Hi all, thought i’d introduce myself. I'm almost 47 and was diagnosed with endometrial cancer just five days ago, following a surprise biopsy eleven days prior. I'm scheduled for scans next week, and the initial information is grade 3, stage unknown. A full hysterectomy is planned, but the date is yet to be confirmed. It's been quite a rollercoaster, and I wanted to introduce myself and connect with others who understand what I'm going through. I’m thankful for the medical and emotional support so far.
I've been open about the news with my family and closer friends, and I'm grateful that work has been very supportive at this very early stage. I feel fortunate in this respect and I feel well in myself at the moment and am researching sensibly, I’m also rolling with the emotions as they come and am taking some time ahead of the upcoming chaos to build up my energy and well-being reserves. I have a seven-year-old daughter, a supportive partner, and elderly parents, all of whom I am, unsurprisingly, most worried about. I think I feel quite positive at the moment and believe I'm a tough cookie who isn't afraid to accept or seek help and support.
Thank you for reading and love and good thoughts to you all - mad to think that this time last week I didn’t know I’d have a designated CSN and a pass into a forum like this! Life eh?
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
