UPDATE: 6 1/2 yrs. since hysterectomy and worried....

rosebudlisa62
rosebudlisa62 Member Posts: 16
edited September 2017 in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

UPDATE:  I had the appointment with my Gyneologic Oncologist Monday afternoon. He said that all felt well. He took a vault smear and did an internal exam with two different speculums (he wanted to see up high) and then he did a pelvic exam and a rectal exam. He said he would know in about two weeks about the vault smear, but he thought everything looked healthy and nothing odd. He advised me to check with a Urologist and see if the blood could be originating from somewhere in that tract. He also said it was possible that vaginal atrophy might have caused a bit of bleeding so he prescribed Vagi-Fem. I had been hesitant to use it in the past, but I will use it now to see if it helps with some of my issues. Thanks for thinking of me and praying for me!

 

 

 

Hi All,

 

I'm new here. I was diagnosed in Dec. 2010 with Stage 1 uterine cancer. I had a radical hysterectomy via DaVinci robotic procedure in Feb. 2011.  I have been very good about my follow-up checks. I saw my Gyn. Oncologist until summer of 2013 and at that time they told me I could see my regular Gynecologist (much closer to home). I missed my check-up in 2016, but I had a check-up with my regular Gynecologist this past March. He didn't do a vault smear (first time they haven't done one) because he said that there is conflicting information now about whether it's useful or not. He did a pelvic exam and an internal inspection. He said everything looked good.

During the past 2 or 2 1/2 years I have been having on and off lower back, left hip, thigh and groin pain. I had some tests done last year...x-rays and an MRI. I have all sorts of spine issues that could be causing the pain, so I assumed that was what was cuasing the pain. However...two weeks ago I had a pain in my perineum or labia area on the right side. I know something was different because something hurt when I walked or sat for several days. I would have looked with a mirror, but not that flexible right now becuase of back issues.  Okay...so about four days of this odd 'sore' like pain. On the fourth day, I had an appointment with a Spine Dr. about my back issues. I didn't feel that great the night before...had chills and then woke up sweating. But I don't think I had a fever because it never happened again. Okay..on to day of Dr.'s appointment. Have my appointment and during the appointment, the pain lessens some. I go to the restroom before leaving the appointment and my underwear are a bit wet. My underwear were black so I couldn't really tell if it was blood, but I don't think it was. I thought I must have had a pimple or infected hair follicle that burst? Had a bit of yellowish stuff tinged with blood on toilet tissue when I wiped in that area. Next day I decide I better get it checked as maybe I need antibiotics and I had a bit of blood coming from somewhere on and off until that evening. The Physician's Assistant that saw me at the ER did a visual exam of my genital area and thought she saw what was an abscess. They did a urinalysis by catheter to check my urine. The urine came back no infection, but microhematuria.  Okay, so she gives me anitbiotics. I take them for about two days and they are upsetting my stomach so I stop them. I know I probably shouldn't have, but I was taking Medrol for my back, too, and I felt like the mixture was making me feel yucky. So exactly a week later from the E.R. visit, my husband and I are sitting on the sofa watching T.V.  I feel kind of wet in my underwear. I go to the restroom and I have bright red blood in my underwear. I am not sure if it was uretheral or vaginal. I bleed a little bit more during the night, but not much.  In the morning my husband takes me to the E.R.  The Dr. that sees me does a vaginal exam with a speculum this time. He said evrerything looked fine. He did see a bit of dried brown blood, but not much. He has me do a clean catch urine specimen. This comes back with micro-hematuria, a few hyaline casts and epilietheal cellls. No infection, no crystals, no protein or sugar, etc...  He tells me to see my Primary care dr. to see what he would like me to do next.  Primary care Dr.'s office wants to refer me to a Urologist. Later they call back and have changed their minds and want me to see my Gynecologic Oncologist. Now I am scared.  I am scheduled to see him on 9/11 ( 3 1/2 hours from my home).  I wanted to see if anyone of you ladies have had a recurrence and if so, what were your symptoms? I am praying it's just atrophy-related or granulation tissue of some sort, but I'm really worried.  Thanks for reading my 'book'.  Best to all.

