I was diagnosed on Monday with endometrial cancer and today I had an appointment with a gynecological oncologist. My OB/GYN called me yesterday to say that the ultrasound showed that it had not yet moved into my ovaries. I think that I was more grateful to hear that than any news that I've ever had. But when I spoke with the oncologist today he told me that there was no assurance of that or that it had not spread until surgery. I have some serious hyperplasia, and 2 ovarian cycts...one OB/GYN doctor told me that he thought that the large one was 4 cm. I'm going to have surgery in 3 weeks and have everything removed...including my lymph nodes and my appendix because he said that cancer can "hide" in there. He said that we''re going to assume that it's Stage 1 until then. I really like the fact that my oncologist is very direct and up front and very qualified, but this problem began when an endocrinologist who was treating me for a thyroid problem put me on straight estrogen for a year and a half with no progesterone, so I'm vey gun-shy.In general, I'm feeling very positive and hopeful that this is the situation (that it's contained)and I do have alot of faith (I'm married to a minister and that's a huge plus!) My concern is this: Sylvia, after reading your response, I was really shocked at what happened to you and how your diagnosis stage I jumped to a stage IIIA once you had surgery. Do you, or anyone else, know if this is a common occurence or more of an exception?
In general, I'm feeling very positive and hopeful that this is the situation (that it's contained)and I do have alot of faith (I'm married to a minister and that's a huge plus!) My concern is this: Sylvia, after reading your response, I was really shocked at what happened to you and how your diagnosis stage I jumped to a stage IIIA once you had surgery. Do you, or anyone else, know if this is a common occurence or more of an exception?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Beth
On 5/11/2007 Prickly wrote:
On 4/24/2007
Finches wrote:
If anyone has had or is undergoing treatment for endometrial cancer I am interested in any information regarding treatment and side effects, staging etc. I have been newly diagnosed with a grade I cancer, the doctor believes it is in a very early stage. Part of the surgery is a complete hysterectomy, and removal of the lymph nodes in the groin. I am wondering if there are any other methods to stage this cancer other than removal of all the lymph nodes, I don't see a problem with the hysterectomy( uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, & cervix). If anyone has had a similar experience, please respond.
Finches
Dear Finches,
I was in your position about a year and a half ago, stage 1 endometrial cancer. During surgery it was discovered that the tumor had grown between the wallls of the uterus, I came out of surgery with a stage IIIC, my 1 and a half centermeter tumor had become 7 c, the only reason that it wasn't a stage 4 was due to the cancer not affecting the bladder. I had several lymph nodes that were positive in different areas including areas up to the aortic channel. I underwent radiation and chemo, I was hesitant of the chemo but since my cancel was not a clear cell cancel it was explained that I would need something systemic in case some cells had broken loose. The type of cell that I have is shaped like a spiral, if one breaks loose it can travel the blood stream and attach to another organ, therefore my cancer is never in remission. I am doing well and plan each day at a time; its so important to learn from the experience, life is precious, don't sweat the small stuff.
I hope this finds you recouperating well and in good spirits, attitude is so important.
Let me know if I can do anything, take care!
Sylvia