Uterine mass after endometrial ablation

Jamiek

Armywife said:

Onward!

Just want to encourage you.  This is DO-ABLE!  You will want to ask about the kind of surgery you're having.  For example, I had a DaVinci robot hysterectomy, and recovery was wonderful.  I learned here to ask for an elastic waistband to support my tummy while getting in and out of bed.  You will need to remember not to exceed your lifting restrictions - this was hard for me because I felt so good.  I literally never needed a pain pill.  Not one.  I pray you will have the same experience.  

Chemo is not fun but also do-able.  You will settle into a routine of feeling crummy for a few days and then better during each cycle.  You'll want to be vigilant about hand-washing and careful food prep, and exposure to germs.  Rest, rest, rest.  I found it very helpful to ice my hands and feet during chemo infusions to ward off neuropathy.

Don't be afraid to ask your care team lots of questions.  I kept a notebook with me all the time and just wrote stuff down - lots of stuff I learned right here and my doctor was impressed that I was taking an active interest in my treatment options.  

Best to you - I haven't been over to the cervical cancer board but they are hopefully just as wonderful as this group - and I hope you will keep us posted and stay here too!

Thank you for the

Thank you for the encouragement and the wonderful tips. I’m glad to hear you did so well with your surgery! 

Jamiek

oldbeauty said:

Drat!

So sorry the biopsy was positive.  Take your time to research both the gyn/onc your doctor selects and also others in the Dallas area.  Gyn onc's are mainly surgeons who also are knowledgeable about post-surgical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.  This will be the doc who takes you all the way through treatment so be assertive and choose your doctor by your own criteria.  I look for top schools and research interest in my type of cancer, as well as a meaningful length of time in practice to develop expertise.  The great teaching hospitals and natioinal cancer institutes are useful resources to look for the right doctor for you.  MD Anderson in Houston would be great but I know you are in Dallas.  There should be many good choices for you.  I'd say concentrate on doctor choice and preparing for surgery and recovery.  The post-surgical pathological work up will be what tells you definitively what you are facing.  Take one step at a time and use this board every step.  There are some extremely knowledgeable women on this board who will be supportive with info, advice and offer long-distance emotional "safe place" outlet.  You say you are in a high stress job.  That should be an area you prepare for.  You don't want to be stressed at home while you are recovering.  Don't pretend that this is nothing and you'll be back in the office in no time.  Find out what your health insurance and other HR benefits are and use them to your best advantage.  Good luck to you.  Come back often to share your story.  Best wishes, Oldbeauty

Old Beauty,

Old Beauty,

My first thought was MD Anderson and I would be willing to drive. My dad went there for his cancer treatments and had wonderful care. I’ve been researching the gyn/onc I’ve been referred to in Dallas and am very impressed. I will be filling out my FMLA forms and my employer provides short-term and long-term disability so I am thankful for that. 

I find myself up and down...going from feeling positive to scared to death. Do you find that once you know what stage you are and get a treatment plan it becomes easier to deal with? Right now I’m plagued with so many “what if’s”. Every ache and pain I have makes me wonder if it has spread. Not knowing is terrible. 

 

CheeseQueen57

Jamiek said:

Old Beauty,

Old Beauty,

My first thought was MD Anderson and I would be willing to drive. My dad went there for his cancer treatments and had wonderful care. I’ve been researching the gyn/onc I’ve been referred to in Dallas and am very impressed. I will be filling out my FMLA forms and my employer provides short-term and long-term disability so I am thankful for that. 

I find myself up and down...going from feeling positive to scared to death. Do you find that once you know what stage you are and get a treatment plan it becomes easier to deal with? Right now I’m plagued with so many “what if’s”. Every ache and pain I have makes me wonder if it has spread. Not knowing is terrible. 

 

One Day at a Time

Try not to get ahead of yourself. Try to take one day at a time. I found this situation gave me a new appreciation for life. Try to appreciate every day and not worry. Worry does not do any good and robs you of precious time. Your biggest battle will be in your head. Try to set the positive mindset right now and gather your friends and family and prayer warriors around you for support. If your faith has lapsed, revisit it. Don’t deal with what ifs. Try to stay in the moment. Hardest part of your battle because this is a marathon not a sprint. Good luck. We’re all here for you. 