Comments

  • MAbound
    MAbound Member Posts: 1,168 Member
    Uncertainty

    Pains such you are describing along with the wetness and blood would be scary to anybody, much less someone who's had an encounter with uterine cancer. Your gyn-onc is going to be the expert in ruling a recurrence in or out, so definitely go back to see him for your own peace of mind. The symptoms for a recurrence vary from individual to individual, so don't torture yourself with what they may be. You are doing the right thing not ignoring what's going on and sometimes getting to the bottom of the cause can be a frustrating process, especially with the hurry-up-and-wait part of it. So sorry you are going through this and I hope all turns out  well when you get your answers.

  • rosebudlisa62
    rosebudlisa62 Member Posts: 16
    Thank you

    Thank you so much MAbound. I am trying to keep busy and not worry, but it is still popping into my head from time to time.

    Haven't seen any blood or weird discharge since late Saturday night/early Sunday morning. 

    My Gynecologic Oncologist is one of the best in Indiana, so I will be checked out thoroughly at my appointment, I'm sure.  I was hoping I would never have to see him again, even though he is very attractive! ha.

    Have a good night!

     

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    edited August 2017 #4
    The waiting and uncertainty

    The waiting and uncertainty is the hardest part.  S nding hugs and prayers for a good outcome.

    Lou Ann

  • Beebster
    Beebster Member Posts: 20
    If recurrence is even a remote possibility, get to your gyn onc

    Agree completely with MAbound. Go right to the source. Especially when he is good-looking!

  • rosebudlisa62
    rosebudlisa62 Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2017 #6
    Lou Ann M said:

    The waiting and uncertainty

    The waiting and uncertainty is the hardest part.  S nding hugs and prayers for a good outcome.

    Lou Ann

    Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts!

    I sure do appreciate them! Sending you all well wishes and hugs.

  • rosebudlisa62
    rosebudlisa62 Member Posts: 16
    Beebster said:

    If recurrence is even a remote possibility, get to your gyn onc

    Agree completely with MAbound. Go right to the source. Especially when he is good-looking!

    Thank you Beebster!

    He is pretty easy on the eyes which might make it a bit more bearable. ;)  I have an appointment on 9/11. 

  • CheeseQueen57
    CheeseQueen57 Member Posts: 933 Member

    Thank you Beebster!

    He is pretty easy on the eyes which might make it a bit more bearable. ;)  I have an appointment on 9/11. 

    Easy

    I know what you mean. My neurologist looks like a young Andy Garcia!

  • rosebudlisa62
    rosebudlisa62 Member Posts: 16

    Easy

    I know what you mean. My neurologist looks like a young Andy Garcia!

    Oh la la!

    Andy Garcia was/is mighty fine! ;)  Hope you are doing well, too, CheeseQueen.

  • rosebudlisa62
    rosebudlisa62 Member Posts: 16
    Lou Ann M said:

    The waiting and uncertainty

    The waiting and uncertainty is the hardest part.  S nding hugs and prayers for a good outcome.

    Lou Ann

    Thank you, Lou Ann!

    Hope you are well.

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    Wishing you well

    Dear Rosebudlisa:

    I know that this can be very trying figuring out what is happening if anything.   I was diagnoed with Stage 3a Grade 2 after a "routine" hysterectomy.   That was back in 2005.   I did have chemo and brachytherapy.   A small recurrence in 2010.   I have most of the issues that you are having.   Although I did have a ureter blockage which cause hydrouteronephrosis and I had to have a ureter stent placed by a urologist and replaced every 3 months until in December 2015 I had a ureter reimplantment surgery done.   But now my urinalysis does have microscopic blood and I have had hyaline casts too.   I do have two small tissue masses but was assured that wasn't causing my pain.   I pass all the tests (PET, CTs, Blood), but daily do not feel right.   Its annoying and frustrating to say the least.

