Worried. What were your symptoms/warning signs if you had any?

MissF

I orginally joined this discussion board because of my Dad as he has had 3 different types of cancer. Today, I am here because I am so worried for myself.

I am 46 years old and for the last 2 ish years I have been dealing with what I thought were peri-menopausal things. My paps have always been good except one about 2 1/2 years ago. It came back as abnormal endrometrial cells were they don't belong. I didn't pay much attention to it. The dr. said it wasn't a big deal. I had a biopsy which was fine then repeat pap's every 6 months for a year and then back to once per year. For the last 2 years my periods have changed. Going from every 30 days to closer together. Some months I have 2-3 days of very heavy bleeding with clots, cramps, backaches, heaviness in lower belly, feeling of not emptying my bladder or having to constantly go. The last 4 months I've had 3 bacterial infections. The biggest concern is that I also bleed at times after sex. This is new in the last 2 years too. I've spoken to my gyno, mostly for the bacterial infections, and I asked about fibroid tumors but he basically poo poo's it. Both my mom and her mom had them. I'm very worried about the bleeding after sex being an indicatior of caner! I know it's not normal. Any insight? I plan on calling and getting an appointment with a different doctor tomorrow I guess since the bleeding after sex happened again last night and I'm not due for my period for another 10 days or so.

soul-mate

Second Opinion a must

I'm responding to your post as a caregiver for my wife with advanced stage. Go to a dr. as soon as possible and pursue with questions and tests till you have proper answers. ie. Medicine Plus site pap smear ( may raise a suspicion for endometrial cancer but does not diagnose it ) biopsy or d & c should be discussed with dr. Your body is telling you something is not right. She had no symptoms regular pap smear and exams and nothing showed up till a pathological break on upper arm got us on this journey. I don't want to alarm you but please do not ignore the signs. I wish you the best and take care of yourself.

SOUL-MATE

Caradavin

I agree. Get a second

I agree. Get a second opinion; if you don't, you will always wonder if you should have.  Never ignore your body. It might be something other than cancer, but you are obligated to yourself to make certain. It is a slippery slope to ask about the symptoms because so many people have such different symptoms (and some have no symptoms at all!).  For example, bleeding after sex could be menopausal, due to an infection, endometrial in nature, even something like interstitial cystitis - there are just so many different diagnoses that your symptoms encompass.  However, that does not mean go to the doc and breathe a sigh of relief when he/she says it's nothing. If you still feel uncertain, then get it checked until you know what it is. If you are speaking with a normal doc about this stuff, then it will be poo poo'd (LOL), so I would suggest visiting an actual gyno about it if you aren't already. If you are seeing a gyno already, then it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion from a different one. I know we are not made of money, but when it comes to something like this (and with your family hx), it really matters, you know?

ConnieSW

Caradavin said:

I agree. Get a second

I agree. Get a second opinion; if you don't, you will always wonder if you should have.  Never ignore your body. It might be something other than cancer, but you are obligated to yourself to make certain. It is a slippery slope to ask about the symptoms because so many people have such different symptoms (and some have no symptoms at all!).  For example, bleeding after sex could be menopausal, due to an infection, endometrial in nature, even something like interstitial cystitis - there are just so many different diagnoses that your symptoms encompass.  However, that does not mean go to the doc and breathe a sigh of relief when he/she says it's nothing. If you still feel uncertain, then get it checked until you know what it is. If you are speaking with a normal doc about this stuff, then it will be poo poo'd (LOL), so I would suggest visiting an actual gyno about it if you aren't already. If you are seeing a gyno already, then it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion from a different one. I know we are not made of money, but when it comes to something like this (and with your family hx), it really matters, you know?

Caradavin comment

I want to reinforce yours about breathing a sigh of relief when your doc says "it's nothing".  I was pretty sure I had cancer but my gyn  didn't think so.  That is until my Pap smear came back with UPSC cells.

