I Am New Also

amafay
amafay Member Posts: 2
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

Hello. I am newly diagnosed with Uterine Cancer, Carcinosarcoma. Last CT scan tomorrow with surgery scheduled for June 23, 2021. I am in that initial scary place however look forward to reading about your journeys as I believe they will help me with my own. Any suggestions appreciated.

Comments

  • cmb
    cmb Member Posts: 1,001 Member
    #2
    Welcome

    I'm sorry you had to find this site, but glad that you're here early in the process so that you can benefit from the experience of others. For now, you may want to check out the following links (also available in the FAQ post available at the top of the topic list):

    What do you wish someone had told you?

    Tips for surgery and after?

    You may already be aware that Carcinosarcoma is a rare form of uterine cancer. I was also diagnosed with this type of cancer in 2016. You can read about my cancer experience by clicking on my user name in the blue box to the left of this post.

    Please come back with any questions you may have as you learn more about your planned treatment or comments in general.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,486 Member
    #3
    amafay, welcome.  We

    amafay, welcome.  We understand that 'initial scary place'.

    cmb has provided a lot of good links to get started with.  Waiting is very hard. You have found a safe landing here.  Please ask anything.

  • New Grey Egg
    New Grey Egg Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2021 #4
    New, too!

    Hi, Amafay.

    I'm in the same boat as you! At a couple of weeks into the diagnosis, it's still scary. 

    I was just diagnosed on May 17 with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. MRI indicates it's contained within the uterus and was caught early, for which I am grateful. I had my pre-op and admissions meetings yesterday for surgery on June 11. 

    I'm also hoping to learn a lot from this site! 

    It's great to meet you. 

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,814 Member
    #5
    Welcome to both of you! So

    Welcome to both of you! So glad you found us. Please feel free to ask us anything. Someone will be along that most likely has an answer.

    The beginning of this process generally is the most difficult emotionally. Once you have a plan, things move forward and you will find yourself calming down. In the meantime, if the anxiety gets to be too much, don't hesitate to ask for meds to help you. 

    Wishing you both speedy recoveries from you surgeries. Please come back and let us know how you are doing.

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • thatblondegirl
    thatblondegirl Member Posts: 388 Member
    #6
    Welcome, also!

    This forum and the wonderful, generous women here have been invaluable to me in the last year. If you click on iur names (in the blue boxes) it will take you to our "About Me" pages where many of us have documented our journeys. It IS worse at the beginning! We are here for both of you for answers to questions and support. Good luck with your surgeries and let us know how you are doing!

    Hugs, Alicia

  • BKDRPH
    BKDRPH Member Posts: 3 Member
    edited June 2021 #7
    Side effects of Paclitxel/Carboplatin

    I start chemo this next Tuesday.  Everything I have been reading implies that the chemotherapy is well tolerated. I would appreciate any information on what to expect and how to manage the side effects.

  • Forherself
    Forherself Member Posts: 1,013 Member
    edited June 2021 #8
    BKDRPH said:

    Side effects of Paclitxel/Carboplatin

    I start chemo this next Tuesday.  Everything I have been reading implies that the chemotherapy is well tolerated. I would appreciate any information on what to expect and how to manage the side effects.

    Welcome

    I can't answer your question, but if you do a search of the uterine cancer page there is lots of information about these two drugs and womens tolerance of them.  I hope someone pops up soon to answer your questions.  Icing is one of the suggestions that seems important.

     

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,486 Member
    edited June 2021 #9
    BKDRPH, cmb had pinned to the

    BKDRPH, cmb had pinned to the top of the Uterine boards a lot of conversations we have had that are just chock full of information.  If you go to the top, click on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) you can scroll down and click on links directly related to some of these topics.  The one, "Ladies going through chemo" had a lot, but everyone will chime in with specific questions.  Icing?  there is a pin on that.  Chemo is constipating - how is that handled?  Please keep in mind that we are all different and some ladies have experienced to complete opposite of constipation.  

    Please be sure to let us know how you are doing.  

     

  • BKDRPH
    BKDRPH Member Posts: 3 Member
    edited June 2021 #10
    NoTimeForCancer said:

    BKDRPH, cmb had pinned to the

    BKDRPH, cmb had pinned to the top of the Uterine boards a lot of conversations we have had that are just chock full of information.  If you go to the top, click on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) you can scroll down and click on links directly related to some of these topics.  The one, "Ladies going through chemo" had a lot, but everyone will chime in with specific questions.  Icing?  there is a pin on that.  Chemo is constipating - how is that handled?  Please keep in mind that we are all different and some ladies have experienced to complete opposite of constipation.  

    Please be sure to let us know how you are doing.  

     

    Thank you!

    I have read every technical medical report about uterine serous carcinoma but really needed the practical knowledge. This information is very helpful.

