Uterine cancer metastasized to lung - looking for others to talk to with similar condition

gwhite

Karenhopeful said:

Thanks Jerry!
I will be sending for your book and cd. When I was finally able to get out ot the black depression I first had, I started imagining the prayers of my friends as bombs that were destroying cancer cells. I have no idea if any cancer has declined, but I know my left side is almost pain free now, compared to before I imagined this. My right side still is hurting, but I am confident God is with me, will give me strength for each day. I hope with your instruction on guided imagery, I will start bombing out the cancer on my right side too. I do believe with God all things are possible - I just need the belief. It is so easy for the negative thoughts to intrude. I start chemo this coming week. I will use your positive imagery to help guide the drugs to do their job along with my thoughts for healing.

guided imagery
What a great, positive response, Karen. You are right on with your imagery and it will only get better. For a year after my second surgery, the worst of the two, I was plauged by those lingering pains that would come and go, just enough to scare the hell out of me had I let them. I would just say to them, no, you are not recurring cancer for the cancer never did hurt. Finally one morning I woke up with the strangest feeling that something was different. Then I realized that nothing was hurting! That was 15 years ago and here I still am.
I hope you noticed the bit about the new technology in the manufacture of CDs for guided imagery that we were able to develop last summer. This has enabled us to embed the alpha frequency into the voice and sound tracks of this new CD. At last the CD is transmitting in perfect tuning resonance with the right brain. Last August we put the first 5 of these to be produced into the hands of 5 patients with advanced disease and the results are now in and they are wonderful. A detailed report has just been compiled and can be transmitted by email. Suffice it to say that all five got favorable resoponses; one complete remission, two near complete remissions, and two stable diseases wherein growth stopped in grade 3 and 4 tumors. If you would like, just email me at maars@charter.net and I will email you a copy of this most exciting paper. I am glad for the opportunity to be your friend.

daisy366

Karenhopeful said:

Thanks Jerry!
I will be sending for your book and cd. When I was finally able to get out ot the black depression I first had, I started imagining the prayers of my friends as bombs that were destroying cancer cells. I have no idea if any cancer has declined, but I know my left side is almost pain free now, compared to before I imagined this. My right side still is hurting, but I am confident God is with me, will give me strength for each day. I hope with your instruction on guided imagery, I will start bombing out the cancer on my right side too. I do believe with God all things are possible - I just need the belief. It is so easy for the negative thoughts to intrude. I start chemo this coming week. I will use your positive imagery to help guide the drugs to do their job along with my thoughts for healing.

Barb, you probably qualify for disability
Work is very stressful. Stress is not good for us.

With your history, I'm sure you qualify for Social Security Disability - I did. Your benefit would be equal to your full retirement benefit if you continued to work. I encourage you to do the math and see if you can get by - SS also told me that I could earn up to $1000 month (not a penny more) and still collect benefits.

I encourage you to check this out. I applied online and go approved immediately. Others have gone to the SS office and also received good news about qualifying.

All the best and lots of hugs to you, Mary Ann

barbakamom

Karenhopeful said:

Prayers for Barbara and all on this list!
Barbara and all, I have added you to my daily prayers. I know prayers do help.
Barbara, I'm amazed you kept working. I feel like a cry baby. I'm retired and barely move from my chairs, as I start to hurt when I stand. I have two masses one at the top of each lung: 62mm, which I suspect is about 6.2cm, 5 lymph nodes look to be involved already, small tumor in lower abdomen, no surgery unless they really shrink in size. One doctor says nibbling at bones, the other says no. Biopsy said figo 3, but I always thought it was 4 when it was in several places. 3 was a little better sounding than 4. Certainly gave me glimpse of hope, thinking it 4 was like an immediate death sentence.
Stay courageous! Imagine each prayer destroying cancer cells. Praying for good news on the 15th.

Think positively
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your kind words of encourgement. While going through surgery and chemotherapy and out on FMLA last year, I also lived with my mom and nursed her through lung cancer - she passed away in July. So, overall, I think I'm doing pretty well, but I have my moments. At this point in time, there is NED anywhere else in my body, but of course, that's why I am so apprehensive about my next appointment! Only 8 more days to wait. But on the positive side, I am doing what I can to help myself - eating more fruits and vegetables, have intentionally lost 22 pounds, take regular walks for exercise, and listen to music to manage stress. I do think that being able to work full time is helpful - at least I have insurance! I also hope that hearing about how I'm living a high quality of life with only 1-1/2 lungs gives hope to others - I'll never be able to jog for exercise - but never did that before! LOL
I'm praying for all who are fighting this terrible disease and am glad we are here for each other.

