What To Expect??

I just had a laparoscopic partial hysterectomy 3 weeks ago and they found clear cell carcinoma on my pathology report.  Now I have to have a staging surgery and a minimum of 3 chemo treatments even if the staging surgery pathology results are negative due to the aggresive nature of this type of cancer.  Can anyone please advise on what to expect?? 

Thanks

Hi,

I had a total hysterectomy in October.  Stage 1C.  I had three rounds of taxol and carbo over nine weeks.  My cancer was also clear cell and of an aggressive type.  The chemo was not as bad as I had anticipated.  No vomiting, only some "queasiness" the day after. Doctor prescribed Zofran and Compazine to take at home, but I never needed it.  Since the chemo has a cummulative effect, the third treatment was the roughest.  The worse part was the leg pains and aches.  I was also very emotional, especially after the first treatment.  Hair loss around week three.  Since I work in a health care setting, I took a leave during treatment but started back yesterday.  I feel stronger, day by day.  I do have some tingling sensations in my feet, which is common.  I exercise everyday at least 30 minutes and I try to eat healthy foods.  Am staying away from sugars, and processed foods.  Also no artificial sweetners or caffiene.  I feel very fortunate to have caught it early and am staying positive for a full recovery.  I would be happy to keep in touch with you if you'd like.  Pati

On 1/23/2008 pati56 wrote:

Hi,

I had a total hysterectomy in October.  Stage 1C.  I had three rounds of taxol and carbo over nine weeks.  My cancer was also clear cell and of an aggressive type.  The chemo was not as bad as I had anticipated.  No vomiting, only some "queasiness" the day after. Doctor prescribed Zofran and Compazine to take at home, but I never needed it.  Since the chemo has a cummulative effect, the third treatment was the roughest.  The worse part was the leg pains and aches.  I was also very emotional, especially after the first treatment.  Hair loss around week three.  Since I work in a health care setting, I took a leave during treatment but started back yesterday.  I feel stronger, day by day.  I do have some tingling sensations in my feet, which is common.  I exercise everyday at least 30 minutes and I try to eat healthy foods.  Am staying away from sugars, and processed foods.  Also no artificial sweetners or caffiene.  I feel very fortunate to have caught it early and am staying positive for a full recovery.  I would be happy to keep in touch with you if you'd like.  Pati

HI Pati,

It was great just hearing from you knowing there is someone else out there that has already gone through it.  I would really appreciate keeping in touch with you.  I think the not knowing is worse than knowing so thank you for any information you can provide.  I too am staying positive and will be happy to get past this surgery so I can get on with the healing.  I have been reading about the acid and alkaline balance of the body ahve you read or heard anything about this?  My surgery is scheduled for 1-24-08 so I should know more then.  Thanks again for the information and I'll check back with you when I get out of the hospital.

Ona Lee

Hi Ona,

Good luck on your surgery!  Before you know it, you will on the road to recovery.  Yes, not knowing what to expect was the hardest part of the whole thing.  Continue to think positive!  I look forward to hearing back from you after your surgery.  Pati

Pati,

I am Stage 1C, diagosed in December.  I have already had surgery (the first to remove the tumor and right ovary, the second a hysterectomy and staging).  The oncologists have now recommended  rounds of Taxol/carbo.  I have 2 questions for you.  You mentioned that since you work in the healthcare field you took a leave from work.  Is this due to direct patient contact that you have?  I also work in the healthcare field and am debating working during treatment.  As a pharmacist, I have made many doses of chemotherapy, but it is one of those things you never think you will need for yourself.  My other question is if you have found anything specific as far as diet goes.  I am trying to do a more healthy diet of higher fiber, lower sugar.

