New here - hysterectomy for stage 1 and terrified

I’m so sorry you’ve recently been diagnosed but it’s great they have predicted you at stage 1. This is really promising as it means the cancer is very treatable however I know you’ll be struggling to see the positives right now. I was diagnosed on 5th December and it’s finally hit me what’s actually happened, I think I’ve been in pilot mode!

My hysterectomy via keyhole went very smooth and to plan. I stayed in hospital one night only. I must say I had little pain after, more discomfort/soreness but nothing unbearable. I’m 4 weeks post op this coming Monday and feel pretty much normal. I’d recommend having someone stay with you the first 4/5 days you’re home if you live alone and rest, rest, rest! Take it easy but get moving as soon as you feel you can, short, gentle walks in the fresh air is great for both your physical recovery and mental health. Give yourself time and grace - there is no right or wrong way and do what works for you! 

I’d also suggest writing down all your questions for your consultant/CNS as knowledge is power and it definitely made me feel more in control! There are no silly questions. This forum is a great tool too and I’m sure the other ladies will provide you with some brilliant advice as they have me. Take care x

I’m sorry to hear that you have had a recent diagnosis. please be reassured that there is lots of support for you including the amazing women on this forum who have helped me through this.

I was diagnosed on 23rd December with stage1 grade3 following biopsy.  I had my CT scan and MRI scan very quickly and have already had my hysterectomy this week on 28th Jan and iam home recovering. It was done by keyhole and went to plan.
My experience has been that as soon as I was on the cancer pathway then things move very quickly. The care I have received has been excellent. The support I have received on this forum and from the McMillan helpline got me through. I was very anxious and worried especially when I first got my diagnosis but I felt reassured by everyone’s advice. One of the other things that also helped was when there was a plan in place for treatment. As Elcee says below, knowledge is power.

take care and ask any questions x

Hi Mrsbd, I was diagnosed in November 21 and had my hysterectomy in January 2022. It was done laparoscopically which meant just an overnight stay, then up and about and home the next day! I’d had a C section over 30 years previously and this felt a much more straightforward op and recovery! 

Hi Nicky , can I ask why did you have a CT and MRI? 

I have been scheduled for a MRI but was going to ask if I could have a CT instead as I struggle with the MRI . 

Hi

I did not have an MRI. I just had a CT. Some hospitals seem to do things differently. Some have one, some have the other and some ladies have both. My CT was with contrast. 

The scans are to confirm the provisional stage of the cancer. 

I can understand you being concerned about surgery- but I had mine in 2022 and it was very straightforward. I had little pain, was in hospital 1 night and recovered well. 

Do ask if there is anything we can do to support you or if you have any specific worries. 

Jane

Thanks Jane , 

I'm hoping they will just do a CT if I ask . Did you struggle with menopause symptoms afterwards?

Hi again MRSBD, what is it about MRIs that you struggle with? Many of us on here have had MRIs and we may be able to offer helpful tweaks/reassurances.

I'm really claustrophobic ! If my head was out I'll be ok ! But not if I'm all the way in !  

It is worth talking to them about your concerns with the MRI. They may be able to allay some of your fears. If you are claustrophobic for instance they may be able to keep your head out, play music or even offer a sedative. 

I didn't particularly struggle with any menopause symptoms after. To be honest I was just eager to get the cancer removed. 

Jane

That's really good to hear , how old were you ?