 

MissF

Caradavin said:

I agree. Get a second

I agree. Get a second opinion; if you don't, you will always wonder if you should have.  Never ignore your body. It might be something other than cancer, but you are obligated to yourself to make certain. It is a slippery slope to ask about the symptoms because so many people have such different symptoms (and some have no symptoms at all!).  For example, bleeding after sex could be menopausal, due to an infection, endometrial in nature, even something like interstitial cystitis - there are just so many different diagnoses that your symptoms encompass.  However, that does not mean go to the doc and breathe a sigh of relief when he/she says it's nothing. If you still feel uncertain, then get it checked until you know what it is. If you are speaking with a normal doc about this stuff, then it will be poo poo'd (LOL), so I would suggest visiting an actual gyno about it if you aren't already. If you are seeing a gyno already, then it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion from a different one. I know we are not made of money, but when it comes to something like this (and with your family hx), it really matters, you know?

Thank you all. Yes, it was my

Thank you all. Yes, it was my gyno that basically fluffed off all my symptoms as nothing. I have a father who is seriously ill with lung cancer and we may be entering the end of the end.....for now I will watch. Since I have had 3 back to back bacterial infections I am thinking that my cervix may just be irriated hence the bleeding after sex. I will be watchful and record what happens over the next 3 months. I have my yearly in August.  Thank you all for the replies, I appreciate it!

mmfintx

MissF said:

Thank you all. Yes, it was my

Thank you all. Yes, it was my gyno that basically fluffed off all my symptoms as nothing. I have a father who is seriously ill with lung cancer and we may be entering the end of the end.....for now I will watch. Since I have had 3 back to back bacterial infections I am thinking that my cervix may just be irriated hence the bleeding after sex. I will be watchful and record what happens over the next 3 months. I have my yearly in August.  Thank you all for the replies, I appreciate it!

Don't wait

Hey, I for the FIRST time had bleeding that got my attention, we had had sex also the night before...but the next morning, the blood was frank red.  I am so grateful what ever we / he did shook things up.  I looked up on the web, and was advised to go to the doctor (advice taken from Dr Oz's website), while bleeding. Made sense to me. So my gyn got me in the next day which was yesterday, and I am waiting for results...and I have had something going on for a couple years...vague things, ie. Symptoms. And it seems you may be in denial, yes you have had infections, but how do you know? A biopsy is knowledge, not guess work. You're not a physician, and it sounds like your gyno isn't one either! Just my opinion.  If it is not outside your body, how can you see it and diagnose it?

I know you are with your Dad, and I know what the end stage is...I am also a Hospice nurse.  Love him by taking care of yourself. Find a doctor, get the tests you need.  It will take a morning or afternoon, then you will be back with your Dad, and you will know. And still keep that journal.

 

Peace 

 

NoTimeForCancer

mmfintx said:

Don't wait

Hey, I for the FIRST time had bleeding that got my attention, we had had sex also the night before...but the next morning, the blood was frank red.  I am so grateful what ever we / he did shook things up.  I looked up on the web, and was advised to go to the doctor (advice taken from Dr Oz's website), while bleeding. Made sense to me. So my gyn got me in the next day which was yesterday, and I am waiting for results...and I have had something going on for a couple years...vague things, ie. Symptoms. And it seems you may be in denial, yes you have had infections, but how do you know? A biopsy is knowledge, not guess work. You're not a physician, and it sounds like your gyno isn't one either! Just my opinion.  If it is not outside your body, how can you see it and diagnose it?

I know you are with your Dad, and I know what the end stage is...I am also a Hospice nurse.  Love him by taking care of yourself. Find a doctor, get the tests you need.  It will take a morning or afternoon, then you will be back with your Dad, and you will know. And still keep that journal.

 

Peace 

 

***intx, your words of advice

mmfintx, your words of advice to MissF are perfect and should be shared with women everywhere, "Love (him, your children, yourself) by taking care of yourself."

MissF and mmfintx I hope everything comes back negative and that you come back to let us know. 

*** Apparently the CSN board thinks your chosen board name is bad language.  The asterisks auto-generated when I hit "submit".

mmfintx

NoTimeForCancer said:

***intx, your words of advice

mmfintx, your words of advice to MissF are perfect and should be shared with women everywhere, "Love (him, your children, yourself) by taking care of yourself."

MissF and mmfintx I hope everything comes back negative and that you come back to let us know. 