Thanks, Laura

On 1/24/2008 LauraC wrote:

Pati,

I am Stage 1C, diagosed in December.  I have already had surgery (the first to remove the tumor and right ovary, the second a hysterectomy and staging).  The oncologists have now recommended  rounds of Taxol/carbo.  I have 2 questions for you.  You mentioned that since you work in the healthcare field you took a leave from work.  Is this due to direct patient contact that you have?  I also work in the healthcare field and am debating working during treatment.  As a pharmacist, I have made many doses of chemotherapy, but it is one of those things you never think you will need for yourself.  My other question is if you have found anything specific as far as diet goes.  I am trying to do a more healthy diet of higher fiber, lower sugar.

Thanks, Laura

Hi Laura,

First I must say that even though we have never met, I feel an instant connection with someone who is going through the same thing. :)  Yes, I am a nurse in a rehab/long term facility and it was because of the direct patient contact that I chose to take the leave.  There were several cases of pneumonia this season, as well as numerous G.I. "bugs" going around.  I did not want to expose myself to this while compromised in anyway.  My oncologist told me I did not have to "put myself in a bubble while going through chemo, and that I should be more concerned with infections of my own body, like U.T.I., ect."  I was happy with my decision and got all my chemo on schedule. I also stayed away from crowds.  My husband was great about doing all the shopping and errands!  As far as the diet, I have not found anything specific that I follow.  Just cutting out the sugar, white bread, trying to eat "clean foods" .  Lots of fruits and fresh veggies and whole grains.  Since my surgery, I have had no problems with constipation or U.T.I.s.  As far as my surgery, I had everything done in one shot.  Unfortunately, I did have one complication as a result of the surgery, I had a pulmonary embolism.  While in recovery room, my heart rate was quite elevated, but I had no chest pains or shortness of breath.  After a few days, heart rate remained elevated and oxygen level was going down.   A CAT scan revealed the  clot, and I was immediately put on Heparin and once my levels were theraputic, I was put on Coumadin.  My oncologist believes that within 6 months of surgery, I should be able to come off Coumadin and the clot will be re-absorbed.  Thank Goodness.  I know what you mean as far as believing something like this could ever happen to you.  I never took anything more than a Tylenol.  Anyway, I would like very much to keep in contact and share our "journey".  Take care.  Pati

On 1/25/2008 Harrietg. wrote:

hi! just wanted to say: i was operated on for ov ca in july 2006, & had dvt in my groin! after the heparin i had coumadin: i am still on coumadin because my oncologist thinks it could be beneficial against cancer! look into it! harriet

Hi Harriett,

Thanks for the info.  I certainly will ask my oncologist about that when I see him in February.  If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you how you are doing health wise?  Hope you hear back from you.  Pati

On 1/25/2008 pati56 wrote:

 

On 1/25/2008 Harrietg. wrote:

hi! just wanted to say: i was operated on for ov ca in july 2006, & had dvt in my groin! after the heparin i had coumadin: i am still on coumadin because my oncologist thinks it could be beneficial against cancer! look into it! harriet

 

Hi Harriett,

Thanks for the info.  I certainly will ask my oncologist about that when I see him in February.  If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you how you are doing health wise?  Hope you hear back from you.  Pati

On 1/23/2008 pati56 wrote:

Hi Ona,

Good luck on your surgery!  Before you know it, you will on the road to recovery.  Yes, not knowing what to expect was the hardest part of the whole thing.  Continue to think positive!  I look forward to hearing back from you after your surgery.  Pati

Hi Pati,

I got home from the hosptial on Sunday.  If it wasn't for the mrophine and me throwing up I would have been out sooner.  The surgery went well, and I received all negative pathology reports today.  So that is great news!!  I understand that I do still have to have the chemo due to the aggressive nature of clear cell.  Is that what you experienced as well?  If you want we can email directly my email is

.  Anyway I get my staples out on Feb 6th and then start chemo in about 2 weeks.  Was wondering about hormones, I understand that I won't be able to take any ever?  I am already gainig my strength back and feel better getting past some of the unknown stuff.  How have you been feeling, still tired?

Ona Lee