Hi , Just got my diagnosis.

Hi

Welcome to the Womb group.

I am sorry to hear that you have had a diagnosis of endometrial cancer. I know it is a worrying time and it can feel frustrating to wait for the next steps. 

My CT scan was done within a week of my biopsy and before I had my formal diagnosis. For me I went from first symptoms to surgery in 4 weeks. There can however be a variation between hospitals and areas. 

The normal first line treatment for endometrial cancer is a hysterectomy where it is medically possible. For some ladies the surgery alone is enough, for others there may be some follow up treatment. 

From the biopsies and scans they should be able to give you a provisional stage and grade of cancer and this is normally then finalised post op. 

Your provisional grade 2 is the middle grade- so not the lowest grade 1 type but not the more aggressive grade 3. So this is positive. 

I am not sure of NHS Scotland guidelines for diagnosis to treatment for cancer but you could give the Support Line a call tomorrow and see if one of the advisors would know. I know there are guidelines for England but do not want to give you the wrong information. I would however expect your MRI to be done as soon as reasonably possible- depending on how busy the hospital is. Once the MRI is done I would expect you to be called in for an appointment fairly quickly- for me it was within a couple of weeks. This turned out to be on a Friday lunchtime. I was given my treatment plan and had my preop checks done the same day. My surgery took place 3 days later. So once the scans are done things can move a bit more quickly. 

Jane

Hi

I live in Scotland and ,like yourself had to wait over 8 weeks for scan and biopsy. Once I received biopsy results, a CT was arranged within 2 weeks on a Friday, then I saw a consultant on the Monday. Hysterectomy was arranged  2 weeks later, so I hope you don't have to wait too long for your MRI scan. I live in Tayside. I am now waiting for pathology results, which is taking almost 5 weeks now. It is really hard to cope with all the waiting , but the lovely ladies here are all supportive. Sending hugs

Thanks Jane, I appreciate your support 

Hi, There is definitely a bit of a postcode lottery re gynae services across the country. Thanks for explaining your timeline - it’s very helpful.  Im in Lanarkshire and am at 8 weeks for scan & biopsy etc, then 3 weeks for biopsy results so far. But if MRI and surgery can happen as quickly as 4 weeks then that’s hopeful. It’s so hard to sleep and function when you keep thinking about cancer growing inside you.  I hope you get the best news from your pathology. Sending love. 

I know that is exactly how I felt as well, but once I got the hysterectomy, I was able to sleep etc much easier . The hysterectomy itself was ok. Was robotic assisted and got home next day, so I hope you are the same x

Hi madaboutcoffee,

I live in London and I was a patient at the Royal Marsden and the two week did apply (like I'm sure it does throughout the NHS) but, after diagnosis at the beginning of November, they told me my operation wasn't until 22nd January.

I wrote to pals on 29th December and the result was incredible. Suddenly I was in hospital on 8th January not with the planned surgeon but with the top private surgeon. And my treatment has been timely ever since. You could try it. What have you got to lose? Hospital trusts don't like complaints

Here is what I wrote. 

Dear 

I am writing regarding my ongoing care for endometrial
cancer. My surgery is currently sign-posted for 22nd January, but I am
experiencing worsening abdominal pain and increased incontinence.

Meanwhile my symptoms are progressing and concerning, and I feel they require urgent specialist review rather than waiting for the scheduled surgery date.

I would also like to highlight that my urgent GP referral was made on
2nd October, which means that, if the NHS 62-day cancer treatment
target is applied, I am already 51 days beyond the recommended
timeframe for starting treatment.

Given the aggressive nature of my endometrial cancer, the
length of time I have already waited, and my worsening symptoms, I
urgently request:

*Confirmation that the 22nd January surgery date is definite, or an
earlier date if possible.
*Guidance on immediate assessment or management of my current
symptoms.
*Clarification of any steps I can take to ensure my surgery is
prioritized.

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
Kind regards,

Thanks Backiej57.  

I do think England have generally got a much better service than Scotland  - well done for fighting for quicker surgery. The 62 day pathway is supposed to happen here in Scotland too but that’s a joke. I was at 60 days before I even had my first appointment with gynae on the urgent suspicion of cancer pathway. And now waiting on MRI (no date yet) then surgery. 

Unfortunately we don’t have PALS in Scotland but I am seeing that I will need to fight for a good service. My local MSP is the Scottish Minister for Health so I might need to contact him if I don’t hear soon. It’s terrible when you feel so stressed to have to battle to be seen.  

There is a definite postcode lottery sadly.