Newly diagnosed.

Ladies,

I am new to this board and new to Uterine Cancer. I recieved my biopsy results April 3 and it shows Endometrial Cancer Stage III C2. I am just looking for a little hope and support on this journey.  Thanks, Toni

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,351 Member
    First step, take a breath

    I think we can all honestly say we do know how you are feeling.  It is overwhelming and terrifying and oh so many other things.  I am sorry you had to find this board but there isn't a better site out there and the women here are smart, funny, and compassionate.

    There is lots of inspiration here, but try to take a breath.  It is a journey and it is one step at a time.  You may want to have someone go with you to write down all the information being thrown at you, there is no way anyone can remember everything themselves.

    Two years ago (4/5) I was told I had cancer and I couldn't wrap my head around it and even today I still don't know how I did, but you will.  You will surprise yourself.  Ask us anything.

    hugs

  • txtrisha55
    txtrisha55 Member Posts: 693 Member
    I agree take a breath.  Try

    I agree take a breath.  Try not to read the.internet because most of the stuff is outdated.  Remember you are a stastic of one. What I went through with carcinoma sarcoma stage 3c1 grade 3 cancer is not what you will go through.  Each person is different as is their cancer, treatment and the reaction to the treatment.  While we do know what you are going through as we have been there and can tell you how we got through it the journey for you will be similar but it will be yours.

    Take a person with you to appts. Make a list of questions and keep asking them until you get an answer. If you do not like the answer or the drs get a second opinion.   Be proactive it"s your body and you will need to understand what is going on to make decisions.

    Glad you found this site before you started your journey there are some good ladies here to help through the process.  Lots of great ladies here that have been through a lot and are still here fighting the good fight. This is also a good site to come to and voice your.fears, to vent, and just talk. We understand what you are going through. Praying for you. Trish

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    Toni, Welcome to this site

    I too am sorry you have to join us as you go through this journey.   We are here to answer any questions you may have, or to listen to your anxieties or frustrations you may feel.  We all know how overwhelming everything can be.  Take it one day at a time.   As others have said take a breath.   There is definitely HOPE.  In peace and caring.  

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    Thinking of you.

    Hi Toni.

    Sorry you had to have a biopsy and given that news.  However, I am glad you found this site.   Don't look up information on the internet.  Most of it is way outdated and has old information on it.

    By the way, I was diagnosed with Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Grade 2, Stage IIIa back in September of 2005.  Yes, 2005.   I have done so many great things since then and so will you.  If you need more info, let me know.

    My best to you.  

    Kathy

  • pinky104
    pinky104 Member Posts: 574 Member
    Support

    I have survived stage IVb after surgery and chemo with carboplatin and taxol.  I'm one month out from hitting 4 years of survival with no evidence of disease and no reoccurrences (knock on wood).  The surgery was the hardest thing, as I also had my gallbladder and appendix out at the same time.  Chemo wasn't as bad as I expected.  I did get shortness of breath from chemo induced anemia (I refused the Neulasta shot) and had to have tranfusions, but losing my hair was more traumatic than anything else, I thought. Sounds silly, right?

    I wish you luck in your journey.  I just wanted to let you know that some of us do make it through okay.

     

     

  • Abbycat2
    Abbycat2 Member Posts: 644 Member
    Best wishes, Toni

    I am sorry to hear that you have uterine cancer, but glad that you found us here.  There is a wealth of information that can be obtained from this Uterine Board, plus lots of much needed support.   Don't be afraid to ask questions or just to vent.  We will be here to assist you.   Your surgeon should be a gynecologic oncologist; these docs are the experts in this kind of surgery.  I recommend that you get copies of your operative report and the subsequent pathology report.  It is helpful to also have a ca-125 blood test done prior to surgery.  Don't be afraid to get a second opinion regarding treatment.    I was diagnosed in October, 2013, with UPSC, Stage 111A, Grade 3.  Grade 3 cancers are the most aggressive.  Chemo was doable, although I now have neuropathy in my feet and continual back pain.  It has been 6 weeks since my last chemo (Carboplatin and Taxol) and my hair is growing back in.  No eyebrows though.  I have a few eyelashes.    You can do this!

