Newly diagnosed.

I agree take a breath.  Try not to read the.internet because most of the stuff is outdated.  Remember you are a stastic of one. What I went through with carcinoma sarcoma stage 3c1 grade 3 cancer is not what you will go through.  Each person is different as is their cancer, treatment and the reaction to the treatment.  While we do know what you are going through as we have been there and can tell you how we got through it the journey for you will be similar but it will be yours.

Take a person with you to appts. Make a list of questions and keep asking them until you get an answer. If you do not like the answer or the drs get a second opinion.   Be proactive it"s your body and you will need to understand what is going on to make decisions.

Glad you found this site before you started your journey there are some good ladies here to help through the process.  Lots of great ladies here that have been through a lot and are still here fighting the good fight. This is also a good site to come to and voice your.fears, to vent, and just talk. We understand what you are going through. Praying for you. Trish

Hi Toni.

Sorry you had to have a biopsy and given that news.  However, I am glad you found this site.   Don't look up information on the internet.  Most of it is way outdated and has old information on it.

By the way, I was diagnosed with Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Grade 2, Stage IIIa back in September of 2005.  Yes, 2005.   I have done so many great things since then and so will you.  If you need more info, let me know.

My best to you.  

Kathy

I am sorry to hear that you have uterine cancer, but glad that you found us here.  There is a wealth of information that can be obtained from this Uterine Board, plus lots of much needed support.   Don't be afraid to ask questions or just to vent.  We will be here to assist you.   Your surgeon should be a gynecologic oncologist; these docs are the experts in this kind of surgery.  I recommend that you get copies of your operative report and the subsequent pathology report.  It is helpful to also have a ca-125 blood test done prior to surgery.  Don't be afraid to get a second opinion regarding treatment.    I was diagnosed in October, 2013, with UPSC, Stage 111A, Grade 3.  Grade 3 cancers are the most aggressive.  Chemo was doable, although I now have neuropathy in my feet and continual back pain.  It has been 6 weeks since my last chemo (Carboplatin and Taxol) and my hair is growing back in.  No eyebrows though.  I have a few eyelashes.    You can do this!

Best Wishes,

Cathy

Henna said:

Thank You Kaleena!

Hi Kaleena!

 

Its great to see so fantastic survivors here! I joined about half an hour ago ant this is my second message here.

 

In my first message I started a new topic asking how long time the others have needed to wait for a diagnosis and treatment.  A have had an ultrasound that aroused suspicion, it could be endometrial hyperplacia or cancer. I’m getting mad when waiting for the reception time to biopsy and possible treatment.  So it is very encouraging to see that You have overcome Grade 2, StageIIIa!

 

Henna

 

 

 

Thanks Henna and welcome to this site.

About waiting.   It is there.   I recently had a CT scan indicate that a mass that I had (all my previous scans) had grown a bit but the PET scan indicated that it was within normal FDG range.  So I decided to have it biopsied.   Two months later I had it biopsied.   It was negative, but I still may have to have it removed because it is wrapped around my left ureter and concern for blocking it.  I still haven't met with my doctor yet.  I don't see him until July.   So you see waiting is not unusual.

But do know anytime you are concerned or have questions, always feel free to call your doctor or speak with the Physician Assistant.   If not, you can drive yourself crazy and it is easier to place a call than just to sit back and worry.  Also, if once you get an answer and you feel uncertain about it, you can always get a second opinion.

My best to you.

Kathy

dalry said:

Finished Chemo

Well I have so far made it through the 1st leg of treatment. Not looking forward to radiation as I alread am struggling with lympedema. I would really appreaciate any and all advice you ladies have to offer on surviving Chemo and Radiation and Diet and Supplement support tips. I feel like I'm swimming in a sea of information with no real direction. Thanks, Toni

 

As far as advise, I recommend that you try to walk everyday to help with energy.  Even if it's only a little bit.  I started really slow and really short distances, but have steadily added longer distances.  As far as nutrition, after chemo. it was suggested that I take a B complex to build up the B vitamins and take extra protein.  Lots of fluids especially water.  If you are constipated, miralax and stool softners are good.  When I was done with chemo., I wanted to get anti-oxidants into my system quick as I could, so I did some research and found that Alpha Lipoic Acid was a super anti-oxidant as well as a supplement called S.O.D. and I can't remember what it stood for.  Anyway, I went online and found some more of the natural supplements.  I decided I was taking those (both) for three months.  Why?  I just decided that.  At the end of three months, I took either 1 or the other everyday but not both.  I did that for three months.  I've decided that I'm not taking any more.  Personal preference.  I have altered my eating habits too.  I've virtually eliminated the majority of sugar from my diet except for natural sugars like honey and fruit.