Ava 52

Tresia23 said:

Breathless
Hi, I have been reading the posts about lung mets. I am looking for reassurance I guess. I am reasonably fit and not overweight. Meditating daily. Yoga sometimes when I am not too stiff! I had my one year follow up recently. Had pap done which was clear, but was having problems with breathlessness and palpitations. Have lost appetite which is how I have been since surgery and also have problems with bloating and indigestion also affecting my breathing.

My onc gynaecologist gave me a referral for chest xray which was clear. My primary care physician sent me for echocardiogram and have had Holter monitor on for 24hrs. Again good result.

First experienced breathlessness before surgery for endometrial cancer. My doctor put it down to anaemia at that time but it has continued and become more frequent. When I bend to pick up things or when I walk upstairs, even just looking out the window. No problem with walking on the flat. Have asked for a referral to respiratory specialist who I will see early January. Should I do anything else? Since I had cancer diagnosis I do not trust my judgment as much as I used to.

trust yourself
ask for a chest ct that is how they found my mets to chest love and blessing be with you frined i am in the battle now meet with the oncs tomorrow scared to death but worry never never helped a thing a hang on to that

Karenhopeful

daisy366 said:

Barb, you probably qualify for disability
Work is very stressful. Stress is not good for us.

With your history, I'm sure you qualify for Social Security Disability - I did. Your benefit would be equal to your full retirement benefit if you continued to work. I encourage you to do the math and see if you can get by - SS also told me that I could earn up to $1000 month (not a penny more) and still collect benefits.

I encourage you to check this out. I applied online and go approved immediately. Others have gone to the SS office and also received good news about qualifying.

All the best and lots of hugs to you, Mary Ann

First chemo on Feb. 9, 2012 went great!
I was terrified of how I would feel. Praise God, it was great! They gave me nausea meds, and benedryl first. The only indication of when the actual chemo started was a slight cool feeling. The benedryl let me relax and nap. It was a 5 hour session. No nausea, no pain, no uncomfortable anything that day. The next day, I had a bright red, hot, itchy face. They had said to expect that on my cheeks, but it was my whole face. Gone on Saturday. Saturday I was very constipated, took Senecot, and was eventually able to have a BM. Today I was fine but will continue with the senecot. I am still worried about getting the joint pains with taxol. Last night I did have a minute of tingling in my toes and ankles - not sure if that is the taxol. But it was brief. I am getting carboplatin/taxol for 6 treatments, 5 hours each once a month. I have uterine cancer that has gone into my lungs. Too large for surgery, I am uncomfortable and out of breath most of the time. I'm retired, but too tired for even housework, I have to sit and rest in the middle of making my breakfast or after taking a shower. I'm not so worried about my hair -though I may be when it actually happens - I am worried about the chemo shrinking my tumors. I just reread most of the posts, and one of the early ones was so encouraging that the chemo really shrunk her tumors. I sure hope it does the same to mine!!!

Mdotsie47

Karenhopeful said:

First chemo on Feb. 9, 2012 went great!
I was terrified of how I would feel. Praise God, it was great! They gave me nausea meds, and benedryl first. The only indication of when the actual chemo started was a slight cool feeling. The benedryl let me relax and nap. It was a 5 hour session. No nausea, no pain, no uncomfortable anything that day. The next day, I had a bright red, hot, itchy face. They had said to expect that on my cheeks, but it was my whole face. Gone on Saturday. Saturday I was very constipated, took Senecot, and was eventually able to have a BM. Today I was fine but will continue with the senecot. I am still worried about getting the joint pains with taxol. Last night I did have a minute of tingling in my toes and ankles - not sure if that is the taxol. But it was brief. I am getting carboplatin/taxol for 6 treatments, 5 hours each once a month. I have uterine cancer that has gone into my lungs. Too large for surgery, I am uncomfortable and out of breath most of the time. I'm retired, but too tired for even housework, I have to sit and rest in the middle of making my breakfast or after taking a shower. I'm not so worried about my hair -though I may be when it actually happens - I am worried about the chemo shrinking my tumors. I just reread most of the posts, and one of the early ones was so encouraging that the chemo really shrunk her tumors. I sure hope it does the same to mine!!!

Wishing you the best
I've been off the posts for a while dealing with lots of issues. I'm glad your chemo started well and hope it continues to go well and is very effective.

