recent diagnosis of womb cancer

Hi Ashley121187, 

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You have definitely come to the right place for support, I have found this forum really comforting this weekend.

I am going through similar at the moment, although awaiting an MRI to determine if invasive cancer is present. 

I was diagnosed with severe pre cancerous cells with the chance there is also active cancer (the MRI will definitely confirm) 

I can’t imagine how you must be feeling as I feel very lonely and numb to it all at the moment. It’s a scary time isn’t it and that’s why I thought I would reach out to you. 

I am also in my 30’s (34) and the same as you would love to have children so it is very devastating as you have said to have to face the possible aspect of a hysterectomy. 

I have been told in some cases, depending on the grade of cancer etc that hormonal treatments can be an option, I am holding onto that at the moment but still in limbo with the MRI. 

Would love you stay in touch, we can support each other .

Take care, Frankie x

Hi Ashley

Welcome to the Womb group.

I am sorry to hear that you have had a diagnosis of womb cancer. 

After a diagnosis the normal next step is the MRI. They are looking to see if there is any spread/to stage the cancer. Once they have this they will have your provisional grade and stage and then they can look at the best possible treatment for you. 

There are other ladies on here currently facing similar decisions. 

Whilst the most common first line treatment is a hysterectomy, there can be alternatives. A lot will depend on the MRI and what it shows. In some cases a very low stage and low grade cancer can be treated with a mirena coil. This would involve repeat biopsies and monitoring. It is not suitable for all. 

I can understand that this is a scary time and do reach out on here for support. We also have the Support Line that is available from 8am-8pm daily if you feel talking to someone would help. 

I hope that your results come through very quickly and I know that waiting to find out what you are dealing with is tough. Everything can feel a bit in limbo and overwhelming at the moment. I found once I had my treatment plan, things did feel a lot better. Any cancer diagnosis is a worrying time but it may help to remember that endometrial cancer is normally a very treatable cancer, particularly at an early stage. 

Jane

Hi Ashley,

I know that it is a very worrying time especially as you are so young (I’m 77) but let me give you some positive thoughts. I was diagnosed with grade 1 stage 1A about 18 months ago. As I have various other problems (overweight, asthma, hernia) they didn’t want to do a hysterectomy though it could be done if the treatment I was recommended (Progesterone tablets) didn’t work. I am on 200mg a day and can’t say I have had any significant side effects. I could have had the coil instead but thought it might be painful. I have now had 3 biopsies (3 months and 2 at 6 monthly intervals) all clear. After the latest one in January I am moving to yearly biopsies. So what I want to say is that the hormone tablets or coil can be very effective for low grade cancer. You could always have the hysterectomy after you have a family.

Hi Ashley, I had grade stage 1 EC and had a coil fitted 16 months ago. I was recently given the all-clear and am working towards having the coil removed at some point, so long as my next tests are clear again.

As others have already stated, the coil or hormone tablets can work for many people if you want kids or if surgery isn't suitable or safe for you.

Discuss this option with your team/GP to see where it goes maybe? Good wishes.

Good for you! I had the coil and whilst it was painful at first, I hardly know it's there these days, after 16 months. It's good that women share their experiences, particularly to others where they they want children.

I am over 60 and my consultant has said I can discuss having it removed eventually, providing I lose enough weight and the next biopsy comes back clear - but that takes time lol! It's good to hear that you are doing so well and is an inspiration to others on this journey.