Newly Diagnosed

Editgrl

Niki1325 said:

Thank you Kathy

Kathy, thank you for your response.  I thought the message board was set up as topics, so I posted under new diagnosis. Have no idea what to post under now.

Hi, Nikki.

Under "Uterine Cancer" at the top of this page, where it says Post New Forum Topic, you can title your thread whatever your concern is.

As you can see from the first date of this topic, I am fairly new to this board as well.  It has been a shock, but the women on this board are very welcoming and there is a ton of knowledge and support here.  You are not alone in dealing with this.

Chris

NoTimeForCancer

Niki1325 said:

Hi everyone. Scared, lonely and overwhelmed.

Hi to all.  Just diagnosed last week with grade 3 carcinosarcoma.  Next week is full of appointments to clear me for surgery scheduled for the 27th.  I am still in shock.  Reading too much on the internet just depresses me further. My neighbor recommended I join here for support.  And right now it seems like all I have are just stupid questions, like What do I bring to the hospital for a 5 day stay? Who's going to help Dad with Mom? What if I have to go into a rehab facility? And I find I can only talk about this for about 5 minutes, after which I just start losing it.  Is this normal? Thanks ahead of time.

Niki, it IS overwhelming and

Niki, it IS overwhelming and you are not losing it.  It is completely normal to feel the way you are.  There is no stupid question and you are right, you need to stop reading on the internet.  There is CRAZY stuff out there that is not going to help you.

If I can make a suggestion, this is a journey so it is a step at a time.  You can't find out what the plan is for you until you get through the first step.  Sometimes these thread (messages) get really long and it is hard to find the new posts.  I think one of the other ladies gave the instructions on how to post a new question.  You can do it - you have figured all this out! Please ask anything - we talk about everything!

AWK

Niki1325 said:

Hi everyone. Scared, lonely and overwhelmed.

Hi to all.  Just diagnosed last week with grade 3 carcinosarcoma.  Next week is full of appointments to clear me for surgery scheduled for the 27th.  I am still in shock.  Reading too much on the internet just depresses me further. My neighbor recommended I join here for support.  And right now it seems like all I have are just stupid questions, like What do I bring to the hospital for a 5 day stay? Who's going to help Dad with Mom? What if I have to go into a rehab facility? And I find I can only talk about this for about 5 minutes, after which I just start losing it.  Is this normal? Thanks ahead of time.

Hi Nikki

As I always say - the early days are definitely the hardest and most stressful.  The run up from diagnosis to surgery - I look back now after a lot of twists and turns on my ongoing battle 2 1/2 years later and still look back at those times as the hardest and most overwhelming. 

In terms of information as the other ladies suggest - only go to reputable sites -www.nih.gov/nci (National Cancer Institute is probably the best.)  And try not to look too far ahead - take things as they come.  Like you, I am a planner.  The hardest thing to do is reach out for, and accept - help.  Ask your doctors or hospital or local American Cancer Society for suggestions on resources for your parents (or your church).  Pre surgery I stocked the house with things they suggested I keep on hand - bananas, potatoes, yogurts, pre cooked foods, soups etc.  It was good - it kept me busy.  I left the hospital in the same yoga pants and sweatshirt I went to the hospital in.  I was in the hospital for five days.  I did take face wipes, pony tail holders, brush, deodorant.  My ipad, cell phone, glasses/contacts and that was it.  They had every other possible thing you'll need.

Stock up your medicine cabinet with stook softener, laxatives and tylenol or Aleve.  I also had prescriptions for pain relief but pulled back to over the counter drugs pretty quickly.  I haven't heard of anyone going to a rehab after the surgery.  Just straight home.  Keep a pillow handy for the car ride home and the first week or so at home.  I needed it to get around, laugh and cough or sneeze.  

You can do this.  Hang tough and make sure you spend time doing things you love to take your mind off of this.  And don't worry about the emotions, very normal and healthy.  I seem to cry in my car for some reason - when I am alone.  As recently as yesterday. 

You are in good company here.  Ask anything.  Hugs - Anne 

TeddyandBears_Mom

Nikki

Hey Nikki,

Several of us are new to this journey.  As you probably read, Editgrl just had her surgery last week. Mine is scheduled for next week.

One thing I highly recommend - please get something for anxiety.  I use Lorazapam when I get overwhelmed. And, I have NEVER used anything.

Secondly, take the time to read the posts here. They are so full of information, comraderie, support and a safe place to land with questions  and venting.

I have come to depend so much on this wonderful group of women.

It really sucks to have to deal with this. However, I am very grateful to have been brought into this team. I hope you also find a sense of peace here.

We are here for you!

Cindi

Port39

here was my check list

I am new too! Here is the list I was given with a few notes that work for me. I had my hysterectomy surgery 2/27/15 and was in chemo 2 weeks later with a port, at age 39. 

1) easy bland simple proteins. Cut as much sugar out of diet as you can (cheat days when feeling better). Also lower the acid in diet, more asperigus,broccoli. Less soda,strawberries. 

2)pillow for car ride

3)micro plush snuggly for the cold chemo rooms

4) stay hydrated but stay away from plastic. Good choice Is insulated stainless steel.

5) load a smartphone or tablet with a variety of entertainment.

6) stretchy easy on/off/access clothes. Everything irritated my stomach for a couple weeks.

If you have to have chem, get a port for iv fluids.also ask for the topical numbing cream to rub on 30 mins early.

pinky104

Niki1325 said:

Hi everyone. Scared, lonely and overwhelmed.

Hi to all.  Just diagnosed last week with grade 3 carcinosarcoma.  Next week is full of appointments to clear me for surgery scheduled for the 27th.  I am still in shock.  Reading too much on the internet just depresses me further. My neighbor recommended I join here for support.  And right now it seems like all I have are just stupid questions, like What do I bring to the hospital for a 5 day stay? Who's going to help Dad with Mom? What if I have to go into a rehab facility? And I find I can only talk about this for about 5 minutes, after which I just start losing it.  Is this normal? Thanks ahead of time.

Niki1325

You probably won't be reading this as your surgery is today, but if you happen to, bring a warm bathrobe or  a throw in case the air conditioning in the hospital is turned up too high.  I had a noisy roommate who left the TV on all night.  Ear plugs would have been a good thing to have.  Hospitals are noisy places with lots of squeaky carts and loud visitors.  You might even want an extra pillow to throw over your ears. You'll be dragging an IV pole into the bathroom, so keep in mind that you don't want clothes on you (like overly long bathrobes) that will get in the way and make you trip.  Make sure your slippers are going to be safe to walk in in case you're dizzy.  Don't bring any meds, as the hospital probably won't allow you to use them.