*** Apparently the CSN board thinks your chosen board name is bad language.  The asterisks auto-generated when I hit "submit".

LOL, thanks for the heads up

LOL, thanks for the heads up on that username...Hummm, Okay, shoot, it's just my initials!  Will just roll with it! Nice to have a Good Laugh!

What I read here today, it's to put something in action. Okay, here I go....and have one question too..

Thinking a CA125 would be good. I did have one awhile back. My GP is awesome, will run a test if I ask, and I did several years ago.  I would have something to compare with if I had another this week.  Thinking about requesting this while I wait!  More info is better than No Info. 

Just if they want to test for endometrial cancer (and did!), ya think a blood test would be in the ball park also...considering the cells float around...I am gonna call. And ask the gyn for some itty bitty blood work.

And...as an aside, this past Sunday me and Hubby went to a UU fellowship, and I led him know we're signing up. Nice open folk with a beautiful building with lots of windows and it's Spring outside! If and when, incase I croak and go through this awful S***, he's gonna have some support. And me too! Maybe if I spill my guts, and I don't expect I will, however, they sing, I love to sing, and it's nice to be reflective. Don't do religion, just not in my heart, but have Lots of That tho!   (On the advice of his Mom, He did UU after a devastating divorce...so I am thankful to them for that)

I have beem married 1.5 years, and have the best OMG, can't describe...and have had this 'when is the shoe gonna drop' feeling too, Will see. He's with me tho!  God I am grateful. 

For yall too, I have so much respect and admiration. Thank you. 

nempark

Get serious!!!!!!!

I had similar symptoms for almost a Year.  The spotting was sending me crazy, and was told by my Doc "fibroids", and Post menopause, nothing to worry about.  Eventually, I went back and told Doc I want a Hysterctomy and she did a biopsy right there and then said Oh My not good. two days later endometrial cancer.  I am not saying that this is the case with you. But check it out and ask them to do a cancer check.  My daughter was in the emergency room about three times and was told that there were no reasons to keep her there.  The last time she refused to leave the emmergency room, so they admitted her for further checks. A day later, Leukemia. Do complete blood work up.

mmfintx

nempark said:

Get serious!!!!!!!

I had similar symptoms for almost a Year.  The spotting was sending me crazy, and was told by my Doc "fibroids", and Post menopause, nothing to worry about.  Eventually, I went back and told Doc I want a Hysterctomy and she did a biopsy right there and then said Oh My not good. two days later endometrial cancer.  I am not saying that this is the case with you. But check it out and ask them to do a cancer check.  My daughter was in the emergency room about three times and was told that there were no reasons to keep her there.  The last time she refused to leave the emmergency room, so they admitted her for further checks. A day later, Leukemia. Do complete blood work up.

Thanks for that Nempark

I will get the cancer work up sometime, I am serious, I'm waiting on biopsy results, I have to at this point I understand.  Why no blood work at that apt I do now know. I won't give up on this. Thank you. 

 

survivingsu

You never know!

It's a real good idea to get any changes checked out.  I learned that the hard way. 

At fifty I thought I was going through Menopausal changes - heavy periods and the pattern changed.  I used to be like clockwork, then it was sporadic.  What got me to the doctor/emergency room was a serious hemorrhage.  I was treated and sent home, the doctor thinking it was a hormonal imbalance/menopause.  Right at my follow-up appointment I hemmorhaged again and was taken to the ER/hospital.  They did a bunch of tests and found a rare form of uterine cancer - small cell undifferentiated carcinoma.  I went through chemo/radiation simultaneously, and later surgery & follow-up chemo.  I went back to work.  This July it will be 5 year since diagnosis.  I was extremely lucky to get through this one!  So it's a good idea to get things checked out!

My very best to you,

Susan

mmfintx

survivingsu said:

You never know!

It's a real good idea to get any changes checked out.  I learned that the hard way. 