    Best Wishes,

    Cathy

  • Henna
    Henna Member Posts: 20
    Kaleena said:

    Thinking of you.

    Hi Toni.

    Sorry you had to have a biopsy and given that news.  However, I am glad you found this site.   Don't look up information on the internet.  Most of it is way outdated and has old information on it.

    By the way, I was diagnosed with Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Grade 2, Stage IIIa back in September of 2005.  Yes, 2005.   I have done so many great things since then and so will you.  If you need more info, let me know.

    My best to you.  

    Kathy

    Thank You Kaleena!

    Hi Kaleena!

     

    Its great to see so fantastic survivors here! I joined about half an hour ago ant this is my second message here.

     

    In my first message I started a new topic asking how long time the others have needed to wait for a diagnosis and treatment.  A have had an ultrasound that aroused suspicion, it could be endometrial hyperplacia or cancer. I’m getting mad when waiting for the reception time to biopsy and possible treatment.  So it is very encouraging to see that You have overcome Grade 2, StageIIIa!

     

    Henna

     

     

     

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    Henna said:

    Thank You Kaleena!

    Hi Kaleena!

     

    Its great to see so fantastic survivors here! I joined about half an hour ago ant this is my second message here.

     

    In my first message I started a new topic asking how long time the others have needed to wait for a diagnosis and treatment.  A have had an ultrasound that aroused suspicion, it could be endometrial hyperplacia or cancer. I’m getting mad when waiting for the reception time to biopsy and possible treatment.  So it is very encouraging to see that You have overcome Grade 2, StageIIIa!

     

    Henna

     

     

     

    Thanks Henna and welcome to

    Thanks Henna and welcome to this site.

    About waiting.   It is there.   I recently had a CT scan indicate that a mass that I had (all my previous scans) had grown a bit but the PET scan indicated that it was within normal FDG range.  So I decided to have it biopsied.   Two months later I had it biopsied.   It was negative, but I still may have to have it removed because it is wrapped around my left ureter and concern for blocking it.  I still haven't met with my doctor yet.  I don't see him until July.   So you see waiting is not unusual.

    But do know anytime you are concerned or have questions, always feel free to call your doctor or speak with the Physician Assistant.   If not, you can drive yourself crazy and it is easier to place a call than just to sit back and worry.  Also, if once you get an answer and you feel uncertain about it, you can always get a second opinion.

    My best to you.

    Kathy

     

     

  • dalry
    dalry Member Posts: 2
    Finished Chemo

    Well I have so far made it through the 1st leg of treatment. Not looking forward to radiation as I alread am struggling with lympedema. I would really appreaciate any and all advice you ladies have to offer on surviving Chemo and Radiation and Diet and Supplement support tips. I feel like I'm swimming in a sea of information with no real direction. Thanks, Toni

     

  • It happened to Me
    It happened to Me Member Posts: 206 Member
    dalry said:

    Finished Chemo

    Well I have so far made it through the 1st leg of treatment. Not looking forward to radiation as I alread am struggling with lympedema. I would really appreaciate any and all advice you ladies have to offer on surviving Chemo and Radiation and Diet and Supplement support tips. I feel like I'm swimming in a sea of information with no real direction. Thanks, Toni

     

    Toni, congrats on finishing your first leg of your journey.

    As far as advise, I recommend that you try to walk everyday to help with energy.  Even if it's only a little bit.  I started really slow and really short distances, but have steadily added longer distances.  As far as nutrition, after chemo. it was suggested that I take a B complex to build up the B vitamins and take extra protein.  Lots of fluids especially water.  If you are constipated, miralax and stool softners are good.  When I was done with chemo., I wanted to get anti-oxidants into my system quick as I could, so I did some research and found that Alpha Lipoic Acid was a super anti-oxidant as well as a supplement called S.O.D. and I can't remember what it stood for.  Anyway, I went online and found some more of the natural supplements.  I decided I was taking those (both) for three months.  Why?  I just decided that.  At the end of three months, I took either 1 or the other everyday but not both.  I did that for three months.  I've decided that I'm not taking any more.  Personal preference.  I have altered my eating habits too.  I've virtually eliminated the majority of sugar from my diet except for natural sugars like honey and fruit.

