Just got diagnosed - scared to death!

eihtak

PainInTheBum...

Hi, I think its normal these days to google search health questions but now that you have some information I agree that its best to stop reading and rely on the information provided by your doctors. Often a google search will lead you to information that is not accurate and definitely not up to date as the treatment of cancer changes rapidly with the newest research. 

Maybe a gyno-oncologist (not all clinics have one as they are a specialist) but if available, could answer your uterus concerns. I know a thickening can be related to hormonal changes due to menopause so maybe not cause to worry, but also need to check for things like endometrial cancer risks. As long as you're on the path to treatment and future health, now is the time to tackle it all!

Please keep us in the loop, but enjoy your weekend by putting these concerns to rest for a day!

katheryn

 

Mollymaude

Waiting for treatment to start

I found it helpful to stock up on supplies that I knew I wouldn’t feel like shopping for during treatment- paper products, laundry detergent,etc. And since I felt fine I had a big dinner party and all my friends came. I also took my kids out of school for a day and we went early Christmas shopping- I knew I would not be feeling well enough to want to do that. So maybe think about special occasions that might be coming up and preparing for those. I agree about not reading too much- at times it can just be overwhelming!

PainInTheBum

I did stock up on foods that

I did stock up on foods that I'll need like protein drinks, Gatorade, yogurts, saltines, soup broths, etc.  Also Aquaphor, baby wipes, baking soda, epsom salts, spray bottle, etc.  Trying to get myself prepared.  Thankfullly my husband is here to get whatever else I might need if I can't go out.  I worry about him too.  He's got a heart condition and I have been his caretaker.  Now he will have to be mine.  I told him he might have to get a "sister wive" if things get bad.

eihtak

PainInTheBum...

It sounds like you are prepared...one thing to add, I remember having an insatiable dry mouth and throat and would suck on popsicles throughout the day to help. Also used Biotine rinse and that helped a lot too. Know that many of the side effects do not occur until a few weeks in for most people and in fact after the first treatment some people even question what the hoopla was all about because they feel just fine (or at least the same)...However, by the 3rd or 4th week most everyone notices some level of discomfort and fatigue. 

I will keep not only you but your husband in my prayers that any side effects you have are easily managed and you are able to focus on the light at the end of this temporary tunnel.

katheryn

PainInTheBum

eihtak said:

PainInTheBum...

It sounds like you are prepared...one thing to add, I remember having an insatiable dry mouth and throat and would suck on popsicles throughout the day to help. Also used Biotine rinse and that helped a lot too. Know that many of the side effects do not occur until a few weeks in for most people and in fact after the first treatment some people even question what the hoopla was all about because they feel just fine (or at least the same)...However, by the 3rd or 4th week most everyone notices some level of discomfort and fatigue. 

I will keep not only you but your husband in my prayers that any side effects you have are easily managed and you are able to focus on the light at the end of this temporary tunnel.

katheryn

You know, I had a bottle of

You know, I had a bottle of Biotine in my hand yesterday when picking up stool softeners and miralex (constipation from pain meds....ugh).  I put it back because I wasn't sure I'd need it but will pick up a bottle next time out.  Thanks for the advice.

 

Wisteria83

PainInTheBum said:

You know, I had a bottle of

You know, I had a bottle of Biotine in my hand yesterday when picking up stool softeners and miralex (constipation from pain meds....ugh).  I put it back because I wasn't sure I'd need it but will pick up a bottle next time out.  Thanks for the advice.

 

Biotine

Pain meds are notorious for giving you a dry mouth.  Use the Biotine, but remember to drink too. During treatment I had a water bottle with an infuser and I loved putting fresh cucumber slices or fruit in it.  Lately I've been drinking Smartwater...it has the electrolytes I need and I can't tolerate the taste of Gatorade or Powerade...any of those.  I also ordered really soft 100% cotton polishing cloths from Amazon.  They feel like a vintage tee shirt and come in a package of 6. They were cheap too!  I used them to wash the aquafor off in the tub and then to pat myself dry.  They are good size....something like 11x17 or something, so you could even cut them in half to double their use.  They just felt so much better than anything else I tried.  I also spent HOURS in the tub.  It seemed to be where I was most comfortable, and after every (seemingly never ending) bm it was my comfort spot.

You may have read that people suggest getting boxer shorts because the elastic from your underwear can be pretty uncomfortable.  I bought some, but couldn't use them because I didn't dare go without a pad due to accidents, and pads just don't work with boxers.  I use them now though...there's nothing freer than wearing them under a loose indian skirt (except maybe sans everything)

BirdGrrl

You Can Do It

So sorry you are here, but you'll find this site a great resource; it was pretty much my only resource during and after treatment.