I am a little concerned that most people with lung mets are on chemo and I am not but I guess I have to trust my doctor. He says the chemo drugs he would use could cause their own set of problems and it's better to try radiation and hormone therapy first.

I have been going to the Stanford cancer center gyn cancer survival group. They provide lots of info I had not heard before on supplementing medical therapy with lifestyle and nutritional therapy. What I have learned there: even if you're really tired (and I am) do at least 20 minutes a day of exercise with the goal of working up to an hour a day. Many patients and doctors have found this an important therapy for extending life. I bought an Air Climber and do a twenty minute routine daily. It is exhausting but studies by doctors in Germany have found that patients who give in to their tiredness and don't exercise don't live as long as those who get even 15 minutes a day of whatever level of activity they can handle. Of course, everyone probably ought to check with her own doc to make sure this is OK. My onco say he doesn't think it helps, but my radiation onco says he definitely thinks it does help.

Another thing I learned about is broccoli sprouts. Studies at Johns Hopkins have have shown that eating one ounce of sprouts a day helps slow or stop tumor growth in many cases. The key is to grow them yourself from organic seeds and eat them when they are three days old. You can get the seeds and sprouter on Amazon, cheap.

The group is reading a book called Defeat Cancer, which has some good information.

I have been feeling very stressed about being too tired to work .i am self employed and have a big backlog of finished work that draws income, but it's so frustrating to not feel like working. I know stress is not good for my goal of life extension, but it's so hard to let it go. How do others handle this problem?

Mdotsie47

Karenhopeful said:

First chemo on Feb. 9, 2012 went great!
I was terrified of how I would feel. Praise God, it was great! They gave me nausea meds, and benedryl first. The only indication of when the actual chemo started was a slight cool feeling. The benedryl let me relax and nap. It was a 5 hour session. No nausea, no pain, no uncomfortable anything that day. The next day, I had a bright red, hot, itchy face. They had said to expect that on my cheeks, but it was my whole face. Gone on Saturday. Saturday I was very constipated, took Senecot, and was eventually able to have a BM. Today I was fine but will continue with the senecot. I am still worried about getting the joint pains with taxol. Last night I did have a minute of tingling in my toes and ankles - not sure if that is the taxol. But it was brief. I am getting carboplatin/taxol for 6 treatments, 5 hours each once a month. I have uterine cancer that has gone into my lungs. Too large for surgery, I am uncomfortable and out of breath most of the time. I'm retired, but too tired for even housework, I have to sit and rest in the middle of making my breakfast or after taking a shower. I'm not so worried about my hair -though I may be when it actually happens - I am worried about the chemo shrinking my tumors. I just reread most of the posts, and one of the early ones was so encouraging that the chemo really shrunk her tumors. I sure hope it does the same to mine!!!

Wishing you the best
I've been off the posts for a while dealing with lots of issues. I'm glad your chemo started well and hope it continues to go well and is very effective.

I am a little concerned that most people with lung mets are on chemo and I am not but I guess I have to trust my doctor. He says the chemo drugs he would use could cause their own set of problems and it's better to try radiation and hormone therapy first.

I have been going to the Stanford cancer center gyn cancer survival group. They provide lots of info I had not heard before on supplementing medical therapy with lifestyle and nutritional therapy. What I have learned there: even if you're really tired (and I am) do at least 20 minutes a day of exercise with the goal of working up to an hour a day. Many patients and doctors have found this an important therapy for extending life. I bought an Air Climber and do a twenty minute routine daily. It is exhausting but studies by doctors in Germany have found that patients who give in to their tiredness and don't exercise don't live as long as those who get even 15 minutes a day of whatever level of activity they can handle. Of course, everyone probably ought to check with her own doc to make sure this is OK. My onco say he doesn't think it helps, but my radiation onco says he definitely thinks it does help.

Another thing I learned about is broccoli sprouts. Studies at Johns Hopkins have have shown that eating one ounce of sprouts a day helps slow or stop tumor growth in many cases. The key is to grow them yourself from organic seeds and eat them when they are three days old. You can get the seeds and sprouter on Amazon, cheap.

The group is reading a book called Defeat Cancer, which has some good information.

I have been feeling very stressed about being too tired to work . I am self employed and have a big backlog of finished work that draws income, but it's so frustrating to not feel like working. I know stress is not good for my goal of life extension, but it's so hard to let it go. How do others handle this problem?

snowbird_11

Mdotsie47 said:

Wishing you the best
I've been off the posts for a while dealing with lots of issues. I'm glad your chemo started well and hope it continues to go well and is very effective.