    The other thing I've learned is that you have to rest when your body says rest.  I was told not to "push through it" because that will set you back.

    I have found that finding something to be thankful for is a huge way to help you get through it and laughing is great medicine too.    Those are my suggestions.  Use what you can and discard what you don't want.  The ladies on this board will be a great help with other ideas and suggestions.  Find what works for you.

    Jeanette

  • SUNGRANNY
    SUNGRANNY Member Posts: 81 Member
    Lymphadema

    Hello Toni,

    Glad you made it through surgery and chemo - good for you!  I alos have lymphadema.  Are you getting help?  Does your facility have a specialist to work with lymphadema?  It's usually a physical therapist or occupational therapist trained to work with lymphadema.

    Yes there is a huge amount of information.  I found the book "Anticancer: A New Way of Life" by David Servan-Schreiber very helpful in terms of nutrition and supplements. 

    Sending you healing thoughts,

    Sungranny

     

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,351 Member
    dalry said:

    Finished Chemo

    Well I have so far made it through the 1st leg of treatment. Not looking forward to radiation as I alread am struggling with lympedema. I would really appreaciate any and all advice you ladies have to offer on surviving Chemo and Radiation and Diet and Supplement support tips. I feel like I'm swimming in a sea of information with no real direction. Thanks, Toni

     

    Toni, I hated the thought of

    Toni, I hated the thought of radiation and they scared the crap out of me on the side effects!!  I will say, if chemo made you tired, radiation is going to exhaust you.  Radiation continues to work for up to six weeks after you complete that therapy so the fatique does take some time retreat.  Give in to it and sleep. 

    I did sit down with a dietician who specialized in helping cancer patients and that was extremely helpful.  She recommended probiotics and I was already taking them so I think that was helpful for me for the radiation.  She also recommended getting enough protein, and that meant 7 - 9 servings a day.  A yogurt was one, and egg one, some larger pieces of meat (3 oz) was 3 servings, so you see it was easier to get to than you think.  Due to the radiation to your pelvic area it damages and kills alot of marrow in your hip bones and that is a lot of marrow!  You will want to try to rebuild the red cells. 

    My two cents.  You have to decide for yourself, and the dietician wasn't covered by my insurance but worth the bucks I paid, and I am happy to share that knowledge.

  • sandylil
    sandylil Member Posts: 12
    newly diagnosed

    hi everyone,

    i had vaginal bleeding and had a bx a week and a half ago. got the results yesterday.  Grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma.

    i was and still am in shock.  didn't sleep all night. i'm a mess.  I'm 60.  just wanted some insight. 

    i guess the next thing is a hysterectomy where they will stage it.

    thanks for listening.

    Sandy E.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,351 Member
    sandylil said:

    newly diagnosed

    hi everyone,

    i had vaginal bleeding and had a bx a week and a half ago. got the results yesterday.  Grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma.

    i was and still am in shock.  didn't sleep all night. i'm a mess.  I'm 60.  just wanted some insight. 

    i guess the next thing is a hysterectomy where they will stage it.

    thanks for listening.

    Sandy E.

    Sandy, try to relax.  You

    Sandy, try to relax.  You really need to find out what you are dealing with and the hysterectomy is going to let you know how they will proceed.  Grade 1 is low, and that is promising.  It is not as agressive as a higher grade.  The Stage is going to tell you how far it is, and you don't know that.  So, take a breath and try to take it one step at a time.  Please let us know.

  • sandylil
    sandylil Member Posts: 12

    Sandy, try to relax.  You

    Sandy, try to relax.  You really need to find out what you are dealing with and the hysterectomy is going to let you know how they will proceed.  Grade 1 is low, and that is promising.  It is not as agressive as a higher grade.  The Stage is going to tell you how far it is, and you don't know that.  So, take a breath and try to take it one step at a time.  Please let us know.

    thanks

    thanks for the reassuance.  i will keep you posted..

    sandy

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    sandylil said:

    thanks

    thanks for the reassuance.  i will keep you posted..

    sandy

    Hi Sandy:Please keep us

    Hi Sandy:

    Please keep us posted.  Also, you may want to start a new post so that your message doesn't get lost in another one and we will be able to post quicker to you.   Further, my only advice is don't think too far ahead of what is in front of you.   What I mean is right now you are looking at a hysterectomy.    Don't think beyond that.    Take one step at a time.