At fifty I thought I was going through Menopausal changes - heavy periods and the pattern changed.  I used to be like clockwork, then it was sporadic.  What got me to the doctor/emergency room was a serious hemorrhage.  I was treated and sent home, the doctor thinking it was a hormonal imbalance/menopause.  Right at my follow-up appointment I hemmorhaged again and was taken to the ER/hospital.  They did a bunch of tests and found a rare form of uterine cancer - small cell undifferentiated carcinoma.  I went through chemo/radiation simultaneously, and later surgery & follow-up chemo.  I went back to work.  This July it will be 5 year since diagnosis.  I was extremely lucky to get through this one!  So it's a good idea to get things checked out!

My very best to you,

Susan

Need Advice

Thanks!  I called my GP this morning. Told them I'm waiting on results from a uterine biopsy. I have these pains here, these pains there, I don't know what they are. From lungs/ chest (thought they have just tight due to yukky walking on my back massage YEARS Ago!), to R Breast,  to RLQ under rib cage, to pressure in the pelvic area and below.  I don't know what they are. And after this experience of 'we have to check things out' Heck Yeah, let's check things out! If it's  gall bladder, I want it OUT. So, for me all my aches and 'congestive' feeling is on my right side.  I don't know, but I asked for a CT, the gal said he will give me a referral. I am thinking blood work. And a CA125.  Anything else?  

This wonderful Doc, has seen me through A LOT. And, when I was BROKE and in nursing school, saw me and it was no charge. I got insurance, for what it's worth, and we're gonna use it.  

See, like my car, I know what THAT noise is (not a problem)...when there is another, I check it out.  So! I'm getting the band wagon here and gathering info to proceed with whatever!  

What do I ask for?

And Thank You!  Deep Breath!!!

survivingsu

Hi there,
It sounds like you

Hi there,

It sounds like you already have some good questions/things to ask about.  I wouldn't know what specifically to ask.  My adventure happened so suddenly I didn't have any time to strategize.  I only knew I was in good hands with experts.  The doctors and nurses and technicians were very good about providing information on what to expect with various procedures and tests, and that saw me through fine. I was treated at the University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. At the time I was too sick/weak to bother looking stuff up in the internet - which was a good thing, because for my cancer the stuff on the internet was out of date, and was all very grim with lousy survival rates.  Way later, after I was through the bulk of my treatment and getting back to normal, I looked at the internet.  It just made me feel very lucky that they have done great strides with technology, chemo, surgery in this time period.  I feel lucky to live where I do too.  So my advice, and it's only from a lay person, is have excellent doctors that you can talk to and work with, don't go by the internet survival info., and keep plugging on.

Cheers,

Susan

pinky104

Bleeding

I had bleeding 6 different times which was caused by benign cervical polyps.  I had them removed each time, and a year or two later, they would grow back.  At age 51, I hit menopause, then 3 mos. later, I was bleeding again.  That time, I had a benign endometrial polyp removed with a D&C, and I had endometrial thickening.  Ten years later, I had stage IV UPSC.  I didn't bleed until late in the course of the disease.  I had always had heavy periods like you, and I did have a heavy feeling in my abdomen if I went grocery shopping and spent a lot of time in the stores.  I was tired after eating lunch, so tired I had to nap when I wasn't at work.  I had diarrhea before I went to work every day, which the doctor said was caused by irritable bowel syndrome.  But in reality, my cancer had spread to my small intestine.  My GYN thought I had a partial uterine prolapse about a year before I was diagnosed.  I had a pessary put in and eventually was put on an estrogen cream.  I started bleeding two weeks after being put on that.  I had frequent UTI's which got even more frequent while I was undergoing chemo.  I saw a urologist, who did a cystoscopy to look for stones, but I had none.  He told me that women have a very short urethra, so bacteria can get in there easily.  He said a change of routine is sometimes enough to bring on a UTI.  Going on vacation was an example he gave.  He recommended voiding frequently to flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract, even at night.  You didn't specify where your bacterial infection was, but if it was urinary, this might help you.

Take care, and even if things turn out okay this time, think about how many times I was diagnosed with benign polyps before I had a malignant one, and keep following up.  Good luck.  

Henna

Insidious! No symptoms at all

Hi

 

Uterine cancer is insidious.  I don’t know if I have it but my gynegologist found a “ball” in my uterus by ultrasound, and told that it is not likely to be polyp. I got an urgent referral to a hospital for biopsy and maybe operation. I have had no symptoms at all.

 

Henna