My mum's just been diagnosed with Uterine Serous Carcinoma. She's just turned 70 and had abnormal bleeding (she estimates for about 3 months).
She went to the doctor and they referred her where she got a biopsy which came but with cancerous cells. She then went for an MRI and CT scan and we got the results this morning that it has spread to her lungs and mediastinum. We were told she isn't being referred for surgery and instead is being referred to Oncology where someone will get in touch with her regarding chemo. The doctor was at pains (it felt to me anyway) to stress that we should ask if the chemo is "treatment" or "palliative care". This sent me into a spiral because I cant help but think she was trying to tell us it's not looking great and there won't be much option wise.
I understand her not having the surgery to remove the uterus etc. Better to fight the lungs first, get them good if possible and then we can work on the uterus. I'm just panicking and it's really hard to find anything online about anyone with this sort of diagnosis and how they have managed it or are managing it.
I've cried a lot. I'm sure i will sob several more times before I fully come to terms with this.
I guess i just want some reassurance, stories of experiences and some kind of glimmer of hope.
Hello Blueeyes
Welcome to the Online Community.
I am really sorry to hear that your Mum has had a diagnosis of cancer and I understand that this is a really worrying time for you both.
Serous uterine cancer describes the type of cancer she has. It is a type 2, grade 3 endometrial cancer. I had a similar type 2, grade 3 cancer.
The stage of the cancer put simply means where the cancer is in the body. So for Mum you know that it started in her womb and then some managed to set up in her lungs.
The stage and grade are important when they decide the best possible and most effective treatment.
So it sounds like for Mum they are thinking the best treatment is to offer her some chemotherapy. I had chemo myself in 2022. The thing with chemo is that it is a whole body treatment and hopefully the treatment will work in the areas needed. With surgery it would only deal with the one area. My chemo took place after surgery but sometimes it can be used before surgery or instead of surgery.
What happened with me and most likely will happen with Mum is that she will be given an appointment with a chemotherapy consultant who will go through the treatment with her. Mum will be able to have you with her if you both want it. It may be an idea to write a list of any questions you want to ask about and take it with you- sometimes they can give you a lot of information all at once.
Although it is scary to be told that chemo is needed- I know I was- it was manageable. Where there were side effects these were on the whole managed with medication.
My own treatment was surgery, chemo and then radiotherapy and I am doing ok.
We do have the Support Line available everyday from 8am-8pm daily if you feel like it would help to talk things through a bit.
I hope this helps a bit. I know it is a worrying time but we are here to support you. If there is anything you want to ask about, please do so.
Jane
