Waiting for lymph node report after hysterectomy

ssjdant
ssjdant Member Posts: 14
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

I had hysterectomy Wednesday. Recovery so far a breeze. Surgery confirmed grade and type 1 endometrial cancer. the bad news was in surgery determined more than 50% invasion into myometrium. That put me in higher risk group for spread to lymph nodes. Waiting on that result causing great anxiety. Dr. said only 6-10% chance that it will be in nodes I am scared silly. Anyone with reassuring advice?

 

 

Comments

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 790 Member
    #2
    ssjdant, it's very normal to

    ssjdant, it's very normal to be scared at this juncture. Just trust that come what may, you will get through this and put it in back of you. Please stay hopeful.

    If you do need some treatments in addition to the surgery please understand that they are NOT like what you may have seen on tv or in the movies. The medical community has figured out how to manage nearly all of the side effects. Don't let fear get in the way of making whatever decisions you (and your medical team) feel are necessary for a full recovery.

    You can do this! We'll be here to support you in whatever way you need. Just let us know. Wishing you strength and comfort, Kim

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #3
    Stay positive

    Like Kim said, it is very normal to be scared and yes, its not like you see on TV.   I was diagnosed with Grade 2, Stage 3a endometrial adenocarcinoma.  It was in my ovary, uterus and cervix and then one lymph node.  I had the usual course of treatment.   That was back in 2005 when I was 45 years old.  I am now 56.  ALso, like Kim said, don't the fear get in your way of making rash decisions.

    Any time you want to vent, just come here!

    My best to you.

    Kathy

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    edited March 2017 #4
    Welcome

    Welcome to the club no one wants to belong to.  You have found a great place to come for advice, information and comfort.  Waiting is the hardest, but you will find that you can handle anything and that you are stronger than you ever imagined.  Non of it fun, but it is all very doable.  I have been in this club for quite awhile now and I can tell you that I have had many more good days than bad.

    Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

  • ssjdant
    ssjdant Member Posts: 14
    #5
    Kaleena said:

    Stay positive

    Like Kim said, it is very normal to be scared and yes, its not like you see on TV.   I was diagnosed with Grade 2, Stage 3a endometrial adenocarcinoma.  It was in my ovary, uterus and cervix and then one lymph node.  I had the usual course of treatment.   That was back in 2005 when I was 45 years old.  I am now 56.  ALso, like Kim said, don't the fear get in your way of making rash decisions.

    Any time you want to vent, just come here!

    My best to you.

    Kathy

    Angel

    Kaleena you are an angel to diminish my anxiety. Did you have chemo or radiation?

  • ssjdant
    ssjdant Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2017 #6
    ssjdant said:

    Angel

    Kaleena you are an angel to diminish my anxiety. Did you have chemo or radiation?

    so answered question about the therapy. If this darn test comes back negative I will be walking on air. What is scaring me is the possibility that it spread to lymph node but I see yours did and that has not been fatal either. I want to believe I'll be in the 90% without inolvement but hard to think of the positive, I get into what if I'm in the 10%. But I can see even if that happens it's not a death sentence. I like you have a very supportive family and friends.nif..no when...I can put this in my rear view mirror I will never see them the same way.

  • ssjdant
    ssjdant Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2017 #7
    Thank you

    for your support and encouragement. You are an nspiration. Your road has been filled with rocks and boulders but I can see you have not quit enjoying life. Made me realize I should stay out of a funk and make sure every moment with friends and family are good and not tainted by my fear.

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    edited March 2017 #8
    ssjdant said:

    Angel

    Kaleena you are an angel to diminish my anxiety. Did you have chemo or radiation?

    Both

    Originally they indicated only chemo (6 months) but then decided on me having 3 HDR Brachytherapy.

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    #9
    Hi ssjdant

    The replies you already have had are excellent advice.  Waiting is hard but as you have seen, even IF there were something in the nodes you CAN get through it and life can be good.  Your remark about staying out of a funk and making sure every moment with friends and family are good is a really good insight.  It's your deep core values that you stand on during times of storm and though the winds swirl around and blow this way and that- which is all a normal part of a storm- it doesn't change the core of who you are.  You will make it through and we'll be here with you and for you to share your journey and help you vent your thoughts.  (((HUGS)))

  • ssjdant
    ssjdant Member Posts: 14
    #10
    Kaleena said:

    Both

    Originally they indicated only chemo (6 months) but then decided on me having 3 HDR Brachytherapy.

