Newly diagnosed-endometrial cancer

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I am just devastated with my diagnosis of endometrial cancer after biopsy by my gyn. Referred to gyno/oncologist specialist for treatment. I am 81 and have managed to get over my spouse's death after 55 years of marriage. I am alone as most of my family are gone. But, am so familiar with managing cancer as my husband beat melanoma. Then he was diagnosed with myelodysplasia and we lived with that for 8 years until he died last year.

I guess it's my turn now. I have managed to stay in our home, but now everything is changed. But, maybe I shouldn't let this disease take its toll so easily. Not sure how to fight it just yet, but will hopefully figure it out. Sleep has escaped me for multiple catnaps during the day and that is not healthy. I am also a bit unhappy that my gynocoligist selected a specialist for me w/o discussion. I am not sure if this is the way it's supposed to be done, but geography is an issue for me. Although I am still driving, I don't go far from home because I am sure my reflexes in heavy traffic are what they used to be. 

Just sounding off and a bit frustrated with this turn of events. Thanks for listening.

  • Hi Grace!

    It’s a difficult time to feel alone. I also have endometrial cancer stage 4. My oncologist is lovely and I’m sure yours will be very good.

    I shouldn’t have endometrial cancer as I have no womb! It’s a sneaky one isn’t it? I’ve been through 5 rounds of chemo and immunotherapy and met some amazing people, you will too. You should be able to get help with transport, speak with your specialist nurse or indeed phone macmillan.

    There is help out there and support groups, I wish you the very best 

    Lynne

    Hi all ! 
    I have stage 4 endometrial cancer, despite having a total hysterectomy 16 years ago. Cancer in stomach wall, intestine and bladder.Had first chemotherapy June 2nd will now ave chemo/immunotherapy combined!

    Anyone else have chronic constipation?

    what can I expect differently with combination?

    Lyndylou

  • Hello sweetheart, 

    I am so so sorry about your news. I know cancer doesn't care who its targets as you well know. I'm here to give you a virtual hug something we all need. I know you are like me alone at home but you are never ever alone here from the wonderful nurses helping you through this journey, through the support services who are there to listen emotionally support you too volunteer telephone support buddies

    We see all here when you want to let off steam yes it's is very very frightening because nobody will ever know what you are going through even family members don't know how to help, treading on egg shells. 

    Your probably still in shock, still numb with your diagnosis 

    Please please don't think you are alone, each and everyone of the ladies on here will also help and listen they are a lovely friendly bunch who been or going through your carcinoma journey 

  • Hi Grace

    Welcome to the womb group.

    I am really sorry to hear that you have just had a diagnosis of endometrial cancer and can understand how devastating it must feel. 

    I am sorry to hear of your husbands passing last year after 55 years of marriage. Wow- that's an amazing length of time to be married.  I am sorry that you are feeling alone but we are here if and when you need us. We also have the Support Line available everyday from 8am-8pm daily if you feel talking to one of the nurses would help. 

    When a cancer is diagnosed things can all of a sudden start moving quickly and it can feel overwhelming. It sounds like your gynaecologist is trying to get you seen as soon as possible but agree it would be far better to discuss this with you first. 

    With regard to getting to and from your hospital, please do not worry- it may well be that hospital transport can be arranged to help you. Even if you are able to still drive, if you are unwell let them help you. At my hospital my Macmillan Support worker arranged some transport for some of my appointments and this was via the Red Cross and once I had been assessed and it was agreed- I just had to call them and book in. A trained driver would then come to my front door, collect me and bring me back later. For many of my appointments I was able to have help from family and friends but for treatment that happened every day, there were times when I needed it and that is what it is there for.

    What normally happens after a diagnosis is to get an appointment to go in to discuss what happens next in terms of treatment. It is also a chance to talk through your wishes and any worries you may have. I had a nurse in with me during the appointment and then she took me to a different room where she was able to chat and answer any questions. 

    Please do not feel alone, we are here and there are many lovely ladies on here who will want to offer you support.

    Jane

           

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • Hi Grace, sorry for your loss. You had many years together and all those memories, which must be wonderful.

    The diagnosis must be a shock for you. You don't say what stage/grade your cancer is, which impacts what treatment will you have. There have been many ladies on here who are older and have had surgery for their condition, so take heart. You should have been given contact details of your team managing your condition, so you could contact them for more information. It's a lot to take in to start with but there are also some wonderful Mac Millan Nurses who you could talkk to online as well. If you can't or don't want to drive yourself to hospital, perhaps you might contact your local branch of LINK? They are very good with helping people with transport to and from hospital, which may help alleviate some of the worry about practical issues. Hang on in there....and take comfort from the many women on this site, who can listen and respond to your fears.

  • Dear Ladies, you have been very kind to me. In few days I will see the gyno/oncologist who will discuss the nature of my cancer and the recommended treatment. He will be the surgeon who is in charge of my care.

    I will make travel arrangements for at least the first visit so I know where to go and perhaps get there by my own means. It's still a shock,,I have no symptoms. Thanks to all the "Babes in Arms" here. You are all certainly exceptional.