy has shown cancer present the next step is normally the scans that you are having and the purpose of these is to stage the cancer and see exactly where it is. The grade is the type of cancer and how it can behave. Mine was also a grade 3 cancer. 

It can all feel a bit of a rollercoaster with things happening quickly. For me it was 1 month from having a bleed to having the surgery. Hopefully you will soon know your date for your surgery. 

I am glad that work are being supportive and also that you have people around you. I found it  best to go with the flow emotionally during the diagnosis time and some days were better than others. Once I had a date for my surgery things felt a bit better and more in control. Take time to rest and prepare. Its a good time to start thinking about your hospital stay and what you might want to take with you, things like what you may need at home in terms of shopping, child care etc. I was in hospital for one night only and this seems the most common experience for many ladies where the surgery is done key hole. I was nervous about the op but my experience was positive and was just glad to have the cancer removed in the end. I had little pain and recovered quickly.

After surgery you will have your final post op results which will confirm your stage and grade and it is these that they use to determine whether the hysterectomy itself is enough or whether there may be a need for some further treatment. For me it was some chemo and radiotherapy. I completed the treatment almost 3 years ago and am doing ok. 

I will pop a link to some info that may be helpful. I found that google could be a scary place. The Macmillan info is updated regularly. Cancer Research and NHS sites are also places where you can find accurate information.

Womb cancer booklet | Macmillan Cancer Support

If there is anything you want to ask about please do so. Fingers crossed that your scan can be done quickly and the surgery can be planned soon for you. 

If at anypoint you feel that talking things through would help, then please do give the Support Line a call.

Jane

Thanks Jane, I find that hearing from you and other people in a similar situation is really helpful. it’s a strange old time and an unfortunate community to be part of… but also a wonderful community i’m sure and i’m already thankful. Yes i think i’ll also feel further relieved when i know when surgery will be. To be honest i’m really irritated by timing (although there are many reasons to be greatful in any scenario) as the opportunity for a holiday with my family will no doubt be impacted… and having had a tricky few years we were really looking forward to a break together. She’s growing up fast and we could do without this blip - BUT, we’ll get through and hopefully thrive. I’m so glad to hear that you’re doing ok and it’s so lovely of you to help others such as myself. Can i ask were you working when you were diagnosed? 

Yes, I was working fulltime and work were supportive. 

It’s difficult when work has been such a big and seemingly essential part of life and then you suddenly have a stock-take moment. There’s been a lot of admin over the past week! (not solely work) 

Yes it can seem difficult at the time. I initially found it hard to step back and focus on my health- but there was really no choice. Once my treatment started- I had surgery, chemo and then 5 weeks of radiotherapy- I had to focus on it, just to get through it. Cancer certainly makes you look at what is really important in life. Sometimes health has to be prioritised for a time

Very true. Am currently in financial admin mode amongst the generally processing. I know we’ll manage. it will be a stretch but we’re fortunate in so many ways. How long was your surgical recovery before chemo? I know that everybody is different xx

Hi OneMore, 
Just a quick hello from me. I was in the same position as you just a few weeks ago. Diagnosis confirmed 6 June, MRI, Chest x_ray a week later, then transferred to another hospital (that has a cancer centre) where this morning I've had a CT scan with contrast, and I'm having surgery on Monday (DaVinci robotic). 

I hope you get your next appointments soon and you can start planning ahead from there. Building your energy and well-being reserves is fab. I've been doing the same and making the most of working out and walking when I can. 

The other ladies in this group have been supportive, helpful and font's of wisdom over the past month. I also found the Peaches Trust 'coffee morning' (on Zoom) really useful. 

I had to be 6 weeks post op to start chemo. It started then. The radiotherapy took place immediately after the last chemo cycle was done. 

Hi DHT, thank you so much for taking the time to respond, i just apologise that i missed it until now!! I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis … and i hope the surgery went well! How are you feeling today? I had my scans last week and am now awaiting the date for the follow up consultation but i do know that the scans have been discussed and they show either stage 1a or b (yet to be confirmed). Because it’s a grade 3 cancer it’s beyond probable that i’ll be receiving mixed treatment beyond the hysterectomy. That bit bothers (the treatment, not so much the surgery) but one day at a time and all of that. I’m impressed with your work-outs … i’d be lying if i said that i was that way inclined, but i know how important movement of whatever kind you can manage is! x

Thank you again for your responses and support x