Newly diagnosed

Welcome Longlegs, so sorry to read about your diagnosis. I am an RN and was 67 3 years ago in about the same spot. I didn't have your symptoms, just the bleeding. I think you mean type 1 cells, and that is good news. We call that the garden variety of cells and it does have a much better prognosis than type 2 cells. Waiting is the very hardest. It is shocking to hear the word cancer, but there are a lot of reasons you should be very hopeful. After reading many medical articles on endometrial cancer, I can say type 1 endometrial cancer is more often diagnosed at an earlier stage, and many times does not require treatment other than the total hysterectomy. It is slower to spread and when it does more likely to be local (in the vagina) and that is easier to treat. There is always the exception to this outcome, so they do a total hysterectomy, lymph node biopsy, and pelvic wash, and omenectomy. There is lots of information here about recovering from your surgery. There are a few new women here who have just had surgery too. I had a very easy recovery after both a laparoscopic and abdominal incisions. If you have specific question please ask. Keep busy. And know that your emotions are safe here.

Hey, welcome!

I think you meant Grade 1, endometrioid adenocarcinoma. It is the most common type of endometrial (uterine) cancer, and as Forherself mentioned, it can often (but not always, to be fair) be taken care of by surgery alone, which is wonderful when that is the case. For example, I had grade 1 cancer, but two additional "poor" prognostic factors that made radiation treatments necessary, and I will be very closely monitored because of those factors. More details on that after your surgery, but one step at a time.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is the cancer that I have, and I have to admit I don't ever call it "the garden variety," as that likens it to a garter snake--a non-harmful one. At the end of the day, a snake is a snake. I haven't met one woman with endometrioid adenocarcinoma who think of it as "non-harmful," but it is indeed the type of uterine cancer you want, if you must have it. Around me, you can certainly call it the "most common" uterine cancer, and that is accurate and appropriate. No offense meant to previous post, but I have never called my cancer "the garden variety," nor will I ever.

Even better than Grade 1 Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma is catching it before it actually takes root in your myometrium, the lining of your uterus, or the endometrium, the uterine wall. That is the best type to have, I think ! You won't really know details of your cancer "stage" until your doctors are able to fully examine your uterus and get work done by a pathologist after your surgery, but breathe a sigh of relief that you are grade 1. Slow-growing! whew.

There are women here who have the more aggressive types of uterine cancer (such as serous), but we also have plenty of women here who have had to deal with radiation and chemotherapy because of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. You won't find out until later if you will need extra treatments, so the best advice is take it one hurdle or appointment at a time. Keep a journal or notebook handy to keep great track of dates and appointments. Ask your doctors if you can record appointments on your phone, as that can be helpful.

When I was first struggling with my grade 1 cancer, prior surgery I had cramps. I had some slight spotting before that. If you are able, take some ibuprofen and try to do whatever keeps you in your "happy place." I love it that you are putting things in order now to prepare for light duty. You may want to make sure you have some really comfy loose pants and tops before your surgery on December 27th. We are all here for you <3

Deb 2 <3

I often say "I've been dealing with a cancer diagnosis this year." People are so afraid of cancer that it's hard to find the right language, but it occurs to me that there have been such good advances in treatments for people with cancer that it's now often treated as a chronic issue --a longterm problem--rather than a death sentence. Back in the '80s and '90s, to be HIV positive was also considered a death sentence. No longer. I have a friend who recently disclosed her HIV positive status, and she has a full, active, vibrant life and is the glowing picture of health.

My dear close friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer mentioned that despite dealing with all the unknowns, she feels better now than she's felt in many years.

Back to your question. A lot of people really chafe at phrases such as "She's battling cancer," or "She is on a journey with cancer." War and travel metaphors abound in American / European culture, but for whatever reason, people don't always like those. My phrase of choice---"I'm dealing with cancer," works for me.

longlegs, good for you for asking for answers on the symptoms you described, better yet is to hear you were turned over to a gyn onc who knows what to look for during surgery. As mentioned, there are usually pre-surgery tests done that may/may not give you answers to the pain you are experiencing, but worth mentioning just in case.

As for not telling anyone, it won't be until after the surgery that you will find out really what you are dealing with anyways, it may turn out that surgery is all you need - but again - you won't know until afterwards so there is no rush.

That's the way to do it. Minute by minute, you may find your thoughts and emotions may cycle---or at least, mine did. The best way to deal with the waiting is to do your favorite activities. Thinking of you, and grateful for all of our women here (and our supportive guys too).

You waited so long to have surgery? Did it spread? My newly diagonosed is:

I am newly diagnosed at 75 yrs. old. I have never had surgery or anesthesia in my life. I have had 2 biopsies. First one May 3 came back as negative, however my GYN was skeptical for US ...two one regular, one transvaginal showed endometrium very thick. had another biopsy recently, came back as adenocarcinoma GRADE 1 endometria. I have been on provera for 30 days now, no bleeding. I have an appt. tomorrow with GYN oncologist. I am so terrified, so depressed, cry off and on for the past week. I am praying that being Grade 1 the staging will be okay. So much anxiety, I can't stand it really. I am a mess. :(

I have 2 trips coming up one July 16 and another Aug. 30. I am praying I do well with Da Vinchi which I think the surgeon will do. I will know more tomorrow. I am so depressed and so much anxiety. I am terrified