    I hope you get your answers at your next appointment.   There is so many things it could be other than a recurrence.   But keep proactive.  Only you knows your body.   It doesn't appear that you have had a CT scan.  They will probably order you that or another MRI maybe even a PET/CT plus blood work.   Which is all normal when seeing a gyne/onc for the first time.   Also, make sure you tell the gyne/onc all of your symptoms even if you think it is not important.

     

    My best to you.   Let us know how it goes.

    Kathy

     

  • rosebudlisa62
    rosebudlisa62 Member Posts: 16
    Kaleena said:

    Wishing you well

    Dear Rosebudlisa:

    I know that this can be very trying figuring out what is happening if anything.   I was diagnoed with Stage 3a Grade 2 after a "routine" hysterectomy.   That was back in 2005.   I did have chemo and brachytherapy.   A small recurrence in 2010.   I have most of the issues that you are having.   Although I did have a ureter blockage which cause hydrouteronephrosis and I had to have a ureter stent placed by a urologist and replaced every 3 months until in December 2015 I had a ureter reimplantment surgery done.   But now my urinalysis does have microscopic blood and I have had hyaline casts too.   I do have two small tissue masses but was assured that wasn't causing my pain.   I pass all the tests (PET, CTs, Blood), but daily do not feel right.   Its annoying and frustrating to say the least.

    I hope you get your answers at your next appointment.   There is so many things it could be other than a recurrence.   But keep proactive.  Only you knows your body.   It doesn't appear that you have had a CT scan.  They will probably order you that or another MRI maybe even a PET/CT plus blood work.   Which is all normal when seeing a gyne/onc for the first time.   Also, make sure you tell the gyne/onc all of your symptoms even if you think it is not important.

     

    My best to you.   Let us know how it goes.

    Kathy

     

    Thank you so much for your kind words, Kathy. I pray you feel

    better everyday.  I will update after I see my Gynecologic Oncologist on 9/11. Prayers for you, too!

  • Soup52
    Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member
    Praying for you! What is it

    Praying for you! What is it about our encologists. Mine is very attractive, too! Lol

  • rosebudlisa62
    rosebudlisa62 Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2017 #14
    Kaleena said:

    Wishing you well

    Dear Rosebudlisa:

    I know that this can be very trying figuring out what is happening if anything.   I was diagnoed with Stage 3a Grade 2 after a "routine" hysterectomy.   That was back in 2005.   I did have chemo and brachytherapy.   A small recurrence in 2010.   I have most of the issues that you are having.   Although I did have a ureter blockage which cause hydrouteronephrosis and I had to have a ureter stent placed by a urologist and replaced every 3 months until in December 2015 I had a ureter reimplantment surgery done.   But now my urinalysis does have microscopic blood and I have had hyaline casts too.   I do have two small tissue masses but was assured that wasn't causing my pain.   I pass all the tests (PET, CTs, Blood), but daily do not feel right.   Its annoying and frustrating to say the least.

    I hope you get your answers at your next appointment.   There is so many things it could be other than a recurrence.   But keep proactive.  Only you knows your body.   It doesn't appear that you have had a CT scan.  They will probably order you that or another MRI maybe even a PET/CT plus blood work.   Which is all normal when seeing a gyne/onc for the first time.   Also, make sure you tell the gyne/onc all of your symptoms even if you think it is not important.

     

    My best to you.   Let us know how it goes.

    Kathy

     

    Thank you, Kathy!

    Oops! Just saw that I replied to you earlier. Just wanted you to know that I appreciate your good thoughts and prayers. I am saying prayers for you, too!

  • rosebudlisa62
    rosebudlisa62 Member Posts: 16
    Soup52 said:

    Praying for you! What is it

    Praying for you! What is it about our encologists. Mine is very attractive, too! Lol

    Hi Soup! Thank you so much for the prayers.

    I guess they were fortunate and got both brains and good looks?  :)