SCARED !!

Sorry you have to go through this.   You can do it.    I was diagnosed with Stage 3a, Grade 2 endometrial adenocarcinoma.   It was found AFTER I had my hysterectomy on my ovary and uterus so I had to have another surgery for staging.  No other cancer was found at that time and was staged accordingly.     I was 45 at the time.   They then put in a port so that I could receive the taxol/carbo.   I could not take the taxol so I had gemzar and carboplatin for the six months.  I was able to have pelvic radiation due to my excessive scarring but I did receive three brachytherapy radiations.   I still worked during my treatment (although it is our business) and my sons at the time were 15, 13 and 11.  

While you are in treatment you may get very fatigue a day or two after treatment.  ALthough everyone is different but it seems most of us get through it.    I want you to know that my treatment was in 2005/2006.    I am going to be 53 this year and my youngest son is graduating from high school.  I did have one other surgery in 2010 but it worked out great.

After the initial "shock" of this whole thing, take a stand and be in charge.   Stay as positive as you can.   You will get those days though.  And rest when you have to.

I wish the best for you and that your treatment goes quick.  

Kathy 

I'm so sorry you have to go through this.  I was 45 when dx with a 12 year old at the time.  I had Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Stage 3c grade 3.  Mine, like Kalena's was found by accident.  It was only after a partial hysterectomy where my uterus was morcellated in my abdomen that the path report found the tumor.  The uterine biospy performed failed to show I had cancer prior to surgery.  That was in Jan 2011 and my treatment ended July 2011... I've had a few scares since stopping chemo but have been blessed that is all it was.  I know how your head is spinning and at times it so overwhelming that you feel like your drowning.  I wept so hard for so long that I literally had no more tears. 

But you WILL get through this.  Chemo was not hard for me at all.  I endured 8 rounds of carbo/taxol with no nausea at all.  I just felt really tired 2 days after chemo was given.  Please keep checking this site for support.  The kindness and knowledge of these remarkable ladies helped me beyond words. 

Peace be with you.

daisy366 said:

Normal
You are quite normal to be scared. Who wouldn't be? I recommend that you make conscious decision to be well! Good diet, hydration, & exercise, and doing things you enjoy.

I did very well with chemo. Worked full time during it.

Stay positive. Hugs to you. Mary Ann

I think all the ladies on this site can understand your anxiety and fear. Like Mary Ann says it is quite normal to be scared. I was diagnosed with Stage 1a/grade 1 and only needed the radical hysterectomy and now regular check-ups for the next 5 years. I feel very blessed! However, I think the time from my diagnosis until my surgery the ladies on the board are what got me through. My family was very supportive, but as I am sure you can understand they are kinda going through it, too, and in my case did not have the experience or education these ladies offered.

Have faith you will get through this and you will. It will definitely be a life-changing experience, but it can be positive in many ways. One day at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. Find things to do to keep your mind busy! I had a heyday some nights before falling asleep making my funeral arrangements, thinking of what people would say, if my kids would fight over the will, etc....lol. You can drive yourself crazy!

Best of luck!

Kathy

SUNGRANNY said:

So glad that you shared

I love your username - "Lots of Laughs."  I too know very well the fear, anger, sadness, and range of emotions of the cancer diagnosis.  Day by day, or hour by hour you CAN make it through the treatments, tests, and ups and downs. 

I was initially overwhelmed by the stage 4 Serous Endometrial cancer diagnosis and related prognosis.  What helped me to be cope was, with the help and encouragement of women on this board and others,  to put aside the numbers and statistics, and to focus on living in the present time, day by day. 

Thinking of you and sending you support,

Sungranny

Anything with the word cancer can be very scary as in most cases the Unknown for all of us.  I realize at the beginning of this journey everything looks black and full of fear and doubt, but after each progessive treatment, we do see more light.  Trust me, there is life, as we simply place one foot in front of the other and endure.

As I've always told others, God never gave us a book on how our lives would work out, therefore, we must learn to be very flexible and be strong.

I suggest reading up on cancer to gain some control.  A great book to read that most of us recommend, THE ANTI CANCER book, by David Servan-Schreiber....excellent read!

Think positive and know we're all here to help and listen to you...

Jan

soromer said:

So normal to be scared.

It's a scary diagnosis.

Chemo isn't as bad as it used to be. The drugs they give you to prevent nausea and help with white blood cell counts do make a difference.

I'm assuming that you are going to be working through chemo? Give yourself as much time as you can to recover after each treatment; after the first one, you'll have a better sense of the rhythm for you.

Two pieces of advice. First, it's a good idea if you can take someone with you to chemo if at all possible, especially that first time. Second, if you have a Gilda's Club or a Cancer Support Community near you, see if there are some programs there that interest you. My own CSC has been a godsend to me.

Good luck. Keep finding things to make you laugh! That truly will help, too.

I started prior to treatments at Cancer Support Community (CSC) for group therapy with a few gals.  It was a God-send as kept me above the dreary times and continued onward for a few years.  Are you still going to this community?  I've gotten away from it, but do know they offer tons of free services.

Definitely agree some sorta therapy programs really make us feel loved and we can learn from others who've walked the walk before.

Hugs,

Jan

Hi, my name's Cathy & I just found out I have stage IIA ndometrial cancer. I start radiation on 4-22. I don't know what to expect. wish u well