The other thing I've learned is that you have to rest when your body says rest.  I was told not to "push through it" because that will set you back.

I have found that finding something to be thankful for is a huge way to help you get through it and laughing is great medicine too.    Those are my suggestions.  Use what you can and discard what you don't want.  The ladies on this board will be a great help with other ideas and suggestions.  Find what works for you.

Jeanette

dalry said:

Finished Chemo

Well I have so far made it through the 1st leg of treatment. Not looking forward to radiation as I alread am struggling with lympedema. I would really appreaciate any and all advice you ladies have to offer on surviving Chemo and Radiation and Diet and Supplement support tips. I feel like I'm swimming in a sea of information with no real direction. Thanks, Toni

 

Toni, I hated the thought of radiation and they scared the crap out of me on the side effects!!  I will say, if chemo made you tired, radiation is going to exhaust you.  Radiation continues to work for up to six weeks after you complete that therapy so the fatique does take some time retreat.  Give in to it and sleep. 

I did sit down with a dietician who specialized in helping cancer patients and that was extremely helpful.  She recommended probiotics and I was already taking them so I think that was helpful for me for the radiation.  She also recommended getting enough protein, and that meant 7 - 9 servings a day.  A yogurt was one, and egg one, some larger pieces of meat (3 oz) was 3 servings, so you see it was easier to get to than you think.  Due to the radiation to your pelvic area it damages and kills alot of marrow in your hip bones and that is a lot of marrow!  You will want to try to rebuild the red cells. 

My two cents.  You have to decide for yourself, and the dietician wasn't covered by my insurance but worth the bucks I paid, and I am happy to share that knowledge.

sandylil said:

newly diagnosed

hi everyone,

i had vaginal bleeding and had a bx a week and a half ago. got the results yesterday.  Grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma.

i was and still am in shock.  didn't sleep all night. i'm a mess.  I'm 60.  just wanted some insight. 

i guess the next thing is a hysterectomy where they will stage it.

thanks for listening.

Sandy E.

Sandy, try to relax.  You really need to find out what you are dealing with and the hysterectomy is going to let you know how they will proceed.  Grade 1 is low, and that is promising.  It is not as agressive as a higher grade.  The Stage is going to tell you how far it is, and you don't know that.  So, take a breath and try to take it one step at a time.  Please let us know.

sandylil said:

thanks

thanks for the reassuance.  i will keep you posted..

sandy

Hi Sandy:

Please keep us posted.  Also, you may want to start a new post so that your message doesn't get lost in another one and we will be able to post quicker to you.   Further, my only advice is don't think too far ahead of what is in front of you.   What I mean is right now you are looking at a hysterectomy.    Don't think beyond that.    Take one step at a time.

My best to you.

Kathy

P.S.  All you have to do is hit "Post new Forum Topic" to start your own post.   You will find that right under the words UTERINE CANCER

It happened to Me said:

Welcome Sandy

This is a great group of ladies to bounce things off of, to ask questions, to vent.  I agree with Kathy to start your own thread.  Some of these threads are really long and sometimes it can get confusing.  I'm 52 and was diagnosed with UPSC (rare kind of uterine cancer).  The best advice I ever received was: 1) Only focus on what you know 2) only look at the next appointment.   Don't read the internet statistics because it will scare you silly.  Besides, their statistics are outdated.  Feel free to pick our brain.  I'm a newer member, but the members here have a vast array of wisdom and knowledge.  

You have just joined the Peach Sisterhood and that's what we are sisters.

Jeanette

i am glad i found you.

it has been scary and i haven't been able to eat or sleep for a few days.

plus i'm still working, so that makes it difficult.....sheesh!

sandy