I am a little concerned that most people with lung mets are on chemo and I am not but I guess I have to trust my doctor. He says the chemo drugs he would use could cause their own set of problems and it's better to try radiation and hormone therapy first.

I have been going to the Stanford cancer center gyn cancer survival group. They provide lots of info I had not heard before on supplementing medical therapy with lifestyle and nutritional therapy. What I have learned there: even if you're really tired (and I am) do at least 20 minutes a day of exercise with the goal of working up to an hour a day. Many patients and doctors have found this an important therapy for extending life. I bought an Air Climber and do a twenty minute routine daily. It is exhausting but studies by doctors in Germany have found that patients who give in to their tiredness and don't exercise don't live as long as those who get even 15 minutes a day of whatever level of activity they can handle. Of course, everyone probably ought to check with her own doc to make sure this is OK. My onco say he doesn't think it helps, but my radiation onco says he definitely thinks it does help.

Another thing I learned about is broccoli sprouts. Studies at Johns Hopkins have have shown that eating one ounce of sprouts a day helps slow or stop tumor growth in many cases. The key is to grow them yourself from organic seeds and eat them when they are three days old. You can get the seeds and sprouter on Amazon, cheap.

The group is reading a book called Defeat Cancer, which has some good information.

I have been feeling very stressed about being too tired to work .i am self employed and have a big backlog of finished work that draws income, but it's so frustrating to not feel like working. I know stress is not good for my goal of life extension, but it's so hard to let it go. How do others handle this problem?

Hi Mdotsie, I have not been
Hi Mdotsie, I have not been posting on this thread previously as I did not have lung mets -- last Friday I found out that i have innumerable nodules in my lungs. i also have a lesion in my liver. I just saw my gyn-onc yesterday and have started tamoxifen treatment for similar reasons to your doctor's recommendation. After I had my debulking surgery 4 yrs ago my gyn onc told to get up and walk, walk, walk - it would tell my body that i wanted to live. I keep that thought with me always, particularly on dreary days when I just want to curl up and do nothing. When i told my current gyn-onc that i had been able to walk an 18-hole hilly golf course while pushing a cart and playing and enjoying it, he said 'Keep On Doing That!' Of course that's not my daily activity but I still walk, walk, walk.

Yes we must definitely control our stress - i think that is the major cause of my illnesses and likewise the hardest for me to manage. I'm looking to get back into meditation and guided imagery - because my life does indeed depend on it! Have you read Servan-Schreiber's Anti-cancer A New Way Life? , also Simonton's Getting Well Again? Both are helpful for our mental wellness.
Healing thoughts to you,
Annie

barbakamom

A second recurrence in my left lung
I just learned today I have a second recurrence in my left lung - the one that I had surgery on last year which was reduced in size by 1/2. My doctor recommends a second surgery, if the thoracic surgeon feels it's operable. The good news is that the metastasized cancer is confined to this one lung, my CA125s are still low, and the doctor said I do not have cancer anywhere else in my body, including the primary site in the uterus/pelvic area. So guess that makes me a candidate for surgery. From what I've been reading over the past few months, if your primary site is cancer-free or controlled, and the metastasis is confied to just one other organ, then surgery is a good option, assuming other variables are also positive, such as the operable location, size, number of lesions, etc. My doctor said probably chemo again, although I did not respond very well to chemo the first time, and we might throw in radiation this time, although that scares me. Is there anyone else who is relying on surgery/chemo treatments for their uterine adenocarcinoma cancer that has metastasized to the lung? I'd love to hear what type of treatment your doctor is recommending...

TiggersDoBounce

barbakamom said:

A second recurrence in my left lung
I just learned today I have a second recurrence in my left lung - the one that I had surgery on last year which was reduced in size by 1/2. My doctor recommends a second surgery, if the thoracic surgeon feels it's operable. The good news is that the metastasized cancer is confined to this one lung, my CA125s are still low, and the doctor said I do not have cancer anywhere else in my body, including the primary site in the uterus/pelvic area. So guess that makes me a candidate for surgery. From what I've been reading over the past few months, if your primary site is cancer-free or controlled, and the metastasis is confied to just one other organ, then surgery is a good option, assuming other variables are also positive, such as the operable location, size, number of lesions, etc. My doctor said probably chemo again, although I did not respond very well to chemo the first time, and we might throw in radiation this time, although that scares me. Is there anyone else who is relying on surgery/chemo treatments for their uterine adenocarcinoma cancer that has metastasized to the lung? I'd love to hear what type of treatment your doctor is recommending...