ConnieSW

CheeseQueen57 said:

One Day at a Time

Try not to get ahead of yourself. Try to take one day at a time. I found this situation gave me a new appreciation for life. Try to appreciate every day and not worry. Worry does not do any good and robs you of precious time. Your biggest battle will be in your head. Try to set the positive mindset right now and gather your friends and family and prayer warriors around you for support. If your faith has lapsed, revisit it. Don’t deal with what ifs. Try to stay in the moment. Hardest part of your battle because this is a marathon not a sprint. Good luck. We’re all here for you. 

Yes

I found it easier once I was staged and had a treatment plan. Oddly enough the next to hardest part was adjusting to life after treatment. I wish you the best. 

oldbeauty

CheeseQueen57 said:

One Day at a Time

Try not to get ahead of yourself. Try to take one day at a time. I found this situation gave me a new appreciation for life. Try to appreciate every day and not worry. Worry does not do any good and robs you of precious time. Your biggest battle will be in your head. Try to set the positive mindset right now and gather your friends and family and prayer warriors around you for support. If your faith has lapsed, revisit it. Don’t deal with what ifs. Try to stay in the moment. Hardest part of your battle because this is a marathon not a sprint. Good luck. We’re all here for you. 

This!

+1 Cheese Queen is right on here.  It is a tall order but worth your attention.  I struggle with it myself bc I am a highly analytical person/personality.  Mindfulness instruction has been recommended to me.  I don't know that I can switch my brain off enough to do that.  I'm doing a renovation job on the house instead.   I look at that as an optimistic thing to do and one that will take me out of my comfort zone and even be fun.  I hope....  Choose the provider and place that suits your needs best.  It is highly likely that there are terrifically qualified and caring specialists in Dallas.  .Best wishes, Oldbeauty.

Armywife

Just a thought

I had my treatment here in San Antonio, but was able to get a referral to MD Anderson for a second opinion.  They did scans there and in fact will be doing my one-year scan next month.  It gave me great peace of mind to have MD Anderson's blessing on my treatment plan, and to have scans done there and read there.  It's an amazing place.  Perhaps you could find a local gyn-onc you love and then see if your insurance will cover the second opinion.  Blessings!

I agree with cheese and the others - one moment at a time!

Jamiek

CheeseQueen57 said:

One Day at a Time

Try not to get ahead of yourself. Try to take one day at a time. I found this situation gave me a new appreciation for life. Try to appreciate every day and not worry. Worry does not do any good and robs you of precious time. Your biggest battle will be in your head. Try to set the positive mindset right now and gather your friends and family and prayer warriors around you for support. If your faith has lapsed, revisit it. Don’t deal with what ifs. Try to stay in the moment. Hardest part of your battle because this is a marathon not a sprint. Good luck. We’re all here for you. 

Thank you Cheese Queen..

Thank you Cheese Queen and Connie...wonderful advice. Got news that my appt isn’t until Aug 29th. I can’t spend the next 2 1/2 weeks worrying. I’m going to find something constructive to do with my time to preoccupy my mind. 

 

Jamiek

oldbeauty said:

This!

+1 Cheese Queen is right on here.  It is a tall order but worth your attention.  I struggle with it myself bc I am a highly analytical person/personality.  Mindfulness instruction has been recommended to me.  I don't know that I can switch my brain off enough to do that.  I'm doing a renovation job on the house instead.   I look at that as an optimistic thing to do and one that will take me out of my comfort zone and even be fun.  I hope....  Choose the provider and place that suits your needs best.  It is highly likely that there are terrifically qualified and caring specialists in Dallas.  .Best wishes, Oldbeauty.

Old Beauty,

Old Beauty,

I have the same type of mind as you describe. It’s funny you mention the home renovation. I like wood working and am currently building a sofa table. I’m going to finish it this weekend. I find it very therapeutic and rewarding. It’s a great way of distracting yourself! 

Jamiek

Armywife said:

Just a thought

I had my treatment here in San Antonio, but was able to get a referral to MD Anderson for a second opinion.  They did scans there and in fact will be doing my one-year scan next month.  It gave me great peace of mind to have MD Anderson's blessing on my treatment plan, and to have scans done there and read there.  It's an amazing place.  Perhaps you could find a local gyn-onc you love and then see if your insurance will cover the second opinion.  Blessings!

I agree with cheese and the others - one moment at a time!

Army wife, that’s a wonderful

Army wife, that’s a wonderful idea that I hadn’t thought of...thank you. I will look into that. Prayers for your scan next month!