    Lymph node

    can you tell me about your node involvement. I though that was automatically aggressive treatment. So your just on watch?

  • ssjdant
    ssjdant Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2017 #11
    Nellasing said:

    Hi ssjdant

    The replies you already have had are excellent advice.  Waiting is hard but as you have seen, even IF there were something in the nodes you CAN get through it and life can be good.  Your remark about staying out of a funk and making sure every moment with friends and family are good is a really good insight.  It's your deep core values that you stand on during times of storm and though the winds swirl around and blow this way and that- which is all a normal part of a storm- it doesn't change the core of who you are.  You will make it through and we'll be here with you and for you to share your journey and help you vent your thoughts.  (((HUGS)))

    Thank you

    for your response. I have a very good prognosis if my node biopsy comes back negative. I know I should be focusing on the positive but scared about that node test. Dr. Says <10 chance will be positive but can't stop focusing on it. Won't know results til next week and is driving me nuts,

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #12
    ssjdant said:

    Lymph node

    can you tell me about your node involvement. I though that was automatically aggressive treatment. So your just on watch?

    Nodes and Such

    My treatment was the same as if I had ovarian cancer.   That is the way my doctor wanted it.  So I started at the usual top end treatment Carbo/Taxol.  I had a reaction to the Taxol so they changed it to Gemzar.   About 4 years later, I had a mass which tested positive.   The doctor at the time indicated that it could not be operated on and he wanted to start chemo right away.  I went for a third opinion and a different state and found a wonderful doctor. He was able to operate on the mass (which ended up being negative) but out of 11 nodes taken, one had cells in it.  Since it was already removed, we opted for a wait and see approach.   I still have another PET positive soft tissue mass, but it has been stable for the past 5 years.   That is the reason I have numerous scans.

  • pattiann45
    pattiann45 Member Posts: 22 Member
    edited March 2017 #13
    I went through the same thing

    I went through the same thing while waiting for my pathology.  Try to stay positive, this is the hardest part. You have got this, and the all will be well!

     

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 790 Member
    edited March 2017 #14
    Sherry, just checking-in to

    Sherry, just checking-in to see if you've received the results from the lymph nodes? Hoping for good results for you! Kim

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    edited March 2017 #15
    I have some reassuring advice.

    My invasion was less than yours (1/3) but gyn/onc removed nodes just to be sure.  Mine were clear.  That was in 2010.  I had no treatment other than observation.  I don't know what will be recommended in your case with more than 50% invasion, but you are grade 1 and so was I.  I guess it will depend on the nodes.  I worried because 1/3 is close to 1/2 and my tumor was on the large side (not really very large, but it was more than 2 cm - it was 3 cm). Here I am - released from gyn/oncology over a year ago.  The data is the data and someone obviously has to fall in that 6-10% range, but I honestly believe if your surgery was done by an experienced gynecologic oncologist, we fall in the 90-94% range of women who never ever see the beast again.  And that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.  Hope your results are A-ok.

    Suzanne

  • ssjdant
    ssjdant Member Posts: 14
    #16
    Update

    Can finally breathe again. Blessed that no lymph node involvement detected.Was upgraded from Stage 1c to ll. Still type 1 endo.Will undergo 5 weeks radiation with good prognosis. Hope radiation has minimum side effects.mfeelbso blessed at this point will gratefully deal whatever comes with the treatment.nthe lastv2 months have  made me take a look at my life and amend where needed to make the most of each day. Thank you to those ofvyoubwho offered support during this trying time .

  • Rubyshoes
    Rubyshoes Member Posts: 19
    #17
    Glad

    Glad to hear no lymph nodes. Yippy. 

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 790 Member
    edited March 2017 #18
    Excellent news! I'm so very

    Excellent news! I'm so very happy for you. My experience with external radiation was not bad at all. Hope your experience with your radiation treatments is the same. Let us know if you have any questions and we'll be happy to help answer them. Kim

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,814 Member
    #19
    Great news! Please let us

    Great news! Please let us know how you are doing.

    Getting this DX does have an effect on us to examine our days. Glad you are moving in a positive direction.

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • cindy0519
    cindy0519 Member Posts: 173
    edited March 2017 #20
    Great news indeed!  Radiation

    Great news indeed!  Radiation will be managable - hydrate and rest when you can.  If you have odd symptoms report them promptly to your team and they will help you with resolving them. 

Discussion Boards