Thinking of all you brave ladies on this thread...
Keep it going ladies! Looking forward to your positive updsates following your treatments...

Laurie

Karenhopeful

TiggersDoBounce said:

Thinking of all you brave ladies on this thread...
Keep it going ladies! Looking forward to your positive updsates following your treatments...

Laurie

No News is Good News? Two questions
Hi all, haven't posted in a few days because I've been having some good days!!! A lot of my little pains have subsided. I still have a major sore pain in my shoulder/back area but it is a low pain level. I'm sure my next chemo will make it feel even better! I haven't had any bad after effect from the chemo. I am starting to lose my hair. Getting lots of strands when I brush. This started on my 11th day after chemo. I am not taking it off till I have to though. I might go wig shopping tomorrow.
I do have one thing going on that concerns me, maybe someone has had a similar experience or has information. I am only sweating on half of my body. My left side which feels good perspires on my face, hands armpits. My right side with the most pain does not perspire on the face, hand or arm pits. I'm trying not to worry, but also want information as I'm concerned that my brain could overheat in the summer if I'm not able to expel extra heat. The nurse at my blood draw didn't seem concerned -but I am. My first blood draw had lower counts in many areas, but they said it was fine so far. Trying to get in protein. Does anyone take extra iron supplements? I was almost lower than normal in my iron even before the chemo started.

No news is good news? Just wondering if some of the posters from 2010/2011 might be doing well now and don't feel the need to come here? I hope that is the case. Everyone else, take it one day at a time, make it through that day, enjoy it as much as possible, and have faith that you will get better!!!

Karenhopeful

Karenhopeful said:

No News is Good News? Two questions
Hi all, haven't posted in a few days because I've been having some good days!!! A lot of my little pains have subsided. I still have a major sore pain in my shoulder/back area but it is a low pain level. I'm sure my next chemo will make it feel even better! I haven't had any bad after effect from the chemo. I am starting to lose my hair. Getting lots of strands when I brush. This started on my 11th day after chemo. I am not taking it off till I have to though. I might go wig shopping tomorrow.
I do have one thing going on that concerns me, maybe someone has had a similar experience or has information. I am only sweating on half of my body. My left side which feels good perspires on my face, hands armpits. My right side with the most pain does not perspire on the face, hand or arm pits. I'm trying not to worry, but also want information as I'm concerned that my brain could overheat in the summer if I'm not able to expel extra heat. The nurse at my blood draw didn't seem concerned -but I am. My first blood draw had lower counts in many areas, but they said it was fine so far. Trying to get in protein. Does anyone take extra iron supplements? I was almost lower than normal in my iron even before the chemo started.

No news is good news? Just wondering if some of the posters from 2010/2011 might be doing well now and don't feel the need to come here? I hope that is the case. Everyone else, take it one day at a time, make it through that day, enjoy it as much as possible, and have faith that you will get better!!!

Question about staging
Before my needle biopsy, I assumed I was stage 4 and very depressed. My oncologist said I was figo 3- which did give me hope. Does anyone know where I can see how figo 3 is described. I just found a description of stage IVb the worst scenario, and I think that is me. I have it in both lungs and a small tumor on my intestines. No possibility of operation on lungs unless it really shrinks as both sides were lemon sized tumors of about 3 inches. On the bright side, I felt really good yesterday, but think I overdid it, cause I was very tired today and achy in my back again. Maybe it is better not to know the truth about my staging. I had no hope and felt horrible thinking it was stage 4, I now have hope and feel like I might live for a few years thinking it is stage 3.

Mdotsie47

Karenhopeful said:

Question about staging
Before my needle biopsy, I assumed I was stage 4 and very depressed. My oncologist said I was figo 3- which did give me hope. Does anyone know where I can see how figo 3 is described. I just found a description of stage IVb the worst scenario, and I think that is me. I have it in both lungs and a small tumor on my intestines. No possibility of operation on lungs unless it really shrinks as both sides were lemon sized tumors of about 3 inches. On the bright side, I felt really good yesterday, but think I overdid it, cause I was very tired today and achy in my back again. Maybe it is better not to know the truth about my staging. I had no hope and felt horrible thinking it was stage 4, I now have hope and feel like I might live for a few years thinking it is stage 3.

Staging and chemo
Staging is confusing. I was told I was 1C just after my hysterectomy, but a year later the cancer was back, so was the original staging wrong? Now I have three problems in the chest-a lung mass, destroyed rib and aortal mass, all uterine. I guess this is called recurrence, but I'm not sure it matters what stage they call it when it has spread.