Jamiek

Scared

I’ve been up since 2 am worried sick. I seem to go up and down. I’m having aching all throughout my abdomen. This has me scared that maybe the cancer is everywhere. I’ve found some cervical cancer forums, but no one has answered my posts. I’m feeling so alone right now. 

NoTimeForCancer

Jamiek, all the wonderful

Jamiek, all the wonderful ladies have given you wonderful suggestions.  We can all relate to your anxiety.  I remember my gyn's office scheduling my appt with the gyn onc and suggesting I call - since I am the patient - to see if they had anything earlier, so maybe you can call yourself.  As crazy as everything was, I did feel better after talking to my gyn onc because I knew he had a PLAN.  Maybe you can call your doctor to get a RX for something to calm you down.  Don't be afraid to ask for that - this is the toughest time right now.  

Jamiek

NoTimeForCancer said:

Jamiek, all the wonderful

Jamiek, all the wonderful ladies have given you wonderful suggestions.  We can all relate to your anxiety.  I remember my gyn's office scheduling my appt with the gyn onc and suggesting I call - since I am the patient - to see if they had anything earlier, so maybe you can call yourself.  As crazy as everything was, I did feel better after talking to my gyn onc because I knew he had a PLAN.  Maybe you can call your doctor to get a RX for something to calm you down.  Don't be afraid to ask for that - this is the toughest time right now.  

Thank you, I will call Monday

Thank you, I will call Monday morning and try that or maybe get on a waiting list if there‘s a cancelation. My doctor prescribed me something for the anxiety and it does work. I think the hardest time is right when I wake up and remember and then just get that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don’t know what I’d do without you wonderful ladies to talk to. 

LisaPizza

Jamiek said:

Scared

I’ve been up since 2 am worried sick. I seem to go up and down. I’m having aching all throughout my abdomen. This has me scared that maybe the cancer is everywhere. I’ve found some cervical cancer forums, but no one has answered my posts. I’m feeling so alone right now. 

This happened to me too when

This happened to me too when waiting for my pathology ... suddenly you notice every single ache and pain and worry that it means cancer is everywhere. I really needed some anxiety medicine and never asked for it, so I'm glad you did.

Jamiek

LisaPizza said:

This happened to me too when

This happened to me too when waiting for my pathology ... suddenly you notice every single ache and pain and worry that it means cancer is everywhere. I really needed some anxiety medicine and never asked for it, so I'm glad you did.

Thank you Lisa. I really

Thank you Lisa. I really needed to hear that. I really think deep down it’s just my anxiety that maybe has my stomach upset and probably all my muscles are tensed up. Right now, hearing from wonderful people like you and the things you went through is the best medicine for me right now....and my Lorazepam!!

Jamiek

Jamiek said:

Thank you, I will call Monday

Thank you, I will call Monday morning and try that or maybe get on a waiting list if there‘s a cancelation. My doctor prescribed me something for the anxiety and it does work. I think the hardest time is right when I wake up and remember and then just get that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don’t know what I’d do without you wonderful ladies to talk to. 

Good news

MD Anderson called me this morning and they can see me Wednesday morning! I’ll be heading to Houston tomorrow!!

CheeseQueen57

Jamiek said:

Good news

MD Anderson called me this morning and they can see me Wednesday morning! I’ll be heading to Houston tomorrow!!

Good Luck

My experience there for a second opinion was very positive. Who are you seeing?

Jamiek

CheeseQueen57 said:

Good Luck

My experience there for a second opinion was very positive. Who are you seeing?

Dr Ramirez? I think 

Dr Ramirez? I think 

ConnieSW

Jamiek said:

Dr Ramirez? I think 

Dr Ramirez? I think 

Hey, Jamie,

how'd it go?

Jamiek

ConnieSW said:

Hey, Jamie,

how'd it go?

Just got back last night and

Just got back last night and I’m feeling a lot better. Oncologist feels like it was caught early and I might just need a radical hysterectomy with no treatment. Of course that depends on my pet scan results and whet he finds when he gets in there, but it’s got me feeling much more hopeful. My pet scan was yesterday so just waiting for results. I’m trying not to worry about the “what if’s” of the scan and just focus on what he said during our visit. My surgery is scheduled for the 30th. Now trying to figure how long to stay down there until I’m up for the four hour drive home post op!!