Leg Pain?

knelson51
knelson51 Member Posts: 4 Member
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

I am 73 years old and was recently diagnosed with endometrial cancer. For the past week, I have experienced severe pain in my left leg. In fact, I can barely walk. I cannot put weight on my leg. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this from the cancer? Any suggestions for relieving the pain would be greatly appreciated. Kris

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,528 Member
    #2

    Hey Kris, I'm not a doctor, but I have a few questions.

    Did you have a hysterectomy and that is how it was diagnosed? I know we freak out at every 'ouchie' but there might be another reason for it. I would say, if you are in that much pain go and get looked it. You could have pulled something, and I asked about the surgery because I had a lot of lymph nodes taken that cause pain, not that I couldn't walk, but that surgery is what caused it.

    Again, try to take a breath. If you have pain call the doctor's office, someone is always on call.

  • knelson51
    knelson51 Member Posts: 4 Member
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719753#Comment_1719753

    Thanks for responding. It was diagnosed from a D & C. I am scheduled to have a hysterectomy in 6 weeks. I guess I will go in tomorrow and see if there is at least something that can be done to mitigate the pain. I guess I am worried that it might be an indication that the cancer has spread. I will take your advice though and try to take a deep breath. It is difficult finding out you have cancer a week before Christmas. Kris

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,528 Member
    #4
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719759#Comment_1719759

    Thanks, Kris. I was told I had cancer based on a D&C and they will be able to fully diagnose after your hysterectomy. You are working with a gynecologic oncologist, correct?

    Yes, timing stinks on hearing this newa, and right now waiting is the hardest part. I say try to take a breath, but I was a hot mess until I got that surgery. I didn't find this site until after I had finished all my treatment, so good for you to find now, but having come through the other side, you now know you are not alone.

  • knelson51
    knelson51 Member Posts: 4 Member
    #5
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719760#Comment_1719760

    Yes, my oncologist is at the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. How was the hysterectomy? Is there a long recovery period? Pain? Isn't it what tells them what stage of cancer you have? Thanks for helping me understand all this. Kris

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,528 Member
    #6

    Kris, so recovery depends on the type of surgery you have.

    I had the robotic surgery, I believe laproscopic has similar recovery, is easier because the incisions are minimal. I went in to the robotic knowing that if they say anything it was possible the gyn onc would have done full abdominal surgery. needless to say, when the first thing I heard my BFF say that is WAS, in fact, robotic, I was greatly relieved.

    Just because it was minimal does not mean immediately back to what you are doing. It is major surgery, so when they tell you not to lift anything over 5 lbs - do not lift anything over 5 lbs.

    Pain killers can be constipating, so I tried to get off of them as quickly as possible. I lived alone and could not drive myself until cleared by the gyn onc - which is easily 2 weeks for the minimal surgery and at least 6 weeks for full abdominal. Plan accordingly - food in the house, etc. (That vacuum is heavier than you think, so that can wait)

    My suggestion is focusing on healing after surgery. Sleep if you are tired. Walk around the house to keep moving (I wish I had done more of that). That is your priority. They will let you know what they found later, at that moment just HEAL.

    I had both endometrioid (garden variety) and the aggressive UPSC (uterine papillary serous carcinoma). I was fortunate, I had a gyn who said "Let's find out what is going on" and why I am so happy another woman here new to the journey - and NOT diagnosed yet - has a doctor testing her as well. It was Stage 1A but because of the aggressive type had the full monty of treatment - chemo/radiation/chemo sandwich. Some people are still doing this method but I think the recommendation has change in the NCCN guidelines.

    HOWEVER, let's get you through this thing one step at a time. First, prep your surroundings and you for surgery. (there will be pre-surgery tests). That is step one. Don't try to get too far ahead of yourself. Stay away from Dr. Google and stats out there are several years old.

    Please feel free to PM me as well if you would like.

  • knelson51
    knelson51 Member Posts: 4 Member
    #7
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719767#Comment_1719767
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719767#Comment_1719767

    Thank you so much for walking me through this. It reduces my fear level a little bit. The idea of major surgery terrifies me. I'm so afraid I won't make it through the surgery.

    Fortunately, I have my adult daughter living with me so she can prepare food and drive me to appointments. The first pre-surgery test is January 3. Then the surgery date will be set (and I think more pre-surgery appointments).

    It means so much that you would take the time to do this. I promise that for now I will focus on step one.

    Kris

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,528 Member
    #8

    Kris, I had never had major surgery so I get that. It is all pretty overwhelming and you will get lots of information and meet with doctors and nurses and consider starting a note book to jot things down in. Hopefully your daughter can be with you on those meetings, or someone, so you have a second set of ears. My BFF allowed me to pay all my attention on the doctor and took notes. I still read through those all these years later.

    Also, start believing you will come through the surgery fine. Not believing that can hurt you just as much. You can do this. You are going to amaze yourself.

  • hudsonvr
    hudsonvr Member Posts: 1 *
    #9

    I just had the surgery 3 weeks ago, and have appointments this week for treatment recommendations. Surgery went fine for me - I was under general anesthesia. Apparently, it was more involved than the doctor anticipated and took over 3 hours. Had an 8” incision on my stomach, entire uterus removed, and some lymph nodes. First, had the green light button for pain for a few days, then used oxy, Tylenol, and Motrin for pain, and they work well.
    Decided to pamper myself during recovery, and not push myself to do more than what felt ok. Depends are my new best friend. At first I was very swollen with inflammation and fluids - at least 15 lbs worth - but it has gotten somewhat better with time. I will be weighed again this week at the doctors appointment, and am not looking forward to results. I had just lost that 15 lbs before the surgery!

    Before surgery, I tried hard not to think about it too much, and joke around as much as possible. That helped a bunch! The more I read online, the worse I felt, so I stopped doing that. Just take one days worth of challenges at a time. Smile a lot, and show your appreciation to all who are helping and caring for you.

Discussion Boards