New here

Hello. My name is Kathy. I was dx. With Uterine cancer in Sept. 2014. Had no symptoms- or so I thought. Went to a walk in medical for what I thought was a UTI. The doctor thought I might have appendicitis and sent me for CT and the road to finding the cancer began. Thank Hod she took the time.

I had complete hysterectomy in Oct 2014. Grade 1, stage 3 as the found a cell the size of poppy seed in one node. So I had 6 chemo and 25 radiation treatments. Felt fine through it all. It was weird losing all my hair. It's back now but came in all grey.

 

i am very fearful of the cancer coming back. Some days I can hardly function. Reading through some of the posts here you all sound very brave.

i live in fear of that CA 125 test. Dont know why they do it and then say it doesn't mean much! Meanwhile you have that number in your head. Have my 4 month ckup on Wed so naturally am afraid. Been looking for a therapist who specializes in cancer patients post treatment but the ones I've seen just look on the drug list I have and see I am on Xanax and think I just want drugs.

Anyway, about me - I am 63, married with one daughter and one granddaughter. I live on Long Island(NY) and they live in New Hampshire. Hope to share with you all.

Comments

  • Soup52
    Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member
    Welcome to the group no one

    Welcome to the group no one wants to join! I think you will find many of us have or still do have the fear of reoccurrence. Mine was found in2015. I started thinking I had a uti. Anyway as the story goes I had surgery, radiation both kinds, and 6 rounds of chemo. Still clear but having gastro problems. If nothing else you will get support here, but is there possibly a support group for cancer survivors in you area? Try contacting the American cancer society for help finding one or perhaps someone in our group who lives in the area will chime in. At any rate we are here for you! Please keep in touch.

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    edited April 2017 #3
    Welcome, Kathy

    so sorry you had to find your way here.  This is a great place to come for infi and suppor, also to just vent.  We will be listening.  I was diagnosed in August 2012 when I went tomy GP with an yeast infection and an UTI. He found a small tumor on my cervix and on this rollercoaster I climbed.  Fear is so common although my fear of a recurrence did not last long.  I had a recurrence seven months after I finished frontline treatmeant.  Even though I have been on constant treatment since Jan 2014 I have many more good days than bad and even though our life is different, it is a very good life.  There is always hope

    i am glad you are looking into help and support groups, that won't take a way the fear, but it will help cope with it

    Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 790 Member
    edited April 2017 #4
    I think the fear of

    I think the fear of recurrence is just one of the many unfortunate long-term effects of a cancer diagnosis, a sort of PTSD almost. Just being on this site and having others who understand and/or who can learn from what you are experiencing may prove helpful.

    Have you tried deep breathing or meditation when you're feeling especially anxious? Deep breathing really helps me. CheeseQueen had posted this link to a free guided-imagery website a few months back (hopefully the link comes through):

    http://www.mcancer.org/support/managing-emotions/complementary-therapies/guided-imagery/audio-library

    Hang in there, Kathy. You have already made it through the hardest part of having this disease. Try to stay hopeful and don't be a stranger! Kim

  • SandyD
    SandyD Member Posts: 130
    edited April 2017 #5
    Welcome Kathy

    So sorry that you have to be here but this is a very supportive and informative group. In my case back in summer 2015 I didn't feel well. Had no energy at all and was always out of breath. When I finally got checked in Oct it turned out that I was very anemic. I had also lost weight. A couple weeks after this I started having vaginal bleeding. I was sent by by primary doc to the gyn. I had a pap smear which clearly showed cancer followed by an endometrial biopsy. From there I had a hysterectomy (results were stage 1A, grade 3, uterine carcinosarcoma, an aggressive cancer) followed by chemo and brachytherapy. For me I have gotten lots of help and support for the emotional issues and help restoring my physical well being after treatment from a cancer support community program. The program I go to has a wide range of services including counseling, support groups, resource coordination, massage therapy, accupuncture, Reiki, classes for yoga, tai chi, meditation, stress reduction, nutrition, dealing with all the issues that go with cancer, etc., etc. I wouldn't be surprised if there was something like this in your community. They're likely to be better equipped to deal with the issues that go along with a history of cancer than the majority of community therapists. Stay hopeful and keep in touch with us and let us know how you're doing.

  • Kathy C
    Kathy C Member Posts: 3
    Thank you

    Thank you all for your inspiring words. It's amazing how people just keep going, isn't it? Went for my blood work today and my appt is tomorrow. Please keep me in your prayers, as I will all of you

    Love,

    Kathy

  • pattiann45
    pattiann45 Member Posts: 22 Member
    edited April 2017 #7
    Kathy

    i appreciate your post.  I am also new.  I was diagnosed on 1/16 and have completed radiation and VB.  I start my first chemo on 4/24.  I have stage2. I constantly worry about recurrence.  So much so that sometimes I think it has overtaken my life. I pray that all of your tests and your appointment tomorrow shows NED.  Prayers for you.  

     

  • Hma4
    Hma4 Member Posts: 38
    Fear of reacurrence

    My mind is always trying to stay positive, My journey began  in June 2016, 111C2 Adenocarcinoma. I did 6 rounds of chemo 5 weeks external radiation and 3 internal, my body aches, neuropathy on my feet is bareable most of the time, I'm 53 and March of this year my oncologist said  NED! I just can't help but to be more observant of aches and pains, I have to check my toilet paper for signs of blood crazy I know, but I'm scared to death I'll miss a sign telling me " I'm back" Hang in there #noonefightalone- I have not commented much, but I have read a lot of threads- you ladies rock- so inspiring and positive ((hugs)) to all of you