I start carbo/taxol Tuesday because my onco is not satisfied with the radiation results.

My radiation onco calls my present status "chronic treatable illness". I have read the statistics even with chemo and radiation and have decided they are too grim to pay attention to. Instead, I am exercising as much as I have energy for, eating broccoli sprouts and other fruits and vegetables, and trying to keep a positive attitude. This is hard sometimes, but better than feeling sorry for myself.

I hope everyone in this predicament has as much joy in her life as possible. It helps to share with you who are on this site. Thanks for being here!

fearlesshoneybadger

Karenhopeful said:

Question about staging
Before my needle biopsy, I assumed I was stage 4 and very depressed. My oncologist said I was figo 3- which did give me hope. Does anyone know where I can see how figo 3 is described. I just found a description of stage IVb the worst scenario, and I think that is me. I have it in both lungs and a small tumor on my intestines. No possibility of operation on lungs unless it really shrinks as both sides were lemon sized tumors of about 3 inches. On the bright side, I felt really good yesterday, but think I overdid it, cause I was very tired today and achy in my back again. Maybe it is better not to know the truth about my staging. I had no hope and felt horrible thinking it was stage 4, I now have hope and feel like I might live for a few years thinking it is stage 3.

FIGO Staging
The National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) has the FIGO stages (and how they compare to the other system from AJCC (the TNM sytem)). The FIGO stages for endometrial cancer are presented below, copied from NCI's website (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/endometrial/HealthProfessional/page3).

FIGO Stages

I b Tumor confined to the corpus uteri.
IA b No or less than half myometrial invasion.
IB b Invasion equal to or more than half of the myometrium.

II b Tumor invades cervical stroma but does not extend beyond the uterus. c

III b Local and/or regional spread of the tumor.
IIIA b Tumor invades the serosa of the corpus uteri and/or adnexae. d
IIIB b Vaginal and/or parametrial involvement. d
IIIC b Metastases to pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph nodes. d
IIIC1 b Positive pelvic nodes.
IIIC2 b Positive para-aortic lymph nodes with or without positive pelvic lymph nodes.

IV b Tumor invades bladder and/or bowel mucosa, and/or distant metastases.
IVA b Tumor invasion of bladder and/or bowel mucosa.
IVB b Distant metastases, including intra-abdominal metastases and/or inguinal lymph nodes.

a Adapted from FIGO Committee on Gynecologic Oncology.
b Either G1, G2, or G3 (G = grade).
c Endocervical glandular involvement only should be considered as stage I and no longer as stage II.
d Positive cytology has to be reported separately without changing the stage.

Pecorelli S: Revised FIGO staging for carcinoma of the vulva, cervix, and endometrium. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 105 (2): 103-4, 2009.

Karenhopeful

fearlesshoneybadger said:

FIGO Staging
The National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) has the FIGO stages (and how they compare to the other system from AJCC (the TNM sytem)). The FIGO stages for endometrial cancer are presented below, copied from NCI's website (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/endometrial/HealthProfessional/page3).

FIGO Stages

I b Tumor confined to the corpus uteri.
IA b No or less than half myometrial invasion.
IB b Invasion equal to or more than half of the myometrium.

II b Tumor invades cervical stroma but does not extend beyond the uterus. c

III b Local and/or regional spread of the tumor.
IIIA b Tumor invades the serosa of the corpus uteri and/or adnexae. d
IIIB b Vaginal and/or parametrial involvement. d
IIIC b Metastases to pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph nodes. d
IIIC1 b Positive pelvic nodes.
IIIC2 b Positive para-aortic lymph nodes with or without positive pelvic lymph nodes.

IV b Tumor invades bladder and/or bowel mucosa, and/or distant metastases.
IVA b Tumor invasion of bladder and/or bowel mucosa.
IVB b Distant metastases, including intra-abdominal metastases and/or inguinal lymph nodes.

a Adapted from FIGO Committee on Gynecologic Oncology.
b Either G1, G2, or G3 (G = grade).
c Endocervical glandular involvement only should be considered as stage I and no longer as stage II.
d Positive cytology has to be reported separately without changing the stage.

Pecorelli S: Revised FIGO staging for carcinoma of the vulva, cervix, and endometrium. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 105 (2): 103-4, 2009.

