Just told endometrial cancer

CheeseQueen57

AnnNYC said:

Hi, I think I saw you

Hi, I think I saw you mentioned in another post that you had a c-section before, is that right?  Wondering how it compared?  I've had 2 c-sections and my appendix removed so I've been opened up a few times.  I'm sure I can do it again if it's similar.

Also curious why a bit of time for you between the surgery and the chemo.  Do they need to wait for your body to heal/recover first?

 

C-section

Yes, I had a c-section 24 years ago.  My surgeon was able to get the lymph nodes through the DaVinci surgery which is fortunate since if not, that would have involved a lateral incision. But she still needed to do an incision which yes, was exactly like my c-section to remove enlarged uterus since it could not be removed vaginally and I'm speculating because of the bladder issue as well as adhesions from c-section. First week was a little rough but I'm 2 weeks out and doing great without any pain killers and planning to go to Italy on April 12. 

My doc would have started chemo next week, but since I had this trip planned and she said it would not make a difference to wait a few weeks to start the chemo, I decided to take the trip with my family. Who knows if or when I'll get the opportunity again. 

Good luck to you, Ann!

AnnNYC

CheeseQueen57 said:

C-section

Yes, I had a c-section 24 years ago.  My surgeon was able to get the lymph nodes through the DaVinci surgery which is fortunate since if not, that would have involved a lateral incision. But she still needed to do an incision which yes, was exactly like my c-section to remove enlarged uterus since it could not be removed vaginally and I'm speculating because of the bladder issue as well as adhesions from c-section. First week was a little rough but I'm 2 weeks out and doing great without any pain killers and planning to go to Italy on April 12. 

My doc would have started chemo next week, but since I had this trip planned and she said it would not make a difference to wait a few weeks to start the chemo, I decided to take the trip with my family. Who knows if or when I'll get the opportunity again. 

Good luck to you, Ann!

That's wonderful

That's wonderful that you're going to take your trip!  I'm sure it is so well deserved and probably appreciated now more than ever before.  I had a trip planned to take my children to Disney at the end of April.  We'll see what ends up happening.  I'm glad to hear how quickly you are bouncing back!

AnnNYC

Lou Ann M said:

I think they take everything.

I think they take everything.  I had a traditional radical hysterictomy my Gyn-Onc / surgeon wanted to be able to feel around while he was looking for cancer cells.  Before sugery I had a pap and a vacuum thingy which showed cancer cells in both the uterus and the,cervix.  My GP referred me to an oncologist who ordered a CT scan and a D&C. They were trying to decide if it was cervical or uterine.  He then referred me to my Gyn-Onc.  He did the surgery.  He did not have,to,remove any lymph nodes, but the pelvic wash came back positive.  He also found some cancer cells behind my uterus.  The path report came back in about 2 weeks as papillary serous endometrial andocarcinoma stage 4 high grade.

i had the sandwich treatment and 8 months later everyone thought I was NED only to have it matasisized 7 months later. I,had a PETscan at that time because the CT scan showed,suspicous area. PET scans are quite expensive and some insurance companies do not always approve them.

Hugs and prayers that everything will turn out for the best for you.  Remember. The strength you need will be there when you need it.  Lou Ann

I love that saying.  The

I love that saying.  The strength you need will be there when you need it.  I've always prided myself on being very mentally strong and resolved to just fix a problem once I'm presented with it.  Think it through logically, don't get emotional, just make a plan of action and attack the problem.  I just need to hold tight to that approach now.  

When you found out that it had matastisized 7 months later, did you repeat the process again - removal then treatment?  Where are you now in the process?  If you don't mind my asking.

Lou Ann M

AnnNYC said:

I love that saying.  The

I love that saying.  The strength you need will be there when you need it.  I've always prided myself on being very mentally strong and resolved to just fix a problem once I'm presented with it.  Think it through logically, don't get emotional, just make a plan of action and attack the problem.  I just need to hold tight to that approach now.  

When you found out that it had matastisized 7 months later, did you repeat the process again - removal then treatment?  Where are you now in the process?  If you don't mind my asking.

No surgery or radiation

No surgery or radiation at that time. My Gyn-Onc suggested,radiation,on the,tumor,in my neck but the radiologistthoughmchemo,was best,because it,had,spread,to a spot,in,my,neck,two on,my,liver and,several,in my abdoman near,my,spine. He wanted chemo because it,is,systemic and.would.work on all of the tumors.  We changed cancer centers not because of the Doctor but because of the infusion place was so terribly crowded an they didn't want my husband to sit with me.  Love my doctor at the cancer center we go to know. They are all wonderful.  I went back to Taxol/Carbo for 5 rounds and had to stop to let my blood recover and I was back down to NED for 4 more months.  Tried Taxol Carbo again. Had a reaction to the Carbo. Tried Doxil for 7 rounds. Tumor grew intwined itself in my intestines. Open bowel reaction and we tried a desentizinng program for the Carbo. That worked for 7 months when I had a reaction to it.  Now I am on something call Topotecan.  This may sound long and Complicated, but. My life is really pretty goo.  I have many more good days than bad.  I am blessed with wonderful family, friend, and Doctors.  I have many things that I am looking forward to including a new great grand baby and a trip to the ocean.  I am not letting the illness get in the way of my life. 

Hugs and prayer, Lou Ann

AnnNYC

Lou Ann M said:

No surgery or radiation

No surgery or radiation at that time. My Gyn-Onc suggested,radiation,on the,tumor,in my neck but the radiologistthoughmchemo,was best,because it,had,spread,to a spot,in,my,neck,two on,my,liver and,several,in my abdoman near,my,spine. He wanted chemo because it,is,systemic and.would.work on all of the tumors.  We changed cancer centers not because of the Doctor but because of the infusion place was so terribly crowded an they didn't want my husband to sit with me.  Love my doctor at the cancer center we go to know. They are all wonderful.  I went back to Taxol/Carbo for 5 rounds and had to stop to let my blood recover and I was back down to NED for 4 more months.  Tried Taxol Carbo again. Had a reaction to the Carbo. Tried Doxil for 7 rounds. Tumor grew intwined itself in my intestines. Open bowel reaction and we tried a desentizinng program for the Carbo. That worked for 7 months when I had a reaction to it.  Now I am on something call Topotecan.  This may sound long and Complicated, but. My life is really pretty goo.  I have many more good days than bad.  I am blessed with wonderful family, friend, and Doctors.  I have many things that I am looking forward to including a new great grand baby and a trip to the ocean.  I am not letting the illness get in the way of my life. 

Hugs and prayer, Lou Ann

Wow Lou Ann

You are amazing! Thanks for sharing your story.