In shock UPSC IIIC diagnosis (Incomplete Staging) Update

Beaner54 said:

I am new to this site.  I was

I am new to this site.  I was diagnosed with 3C endometrial cancer in 2011; had 3 chemo treatments, 28 external radiation treatments, 2 internal radiation

treatments, then 3 more chemo treatments.  The following year I was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer and had a hemicolectomy.  All was well until

May of this year when a nodule was seen in my left lower lung.  I had surgery in June and the pathology results showed endometrial cancer metastasis.

My gyn oncologist offered chemo but said there was no guarantee it would be of any help.  I chose not to.  Yesterday I had another CT scan and will

see him to discuss the results next week.  Fingers crossed. 

  I am disappointed that the cancer has returned but hope for the best.  As it is, I am dealing with bowel issues from previous radiation.

I'm so sorry to hear this, Beaner54. It must be difficult, but I hope you stay strong and fight this.

I don't think chemo is ever guaranteed to help, but if it's a chance, I'm willing to take it. Are you considering other alternative treatments? I was looking at some of the history of this forum, and there were a few people who chose the alternative road that looked to be doing well. Was your last chemo treatment (the first time) difficult on you and is that why you decided not to pursue this course?

Will pray for you and yoru upcoming results!
Rebecca

Update on my mom. Anyone here have or had this problem after hysterectomy? What should we do?

My mom was leaking what she believes to be urine today. It's like a uncontrollable stream, something she isn't able to control, and it seems to be continuous. I think she was quite frightened in her inability to control this. She's been having lower abdominal/pelvic pains when she gets up or moves around for the past several days. I've expressed concern over this since she didn't have this pain until weeks after her hysterectomy. It is now Day 18 after her hysterectomy, and it seems things are getting worse, not better.

I called the doctor's office, but since it was late on a Saturday, I was only able to get some random doctor who does not know of her condition. I told him that she was diagnosed with UPSC Stage IIIC, had a hysterectomy 18 days ago, and now she's leaking urine without being able to control it. He told me it was most likely lymphatic fluid that's leaking and told me to call her normal ob/gyn on Monday. He said going to the ER at this point wouldn't really help her or fix the problem. (In other words, he was quite unable to answer my questions.)

I'm very concerned. Has anyone had or heard of this problem weeks after hysterectomy? And waiting until Monday to call seems to be insupportable and quite frustrating.

Editgrl said:

I have heard of this...

Can she tell if she is leaking from her vagina or her urethra? I have heard of women having this problem and it does sometimes begin weeks after hysterectomy.  It is very possible that it is lymphatic fluid, but there is a small chance that it could be something more serious. Is she in any pain?  Is the leakage clear or tinged with blood?

Hi Chris, I'm not sure whether it's from her vagina or her urethra, but the fluid is tinged yellow and aside from one time where it was just a slight tinge of brown red, the rest was just clear yellow.

daylady said:

One Day at a time!

Rebecca,  I am much like your Mom.  I was 64 when diagnosed with UPSC, Stage IV.  I had surgery, radiation (not bad), and chemo and initially was NED but had a recurrence within 6 mo.  I reached NED again, but my most recent scan showed a spot on my liver which could be something, or could be nothing, but because of it's location a biopsy is too dangerous.  They decided to treat it anyway.  So I'm going thru chemo again.  I am currently three years post diagnosis and for most of this time, even though going through treatment, I have been able to do what I typically do.  I have enjoyed life, took my kids to Hawaii with us earlier this year, do volunteer work, see friends and pretty much am dedicated to just living each day well.  I am currently on Topotecan (infusions once a week for three weeks, fourth week off) and during the off week my husband and I travel.   Cancer is not necessarily a death sentence.  Very often it becomes a condition that just gets managed.  I strongly recommend you get yourself and your Mom a copy of "Radical Remission" by Kelly Turner, PhD.  She also provides a monthly newsletter with survivor stories and tips.  It was probably the most inspirational book I have ever read (and reread and reread!) and made me so aware that there is soooooo much you can do on your own behalf.  Many of the women on this board have counseled you to just take in one day at a time and breathe.  They are right.  Before you know it, you will be surprised at the number of days you have gotten through.  Take good care of you, Hugs! - Helen

 

Thank you so much for your story and encouraging words, Helen. You're right, your situation is very much like my mom's, and I will try to take heart because you seem to be happily thriving and living well. I deeply appreciate your positive attitude. All we can do is try to take this one day at a time.

At the moment, we are still waiting for her to heal up from her hysterectomy before we can do a PET/CT to determine what our next step is. Right now she's feeling a bit better, and good news is that she stopped leaking (lasted about 4 hours on Saturday). I called the doctor's office and the nurse told us to call back again if the leaking happens again. So far, it was just that one instance, so I'm praying it's not anything serious.

Meanwhile, I will definitely check out that book you've recommended.

Thank you so much! I will keep you all updated.
Rebecca