Newly diagnosed - post hysterectomy - awaiting sentinel node histology results

Hi Smiley

Welcome to the Womb group.

I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. It is understandable to find it a lot to take in and to feel scared. 

It is normal to feel emotional after going through surgery and you are doing the right thing in resting up to start your recovery. Listen to your body and try to move a bit each day. I found that I was able to do short walks and they helped me. Even having a short walk around the garden can help. 

Waiting for the post op results is tough and we have all been there. Mine took around 3 1/2 weeks to come back but there can be quite a variation between hospitals and how busy they are. Hopefully you will not have to wait too long. 

It is the post op results that normally indicate whether any further treatment may be needed and I understand that this is difficult when you have a special holiday planned. 

If it would help to talk things through, please do give the Support Line a call. They are there from 8am-8pm each day. 

I hope that your recovery goes well and do please ask if there is anything that you need.

Jane

Hi Smiley

Welcome to the group that none of us want to be in. I too had a robotic hysterectomy and my recovery was much better than I dreaded, but it's like being in an emotional tornado. And it locks you into feeling very alone. 

Please reach out to your team for some counselling if you need support with processing all the big emotions that this rollercoaster brings.

I have found this forum a great place to seek support, advice and sometimes just to rant.

Well wishes

Leeanne 

Hi Leanne, I was wondering if you or anyone else on this forum had managed to access counselling after their diagnosis. I am really struggling to process everything that has happened so far. I have spent quite a bit of time over the last few weeks trying to access talking therapies via the NHS but as I suspected I have just been offered CBT which is not suitable or appropriate. I have seen a short film on the McMillan website about counselling for people who have had cancer diagnoses, but can’t seem to find where to access this. 

• My dedicated CNS (cancer nurse specialist) was great in getting me in touch with a counsellor. I also had some counselling after my first recurrence via Maggies as there was a centre on my hospital site. You could also find out who your patient support advisor is, the one at my hospital have supported my wife and youngest child through their coming to.terms with my diagnosis. Local charities are always worth a try as in Cardiff there is one called Ray of Light which have given us the best support of anyone, they have truly been a lifeline for the whole family. 

Best wishes

Leeanne

Hi NickyCros, you should be able to request counselling via your CNS or the Maggies or other cancer support centre attached to your hospital. I’m just curious though - why do you think CBT wouldn’t be suitable or appropriate? With the right therapist it can be brilliant! 

Nickycros, your hospital should also routinely offer a “Life After Cancer” course - either as a whole day thing, or half day or a few shorter sessions, which deals with the range of emotions post cancer and is designed to help people begin to move on. 

That’s exactly how I feel today, so tearful…Exactly Robotic Hysterectomy feel totally alone.. Nothing much explained just wait for Histology Results now…

Thank you Jand that would be helpful. I will attempt to do this…

Smiley

The counselling may have been the previous one that was through BUPA. Unfortunately this has stopped. I recommend the HOPE course- you can do online via Macmillan or at my hospital my CNS could arrange it. 

There is also the Macmillan Buddies service that may be of help. 

If you give the Support Line a call they can also have a look in your local area to see what support is close by. 

Hi Smiley, just to let you know that all major ops carry a risk of blood clots, not just laparoscopic hysterectomies, especially to someone with other health issues - some hospitals advise the jabs for all but some hospitals only advise them for high risk patients, ie people with mobility issues. I feel for you that it’s all worrying for you but just wanting to reassure you that having a robotic hysterectomy doesn’t really particularly increase the risk that much. And the sooner you feel able to take short gentle walks the quicker your recovery will be (and any risk will decrease).