Checking In/ Questions
Just checking in, Everything is going okay. Had second chemo, no terrible side effects so far. I think some of the pain in my back/shoulder are going- but not totally gone, but I am noticing the uncomfortable,swollen sort of feeling, under my arm and arm pit again that I thought were gone. I am also getting little tiny pains - maybe nerves healing?- right below and around my port area. Anyone else get little pains in that area?

1.How low do your white and red counts have to be before they tell you you need Nupigen?
2.Are there any side effects from taking Nupigen.
3.For those who have finished chemo how long does it take to start feeling healthy?

daisy366

Karenhopeful said:

Checking In/ Questions
Just checking in, Everything is going okay. Had second chemo, no terrible side effects so far. I think some of the pain in my back/shoulder are going- but not totally gone, but I am noticing the uncomfortable,swollen sort of feeling, under my arm and arm pit again that I thought were gone. I am also getting little tiny pains - maybe nerves healing?- right below and around my port area. Anyone else get little pains in that area?

1.How low do your white and red counts have to be before they tell you you need Nupigen?
2.Are there any side effects from taking Nupigen.
3.For those who have finished chemo how long does it take to start feeling healthy?

Mdotsie and Karen
Mdotsie, I agree about the staging. I think it's only relevant for initial treatment decisions. Once there's recurrence then it's a whole new ballgame. It sounds like you are doing the very best in this situation. You have my admiration, hugs, and prayers that you respond to all the treatment and positive things you are doing.

Karen, I did not experience the issues that you are having and never had those shots. As to the feeling healthy again - I think that the fatigue lingered for awhile. Regular exercise (mostly walking for me) and participating in my hobbies (singing and bowling) helped me feel normal and energized. I enjoy a nice quality of life.

Wishing the same for both of you. Hugs, Mary Ann

Karenhopeful

daisy366 said:

Mdotsie and Karen
Mdotsie, I agree about the staging. I think it's only relevant for initial treatment decisions. Once there's recurrence then it's a whole new ballgame. It sounds like you are doing the very best in this situation. You have my admiration, hugs, and prayers that you respond to all the treatment and positive things you are doing.

Karen, I did not experience the issues that you are having and never had those shots. As to the feeling healthy again - I think that the fatigue lingered for awhile. Regular exercise (mostly walking for me) and participating in my hobbies (singing and bowling) helped me feel normal and energized. I enjoy a nice quality of life.

Wishing the same for both of you. Hugs, Mary Ann

Pancoast tumor and Horners Syndrome: Depressing statistics
I've been searching to find out why I'm only sweating on one side. I think I've found the answer: Horners Syndrome. It causes lack of sweating, pain and numbness under the arem, droopy eyelid. I have the first two sypmtoms. It is caused by an apex tumor in the lung which presses on a nerve bundle in the shoulder. I do have shoulder pain.And my tumors are both apex (one side has stopped bothering me thank goodness!) I am confused because the apex tumor is called a Pancoast tumor and it sounds like it is a primary lung tumor rather than a uterine lung tumor. Maybe it is any apex lung tumor no matter which type of cancer caused it. I don't know. It concerns me because perhaps the treatment would be different. Could my needle biopsy be incorrect? In reading the information there was a prognosis - if your mediastinal lymph nodes are involved only 9 months. From what I coudl figure out, mine are involved. 5 along the heart aorta were enlarged on my first ct scan. I guess I can only hope the chemo has shrunk those too. It also said no one with Horners Syndrome, mediastinal lymph nodes and incomplete surgical removal of the tumor has lived 5 years. Quite depressing :-(

I'm also concerned that my PA assisstant that I see at my gyne-oncologist, nor the oncology nurses I asked knew anything about horners syndrome. I do need knowledgible doctors and nurses to help me fight the disease.

One other question. Have any of you coughed blood? My cough comes and goes. Last night I coughed hard and coughed out a quarter inch of white looking skin attached to two quarter inch blood veins (what it looked like to me). This is also scary and not positive. I guess I'm having a down day and need to talk to my doctor for explanations. I will try not to think about the prognosis statistics and hope that I am one of those who will do better and try to enjoy each day that I do have - I had actually been feeling quite good till I read this.

daisy366

Karenhopeful said:

