another question

Get a copy of your pathology report and read over it to see what it states.  Then if still not sure get a second option from a different gyn onc doctor.  Also most hospitals now have a board they go to so all the cancer doctors can have input to make it a team effort.  If they have that ask for that to take place.   Having a few rounds of chemo would not hurt but having the radaiation can effect other organs and bones.  But my thing is ask questions and be your own advocate on your health.  Get copies of all your test, surgery reports and the pathology report.  It is your because it is your body, you have a right to them.

janaes, the nurses at my gynecologic oncologist's office were great.  I had one that I could call and ask questions and hopefully you were given that too.  Maybe you can ask them:  the Stage of your cancer, the Grade of your cancer, and what Type of cancer.  I think a pathology report has a lot medical-speak, which can be confusing for your average person.  

If you get the Stage, Grade and Type, I think we all would be able to help answer some of your questions.

Believe it or not, there is a Grade 1 cancer that is refered to as "typcial garden variety type" and they don't give any treatment for that.  It is what Editgrl was referring to in her post.  Here was a pretty good link from the American Cancer Society site:

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrialcancer/detailedguide/endometrial-uterine-cancer-what-is-endometrial-cancer

Can you call your radiologist's office?  Since he is the one who wants to treat it more aggressively, he or his nurse might be more accessible to you.  I just think it's crazy that you can't get a clear answer to the type, stage and grade of your cancer.

was what might be called "garden variety.". Endometrial Adenocarcinoma. Clear lymph nodes. No Cancer cells found in other parts. Only 35% intrusion into the muscle of the uterus (myometrium). Grade 1. Stage 1-A. No chemo and no radiation recommended. Just follow up exams every 3 months to monitor for any surprises because a very few patients like me do have recurrences. I know exactly how lucky I am; some with my same stage/grade get a more aggressive approach. My point is that there are many different ways to attack this diagnosis.  Good luck. Whatever you do, we stand with you. 

If there is a question about your pathology and you're not getting straight answers from your onc, you can do one or both of two things.  You can get a new onc who will explain all of this to you, or you could send your path slides to a new pathologist.  I had both done.  My new onc sent my slides to the #2 gynecologic pathologist in the country and we both felt secure in the diagnosis. 

From what the nurse said, "stage 2, grade 3", that implies a high grade tumor like sarcoma.  It is conceivable that your doc got you confused with someone else.   

Ask as many questions as it takes for you to understand your diagnosis and your treatment options.  If any doctor has a problem with that, get another doctor.  You should not be rushed into anything.  If you are stage 2, that means the cancer had spread to the connective tissue of the cervix but not out of the uterus.  Grade 3 means it is a high grade cancer.  It could be serous carcinoma or UPSC, carcinosarcoma, or a high-grade adenocarcinoma among others.  None of these are "garden variety" cancers.

Is your dad or somebody going with you to your appointment on Tuesday?  It is always helpful to have another set of ears to hear what is said, because there is so much information.  Ask him/her to explain the pathology report to you and explain what ALL of your treatment options are.  This is your opportunity to get all of your questions answered and don't leave there until you do.  

Chris

and reports the findings. My path report clearly states that I had grade 3, stage 3A, uterine cancer. My gyn oncologist reported these findings to me and discussed with me a treatment plan. My gyn onc at no time studied my tissue samples (slides) himself as that is not his specialty.

janaes said:

Yea!  I think any ways.  I

Yea!  I think any ways.  I defenitly have a lot a emotions so excitment isnt really the word.  I guess Im just relieved today because I saw a Chemotheropy Onclogist and he had  acopy of my full pathology report and a copy of another pathology report that was done when I had my byopsy when they found the cancer.  It said the name of my cancer and he explained to me why i needed chemotheropy.  His explanation of why I need chemo made since to me.  It went along with what I was reading and thinking.  I liked what he said.  Now do I want to do chemo?  No  Ive spent the afternoon trying to process all these emotions I have.  Ive been crying, talking with family, and deciding what I want to do to go forward.  I am a single mom with two kids. 10 and 13 years old.  I recently became single just before all this cancer stuff came out so I am trying to find the support I will need.  Im going to find out wednesday i think when I will start.  Im scared.  Im scared because I did chemo 20 years ago and know what it is like.  Im using different drugs he said which Im hoping will be better on me.  

Janaes, you can do this. Chemo is so different today than it was 20 years ago. They know how to manage the side effects better now and there are so many options if one chemo doesn't work. If you trust your oncologist and he thinks this is your best chance then please, please consider it. Of course, we will support you no matter your decision.

You are stronger than you think. We will be here to support you no matter what. Please lean on us. Kim

To find a wig in the style and color much like your own hair. I found 2 wigs that I really liked when I went to the local American Cancer Society office and, in addition to the wigs, I walked away with lots of head coverings. I found that I needed to wear head coverings when I slept as my bald head got cold at night.