Just diagnosed.

I'm very sorry to hear that your pathology came back as cancer. But I'm glad that your appointment with the oncologist is early next week – I know that I felt better once I knew what the treatment plan was going to be.

A couple of suggestions:

If you can, take someone with you to the appointment. A second set of ears to take notes on what the doctor says can be very helpful. If you don't have someone that can go with you, ask the doctor if you can record the discussion on your phone. My doctors didn't have any objection to this.

Also, if you haven't done it already, you may want to read the NCCN patient guidelines for uterine cancer that were just published a couple of weeks ago. This will give you an overview of the typical treatment strategies so that when you meet with the doctor you'll be more prepared to ask questions about what is being recommended (and why).

https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/uterine/index.html

It's natural to focus on the worst scenarios when you're first diagnosed, But please keep in mind you have the type of cancer that is most common and has a much better prognosis than other more aggressive cancer types. When caught early, your type of cancer is highly curable.

wolfera, first, try to take a breath.  Find a gynecologic oncologist to work with.  With Grade 1, the lowest, they will make a plan and you can work that plan.  Ask lots of questions and find out who you can call if/when you get more.  

It is overwhelming, but you can come and tell us what your treatment is going to be.  Again, Grade 1 is low, and the plan may be minimal.   

I know its hard to not go to the worst situation. When i found out i had cancer it was scary. Having a supportive family really helped. It also helped to stay busy.  I was working part time and that helped me keep my mind focused on the moment.  Of course i had my feelings but keeping busy helped. You mentioned you do have supportive family and friends. Dont be afraid to lean on them if you can. Once you talk to your doctor at your appointment you will know what you need to do next and you will have things to do to get ready. Like i said though if you have feelings getting them out helps.  Cass83 is right worrying about the future wont change it. Taking one day at a time is helpful.  Take good care of yourself.

wolfera said:

Thank you so much. i have a

Thank you so much. i have a list and most of my med records so I think I’m prepared as I can be right now. My regular GYN did give me a script for Xanax. I had never taken that before so I decided to try 1/2 today. It helped for a little so I’m thinking I might do that on Tuesday to help take the edge off.

yes, do not take the whole dose take from the beginning . I take Ativan, similar, as needed.

wolfera said:

That’s reassuring! I have my

That’s reassuring! I have my first Gyn onc appointment on Tuesday. How soon do they usually do the hysterectomy? My regular Gyn seemed to think it would probably be pretty soon since I’m still bleeding pretty heavily.

They will schedule you for the hysterectomy ASAP but first the Gyn/Onc will/should have you go for a Cat scan.  I had a cat scan of upper/lower with contrast.   This will let them look for any other issues that may also be going on.  Unfortunately for me, they found what looked like a mass in my colon in the cat scan so they scheduled me for a colonoscopy.  The Gyn/Onc said that if there was something from the scan then they would try to take care of both issues in one operation.  Luckily the colonoscopy showed only diverticulosis and a few benign polyps.  My diagnosis was January 2.  First met with the Gyn/Onc on January 14 and had surgery on January 29.  This was pretty quick. 

wolfera said:

Thanks for this information.

Thanks for this information. A timeline is helpful for me. I’m glad the colon issue was benign. I’m sure that was a relief. I have my first oncology appointment tomorrow locally and then another on Monday, Oct 8th at Johns Hopkins. I guess I will have more information then. Thanks for reaching out!

I had a D&C 10/18, results a week later (only "pre-cancer," but suspicious for more), saw gyn onc 11/1, CT 11/14, surgery 11/27. I think it can vary quite a lot. I also had to coordinate two surgeons (desperately needed gallbladder out at the same time). They screwed that up (2nd surgeon forgot to schedule me), but they got me a substitute surgeon (for the gallbaldder) despite being late in the game, so in the end it was all good.