    My best to you.

    Kathy

    P.S.  All you have to do is hit "Post new Forum Topic" to start your own post.   You will find that right under the words UTERINE CANCER

  • It happened to Me
    It happened to Me Member Posts: 206 Member
    Kaleena said:

    Hi Sandy:Please keep us

    Hi Sandy:

    Please keep us posted.  Also, you may want to start a new post so that your message doesn't get lost in another one and we will be able to post quicker to you.   Further, my only advice is don't think too far ahead of what is in front of you.   What I mean is right now you are looking at a hysterectomy.    Don't think beyond that.    Take one step at a time.

    My best to you.

    Kathy

    P.S.  All you have to do is hit "Post new Forum Topic" to start your own post.   You will find that right under the words UTERINE CANCER

    Welcome Sandy

    This is a great group of ladies to bounce things off of, to ask questions, to vent.  I agree with Kathy to start your own thread.  Some of these threads are really long and sometimes it can get confusing.  I'm 52 and was diagnosed with UPSC (rare kind of uterine cancer).  The best advice I ever received was: 1) Only focus on what you know 2) only look at the next appointment.   Don't read the internet statistics because it will scare you silly.  Besides, their statistics are outdated.  Feel free to pick our brain.  I'm a newer member, but the members here have a vast array of wisdom and knowledge.  

    You have just joined the Peach Sisterhood and that's what we are sisters.

    Jeanette

  • sandylil
    sandylil Member Posts: 12

    Welcome Sandy

    This is a great group of ladies to bounce things off of, to ask questions, to vent.  I agree with Kathy to start your own thread.  Some of these threads are really long and sometimes it can get confusing.  I'm 52 and was diagnosed with UPSC (rare kind of uterine cancer).  The best advice I ever received was: 1) Only focus on what you know 2) only look at the next appointment.   Don't read the internet statistics because it will scare you silly.  Besides, their statistics are outdated.  Feel free to pick our brain.  I'm a newer member, but the members here have a vast array of wisdom and knowledge.  

    You have just joined the Peach Sisterhood and that's what we are sisters.

    Jeanette

    again thanks

    i am glad i found you.

    it has been scary and i haven't been able to eat or sleep for a few days.

    plus i'm still working, so that makes it difficult.....sheesh!

     

    sandy

  • Abbycat2
    Abbycat2 Member Posts: 644 Member
    sandylil said:

    again thanks

    i am glad i found you.

    it has been scary and i haven't been able to eat or sleep for a few days.

    plus i'm still working, so that makes it difficult.....sheesh!

     

    sandy

    Hi, sandy

    Hi, sandy,

    Learning that I had adenocarcinoma was one of the lowest points in my life and I had much the same experience that you are going through now.  I couldn't sleep, eat, or think of anything else except my cancer.  I was in a state of shock. That was a year ago, 10/14/13, when I was 60-years-old.   I want you to know that the initial shock will wear off and your life will become more normal with the passage of time and the passage of the treatment.  I don't think about my cancer diagnosis as much now, although occasionally I still experience fearfulness about what will happen to me in the future.  One of our wonderful ladies here, Ro10, wrote:  "Try to enjoy each day and live in the present. Worry does not change what's ahead, but robs you of enjoying the present".  That quote is on my work bulletin board right next to me as I am typing this to you.  It's a good idea to bring a friend or loved one with you to the doctor's visit (hopefully, a gynecologic oncologist), because it can be overwhelming and mind-numbing.  Bring a list of questions and take notes if necessaryl.  After your surgery, I recommend that you obtain your operative and pathology reports for your records.  Most uterine cancer is curable and with a Grade 1 cancer you have the least aggressive cancer you can have.  That's good news.

    Keep us posted, sandy.  When will you have surgery?

    Warm Wishes,

    Cathy

    UPSC, Stage IIIA