Pancoast tumor and Horners Syndrome: Depressing statistics
I've been searching to find out why I'm only sweating on one side. I think I've found the answer: Horners Syndrome. It causes lack of sweating, pain and numbness under the arem, droopy eyelid. I have the first two sypmtoms. It is caused by an apex tumor in the lung which presses on a nerve bundle in the shoulder. I do have shoulder pain.And my tumors are both apex (one side has stopped bothering me thank goodness!) I am confused because the apex tumor is called a Pancoast tumor and it sounds like it is a primary lung tumor rather than a uterine lung tumor. Maybe it is any apex lung tumor no matter which type of cancer caused it. I don't know. It concerns me because perhaps the treatment would be different. Could my needle biopsy be incorrect? In reading the information there was a prognosis - if your mediastinal lymph nodes are involved only 9 months. From what I coudl figure out, mine are involved. 5 along the heart aorta were enlarged on my first ct scan. I guess I can only hope the chemo has shrunk those too. It also said no one with Horners Syndrome, mediastinal lymph nodes and incomplete surgical removal of the tumor has lived 5 years. Quite depressing :-(

I'm also concerned that my PA assisstant that I see at my gyne-oncologist, nor the oncology nurses I asked knew anything about horners syndrome. I do need knowledgible doctors and nurses to help me fight the disease.

One other question. Have any of you coughed blood? My cough comes and goes. Last night I coughed hard and coughed out a quarter inch of white looking skin attached to two quarter inch blood veins (what it looked like to me). This is also scary and not positive. I guess I'm having a down day and need to talk to my doctor for explanations. I will try not to think about the prognosis statistics and hope that I am one of those who will do better and try to enjoy each day that I do have - I had actually been feeling quite good till I read this.

Karen
I hope you can get some answers quickly. Remember second opinion is always there!! If it was me I would bring the coughed up material to doctor - maybe there's something they can check or help with diagnosis.

It sounds like you are dealing with all this well. My prayers are with you that you get some positive news and that you get all the help you need now.

Hugs, Karen. Mary Ann

Mdotsie47

daisy366 said:

Mdotsie and Karen
Mdotsie, I agree about the staging. I think it's only relevant for initial treatment decisions. Once there's recurrence then it's a whole new ballgame. It sounds like you are doing the very best in this situation. You have my admiration, hugs, and prayers that you respond to all the treatment and positive things you are doing.

Karen, I did not experience the issues that you are having and never had those shots. As to the feeling healthy again - I think that the fatigue lingered for awhile. Regular exercise (mostly walking for me) and participating in my hobbies (singing and bowling) helped me feel normal and energized. I enjoy a nice quality of life.

Wishing the same for both of you. Hugs, Mary Ann

Just had second chemo
My second chemo was three days ago. Yesterday and today my entire body has been in pain, a deep intense ache. I want to get up and move but really have so little energy that a Percocet, heating pad, and a curl-up under the covers is about all I'm good for today. This happened last month, too, so I know it will pass.

I admire all of you who exercise right through it. I do move around as much as I can, but I've got to do more.
Since I started chemo I've dropped off some of my complementary therapies, but I still do the leafy greens and pomegranate juice.

Has anyone else been advised to take live probiotics? Do you know why this was recommended to me?

After all I've read about what works and what doesn't, my impression is nutrition and lots of exercise are the most effective complements to medical treatments. Yesterday I read that a new study has found that an aspirin a day can help delay tumor growth in uterine and some other cancers.

Anyone know about this?

Mdotsie47

daisy366 said:

Mdotsie and Karen
Mdotsie, I agree about the staging. I think it's only relevant for initial treatment decisions. Once there's recurrence then it's a whole new ballgame. It sounds like you are doing the very best in this situation. You have my admiration, hugs, and prayers that you respond to all the treatment and positive things you are doing.

Karen, I did not experience the issues that you are having and never had those shots. As to the feeling healthy again - I think that the fatigue lingered for awhile. Regular exercise (mostly walking for me) and participating in my hobbies (singing and bowling) helped me feel normal and energized. I enjoy a nice quality of life.

Wishing the same for both of you. Hugs, Mary Ann

Just had second chemo
My second chemo was three days ago. Yesterday and today my entire body has been in pain, a deep intense ache. I want to get up and move but really have so little energy that a Percocet, heating pad, and a curl-up under the covers is about all I'm good for today. This happened last month, too, so I know it will pass.

I admire all of you who exercise right through it. I do move around as much as I can, but I've got to do more.
Since I started chemo I've dropped off some of my complementary therapies, but I still do the leafy greens and pomegranate juice.

Has anyone else been advised to take live probiotics? Do you know why this was recommended to me?

After all I've read about what works and what doesn't, my impression is nutrition and lots of exercise are the most effective complements to medical treatments. Yesterday I read that a new study has found that an aspirin a day can help delay tumor growth in uterine and some other cancers.

Anyone know about this?