stage IV uterine cancer

Michela

Michela said:

Stage IV Uterine Cancer
Just found this site. I was diagnosed at age 45 w/ endometrial cancer (hormone negative). That was 12 years ago. Had hysterectomy & radiation and it seemed like I was cured. But have had serious intestinal problems since the radiation. Eight years ago, nodes were found in my lungs, biopsy confirmed it was metasticized endometrial cx. Had Carboplatin and taxol chemo for 9 mos. PET scan showed no cx. 18 mos. later, new tumors in lungs. Had to stop carbo becz of allergic reaction so did 9 mos of taxol alone. Seemed to be gone. 6 mos. later back. Then had Doxil for 9 mos, 2 times. Then Megace, but had to stop after blood clot 18 mos ago. PET Scan in Aug. showed tumors still growing but slowly. Next option is Avastin with Topotecan. Will probably start in January if I still have insurance. It keeps going up and up because of my preexisting condition. I hope I make it to 2014 when the new Health Care Reform law goes into effect. With every treatment there are side affects. Most are temporary and go away after chemo ends. But some are permanent. Worse one now is that I have neuropathy in my feet which makes it painful to stand or walk for long. As my Doctor told me, you have to balance your quality of life with cancer treatment, compared to stopping treatment and maybe feeling better but not living as long. As for me, I have had to adapt to not being able to work or do many of the active things I used to (dancing, traveling, hiking, skiing, etc.) My brothers, and most of my friends who are my age can still do these things. But I still enjoy my life and don't want to give up treatment. I can still swim and love that. I have lots of friends, and am very close to my father and brothers and have a wonderful boyfriend, who fell in love with me during the first chemo, when I was bald! I have been going to a support group too. I love to watch good DVD movies, and listen to audio books from the library when I am too sick to do other things or to leave home, I have learned to knit and make jewelry for gifts. All these things have helped me cope with the stress of cancer. I do have my ups and downs of course, I do get depressed at times, but I have been able to cope. I think 12 years with metasticized cancer to the lungs is a long time to survive, but as my Doctor told me, each person is different and you are not a statistic. A positive outlook, and support from family, friends, and a support group have kept me alive. And the next thing I want to do is take art classes at the community college and learn to draw and paint with watercolors! It's good to have things to look forward to.

Stage IV Uterine Cancer & Chemo nausea
P.S. Chemo made me nauseous, and the anti-nausea drugs made me very sleepy. Ginger tea, or even chewing on fresh ginger can help some people. I also drank ginger ale (that had real ginger in it), and ate ginger cookies. My doctor also prescribed marijuana pills which helped.

Donna2010

scarlet25 said:

Second Opinion
Dear Ararat,

Have you taken your wife for a second opinion? Do you live near a hospital that specializes in cancer? Fortunately, we live in Boston, very close to Dana Farber. We are very happy with DF. It may be helpful to take your wife for a 2nd, 3rd opinion to make sure that they would treat her the same way her present doctors are treating her.

Scarlet

How is your mom
Dear Scarlet,

I just recently discovered this post, but see that you guys have not written since Sept. 2008. How is your mom? I have not recieved my diagnosis, but it could be related to her problem.
Thank you much in advance.
Donna

Lizbiz2

Michela said:

Stage IV Uterine Cancer
Just found this site. I was diagnosed at age 45 w/ endometrial cancer (hormone negative). That was 12 years ago. Had hysterectomy & radiation and it seemed like I was cured. But have had serious intestinal problems since the radiation. Eight years ago, nodes were found in my lungs, biopsy confirmed it was metasticized endometrial cx. Had Carboplatin and taxol chemo for 9 mos. PET scan showed no cx. 18 mos. later, new tumors in lungs. Had to stop carbo becz of allergic reaction so did 9 mos of taxol alone. Seemed to be gone. 6 mos. later back. Then had Doxil for 9 mos, 2 times. Then Megace, but had to stop after blood clot 18 mos ago. PET Scan in Aug. showed tumors still growing but slowly. Next option is Avastin with Topotecan. Will probably start in January if I still have insurance. It keeps going up and up because of my preexisting condition. I hope I make it to 2014 when the new Health Care Reform law goes into effect. With every treatment there are side affects. Most are temporary and go away after chemo ends. But some are permanent. Worse one now is that I have neuropathy in my feet which makes it painful to stand or walk for long. As my Doctor told me, you have to balance your quality of life with cancer treatment, compared to stopping treatment and maybe feeling better but not living as long. As for me, I have had to adapt to not being able to work or do many of the active things I used to (dancing, traveling, hiking, skiing, etc.) My brothers, and most of my friends who are my age can still do these things. But I still enjoy my life and don't want to give up treatment. I can still swim and love that. I have lots of friends, and am very close to my father and brothers and have a wonderful boyfriend, who fell in love with me during the first chemo, when I was bald! I have been going to a support group too. I love to watch good DVD movies, and listen to audio books from the library when I am too sick to do other things or to leave home, I have learned to knit and make jewelry for gifts. All these things have helped me cope with the stress of cancer. I do have my ups and downs of course, I do get depressed at times, but I have been able to cope. I think 12 years with metasticized cancer to the lungs is a long time to survive, but as my Doctor told me, each person is different and you are not a statistic. A positive outlook, and support from family, friends, and a support group have kept me alive. And the next thing I want to do is take art classes at the community college and learn to draw and paint with watercolors! It's good to have things to look forward to.

National Health Care
I hope this information is useful to you, and I really hope you found this out before my writing this today - National Health Care for pre-exsisting conditions - cancer- is available now. You do not have to wait until 2014. There is a Federal option that you can apply for. My daughter-in-law just got this, She had cancer years ago and could not get insurance until now. It only costs $223.00 per month and it is great insurance! GO online and see for yourself..Good luck and take care