First Visit

bevboone

Hello,

I had my first meeting with the oncologist today for my endometrial cancer. She was very thorough and personable. My best friend and sister were with me. I do not have a husband or children. My one daughter passed away in 2020.
I was happy to have their love and support. It was a very long day that started at 4:00 am with a 90-minute drive to MUSC in Charleston, SC. My doctor is recommending a complete hysterectomy, which I expected. She said my type of cancer is the most common one of endometrial cancers and is usually slow growing, FIGO 2. I did blood work, EKG, Chest X-Ray while at the hospital.

One thing I did not fully understand as I reflect is the position I would be in during surgery to ensure all of my internal organs are separated from the surgery site. I was told a dye would be first inserted through the vagina to better see something…maybe lymph nodes to harvest? Funny, how much I thought I understood, but feeling foggy on these two issues. I had a big note pad but got so caught up in listening until I didn’t take many notes.

I think she is recommending robotic surgery b/c she mentioned putting 3-4 holes ( holes may not be the medical terminology ) in my stomach to see the area and removing then beginning removal of organs through my vagina. She did say having a small uterus is good, and she examined me to be sure. It’s possible that plan may change.

She anticipates a 3 hour surgery. ( Her resident said 4). A lot of the pre-surgery happens before the actual removal of organs. I think this is the part that depends on what I can tolerate with the reconnections and holes in my stomach for probing around, along with the odd/different positioning of my body during surgery.

Because of the holidays, my doctor estimates the surgery is 5-6 weeks away from scheduling unless a cancellation occurs. I want the surgery, but it frightens me also. I know I must have it.

I signed a paper, along with permission to operate, giving the hospital the right to keep my diseased organs after removal for research, perhaps to send them to some type of research facility.

I told the doctor that I am always extremely exhausted and have frequent urination but she said neither were most likely unrelated to the cancer. I don’t know…it just seems that my body is just in free fall with multiple minor conditions taking center stage, but no need to go into all of that.

Now that I am attempting to remember details, I see that I missed a lot of details. I was exhausted and just got in bed at 6:00 pm.

Thank you for being here and allowing me to get my thoughts out of my head. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, and courage are comforting and inspiring. I live more hopeful and a little more courageously hearing your stories. Thank you!