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 or Stage 2, the lab couldn't make up their mind. I'm now coming up on my 6 year anniversary post treatment and things are very good. Part of the scariness for me was all the tests after the initial diagnosis where they were looking to see if the cancer had traveled. I had a "flutter" in my uterus but that turned out to be benign polyps which explained my wonky periods over the last couple of years. There was some excitement when I had the chest x-rays done. After the first one I could hear some chatter between the techs. Then one of them stuck their head out of their protected area and asked, "Are you wearing your bra?" Ha. Yes, and then the next one was fine.

Once treatment started, I felt better - which is common - because you know that you are actively in the fight to kill it. It's a tough 6 week battle but it has one of the best remission rates so this was the one of the few times I didn't root for the underdog!

One of the ways I got through it was to make a calendar and at the end of every day I put a smiley sticker on the calendar. For the 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 markers - I put a huge heart and it made a great visual for me to focus on. Also, before treatment started I wrote three cheerful and encouraging cards to myself and asked my mom to mail them to me on specific dates. I wrote notes in them based on where I was in the treatment phase, along with a few atta-girls and they really helped.

Please keep us posted, we're rooting for you!

PainInTheBum

BirdGrrl said:

You Can Do It

So sorry you are here, but you'll find this site a great resource; it was pretty much my only resource during and after treatment.

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 or Stage 2, the lab couldn't make up their mind. I'm now coming up on my 6 year anniversary post treatment and things are very good. Part of the scariness for me was all the tests after the initial diagnosis where they were looking to see if the cancer had traveled. I had a "flutter" in my uterus but that turned out to be benign polyps which explained my wonky periods over the last couple of years. There was some excitement when I had the chest x-rays done. After the first one I could hear some chatter between the techs. Then one of them stuck their head out of their protected area and asked, "Are you wearing your bra?" Ha. Yes, and then the next one was fine.

Once treatment started, I felt better - which is common - because you know that you are actively in the fight to kill it. It's a tough 6 week battle but it has one of the best remission rates so this was the one of the few times I didn't root for the underdog!

One of the ways I got through it was to make a calendar and at the end of every day I put a smiley sticker on the calendar. For the 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 markers - I put a huge heart and it made a great visual for me to focus on. Also, before treatment started I wrote three cheerful and encouraging cards to myself and asked my mom to mail them to me on specific dates. I wrote notes in them based on where I was in the treatment phase, along with a few atta-girls and they really helped.

Please keep us posted, we're rooting for you!

I'm so glad you are doing

I'm so glad you are doing well after treatment 6 years ago.  That's great!  I hope to be able to say that one day too!  My first treatment starts in 2 days.  I'm already counting the days for the final day!

PainInTheBum

BirdGrrl said:

You Can Do It

So sorry you are here, but you'll find this site a great resource; it was pretty much my only resource during and after treatment.

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 or Stage 2, the lab couldn't make up their mind. I'm now coming up on my 6 year anniversary post treatment and things are very good. Part of the scariness for me was all the tests after the initial diagnosis where they were looking to see if the cancer had traveled. I had a "flutter" in my uterus but that turned out to be benign polyps which explained my wonky periods over the last couple of years. There was some excitement when I had the chest x-rays done. After the first one I could hear some chatter between the techs. Then one of them stuck their head out of their protected area and asked, "Are you wearing your bra?" Ha. Yes, and then the next one was fine.

Once treatment started, I felt better - which is common - because you know that you are actively in the fight to kill it. It's a tough 6 week battle but it has one of the best remission rates so this was the one of the few times I didn't root for the underdog!

One of the ways I got through it was to make a calendar and at the end of every day I put a smiley sticker on the calendar. For the 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 markers - I put a huge heart and it made a great visual for me to focus on. Also, before treatment started I wrote three cheerful and encouraging cards to myself and asked my mom to mail them to me on specific dates. I wrote notes in them based on where I was in the treatment phase, along with a few atta-girls and they really helped.

Please keep us posted, we're rooting for you!

I picked up a calendar today

I picked up a calendar today BirdGrrl and plan to mark the days as you suggested.  It feels sorta like a "jail sentence".   At least it's not a very long one even though I'm sure days it will seem like it.

 

I'm thankful for everyone's support.  It means a lot to me.

BirdGrrl

PainInTheBum said:

I picked up a calendar today

I picked up a calendar today BirdGrrl and plan to mark the days as you suggested.  It feels sorta like a "jail sentence".   At least it's not a very long one even though I'm sure days it will seem like it.

 

I'm thankful for everyone's support.  It means a lot to me.

Calendar

I totally get that and yes, it's a short time - literally a bump in the road. And don't forget to buy lots of fun stickers. I had hearts and squirrels and rabbits and smiley faces that all made me smile. I don't have children but maybe yours might like to put the stickers on too? Hm. Maybe you should buy extras.... Lol