  • thatblondegirl
    thatblondegirl Member Posts: 388 Member
    edited June 2021 #11
    Welcome, BKDRPH

    NTFC is right that we are all very differen!

    It was just last November that I faced my first infusion of P & C. I was terrified, but it went fine. My chemo nurse is wonderful and helped us through every step of the way. I finished in March and think I'm recovering well. I started a thread .....that you've probably already found, but it's "Waiting of (for*) the other shoe to drop." It's a long thread, but follows from my first infusion up to just a week or so ago. It's me telling my story, but might be very helpful for you to see all the ladies responses to my questions. I took all the ladies advice and iced both my hands and feet. I chose to do the "cold-capping" to try to save my hair. 

    Everyone here said "It's doable." It is!

    Best to All, Alicia

  • LSpry
    LSpry Member Posts: 3
    #12
    BKDRPH said:

    Side effects of Paclitxel/Carboplatin

    I start chemo this next Tuesday.  Everything I have been reading implies that the chemotherapy is well tolerated. I would appreciate any information on what to expect and how to manage the side effects.

    I'm on those two drugs six

    I'm on those two drugs six times every three weeks. Round three is this week.  Infusion is Tuesday (very easy; not uncomfortable) and Wednesday I'm pretty good just a bit tired. Thursday/Friday more tired, often go back to bed after breakfast for an hour or so. I own and board horses (four) and take over chores again Saturday. Get ahead of the constipation, that's my most important piece of advice! After trying several over-the-counter 'aids' I got a prescription called in for Laculose - after the second infusion I took that once or twice a day (plus some prunes for lunch) first four days. Otherwise, small bits of indigestion (ginger is my buddy; GinGin candies and fresh ginger in my water) but no nausea. I know the effects can be cumulative so I have no experience beyond the first two....oh and of course, very little hair left despite using a cooling cap. I bet you'll do fine! I feel like this is the 'easy part' after the shock of diagnosis; it's the standard treatment for USPC so not questioning and happy to be doing 'something'...I think when this series is over, I'll be a lot more anxious.

     

  • BKDRPH
    BKDRPH Member Posts: 3 Member
    edited June 2021 #13
    LSpry said:

    I'm on those two drugs six

    I'm on those two drugs six times every three weeks. Round three is this week.  Infusion is Tuesday (very easy; not uncomfortable) and Wednesday I'm pretty good just a bit tired. Thursday/Friday more tired, often go back to bed after breakfast for an hour or so. I own and board horses (four) and take over chores again Saturday. Get ahead of the constipation, that's my most important piece of advice! After trying several over-the-counter 'aids' I got a prescription called in for Laculose - after the second infusion I took that once or twice a day (plus some prunes for lunch) first four days. Otherwise, small bits of indigestion (ginger is my buddy; GinGin candies and fresh ginger in my water) but no nausea. I know the effects can be cumulative so I have no experience beyond the first two....oh and of course, very little hair left despite using a cooling cap. I bet you'll do fine! I feel like this is the 'easy part' after the shock of diagnosis; it's the standard treatment for USPC so not questioning and happy to be doing 'something'...I think when this series is over, I'll be a lot more anxious.

     

    First treatment is Tuesday

    Thank you taking the time to provide so much information. This knowledge is helping control some serious anxiety. It seems that staying ahead of any nausea and constipation is important so that will be my priority.  And I agree, I am glad to be doing something!

  • Lusafag
    Lusafag Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2021 #14
    You will be fine.

    Surgery is going to be ok,after surgery your tissues will be send for his to pathology,and your cancer stage,and grade will be determined.

    I hope you get through it fastly.

    Just follow your doctors and implore them if you find them delaying.

  • Lusafag
    Lusafag Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2021 #15
    New Grey Egg said:

    New, too!

    Hi, Amafay.

    I'm in the same boat as you! At a couple of weeks into the diagnosis, it's still scary. 

    I was just diagnosed on May 17 with endometrioid adenocarcinoma. MRI indicates it's contained within the uterus and was caught early, for which I am grateful. I had my pre-op and admissions meetings yesterday for surgery on June 11. 

    I'm also hoping to learn a lot from this site! 

    It's great to meet you. 

    Please do keep updating

    Good luck for surgery Sis.

    I had it done.

    It was Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with ovaries,tubes,cervix removed laproscopically under not very good circumstances.

    Do ensure your surgeon's competency and sterilization,although I wish and hope you are at some better place.

    Best wishes.

    Mine too was almost similar,confined to endometrium only.

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #16
    Get up and walk as soon as you can

    After your surgery make sure you walk as soon as you can.   It will help in many ways.    You can do this girl!    I was diagnosed in 2005.  It was in my uterus cervix and left ovary.   It will be 16 years in September.    I was grade 2 Stage 3a.    I did have two recurrences.   I just met with my oncologist and I am now good for a year! 

    my best to you on your upcoming surgery

    Kathy

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