I'm new to CSN

cookcathy · August 2005

I'm 46 years old and just went through a total hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. I'm married with three daughters and this has really upset my family. I'm doing radiation, which isn't so bad. My oncologist is also insistent that I get a colonoscopy and mammagram ASAP, because these cancers can be related to endometrial cancer. I'm still very nervous and anxious about this situation. I feel as though no one really knows what I'm going through. How does everyone else cope!

Nanz1 · August 2005

Hey Cathy,
I have a different form of uterine cancer but the shock and fear are all the same I think. On this site EVERYONE know what you are going through. No one ever thinks they will have cancer. Certainly I didn't.

The first thing I did to cope was to ask myself what others could say that would help me. I knew that I wanted people to tell me I was going to be alright. I told my husband to just tell me I was going to be fine. It takes a while until you believe it yourself. I was not a praying person but I became one. It's funny but you are the one in the most fear but others expect you to comfort and reassure THEM. I'm sure this is true for your daughters. I think the more you say you are going to be O.K. the more your body starts to relax and you start to slowly believe that things will be alright.

I had to learn the hard way to stay away from statistics. I must have thought that the computer would somehow tell me that I would absolutely be O.K. It doesn't but that is because it has articles that are reviews of studies done years ago. So I learned to not surf the web because it always just ended up scaring me out of my wits.

I asked for and got tranquilizers and antidepressants for the short run but now I am O.K. Somehow you become accustomed to your situation and things just feel better.

Staying in the present moment helps and also trying to completely get rid of thinking of the "what ifs". The big challenge of this whold thing is to believe you will be well. You actually have to force your mind to go there. As you get done with your treatment it becomes less anxiety ridden.

Check out my web page and come to chat in the chat rooms you will see that people are very supportive because they do know exactly what you are going through.

You'll be just fine.

Nanz1

groundeffect · August 2005

Don't be afraid to have a colonoscopy or mammogram-neither are too bad, in my experience.

Endometrial cancer is farily common, as you probably know, but it is cancer, and your fears are real. I encourage anyone on any of the boards to find a support group to discuss their fears and basic matters with. I walked into a meeting with about 10 women at a meeting, and found them to be a great comfort to me as well as a source of information.

Your family is probably reacting to the "cancer" word more than anything. I believe if you get in touch (as you already have) with survivors, you'll start feeling better.

Do what you can to help yourself stay healthy and keep a positive attitude. I think you'd be surprised to find out just how many survivors living good lives there are!

cookcathy · August 2005

groundeffect said:
Don't be afraid to have a colonoscopy or mammogram-neither are too bad, in my experience.

Endometrial cancer is farily common, as you probably know, but it is cancer, and your fears are real. I encourage anyone on any of the boards to find a support group to discuss their fears and basic matters with. I walked into a meeting with about 10 women at a meeting, and found them to be a great comfort to me as well as a source of information.

Your family is probably reacting to the "cancer" word more than anything. I believe if you get in touch (as you already have) with survivors, you'll start feeling better.

Do what you can to help yourself stay healthy and keep a positive attitude. I think you'd be surprised to find out just how many survivors living good lives there are!

Thanks for the encouraging words. I would like to find a support group in my area. My husband and I are attending a cancer survivors group at our church. I think that will be helpful. Also, I'll be glad when these other tests are over. I have been through surgery to have an adrenal tumor removed, I have precancerous tumors on my thyroid and now the endometrial cancer. I guess I'm afraid of the colonoscopy and mammogram showing that I have more tumors or cancer. I'll be glad when those tests are over this week and I know the results!

doylec · August 2005

Sorry It's taken me so long to reply I agree with what nanz said a positive attitude is a major part of getting better. My faith got me through that and all of the prayers that people were saying for me. Coping with this is like coping with the death of a loved one or any other major emotional uspet first there is shock,disbelief,and denial. Then acceptance
and for me my faith knowing that God has everything under control He has us all in His care and we are just following the path that he has set out for us. Then comes the mind set deciding what actions you are taking and then doing battle with this thing. My uterine cancer didn't go beyond the linging of the uterus the wash they did of the pelvic area was clean. It did however get into my blood and went to my lungs. I had surgery followed by chemo finished up in June all spots are sleeping now, just trying to keep it that way. You might also like to stop by the chat room most everybody there is very supportive, especially in morning and day time sometimes the evening can get to crazy because so many there. It's sometimes very helpful to chat with someone who has been there and done that before you. Also remember that #'s are just that #'s everybody is different and each cancer is different. You are a unique individual your own person and you will make your own #'s. God Bless Cathy Doyle (doylec)

cookcathy · August 2005

groundeffect said:
Don't be afraid to have a colonoscopy or mammogram-neither are too bad, in my experience.

Endometrial cancer is farily common, as you probably know, but it is cancer, and your fears are real. I encourage anyone on any of the boards to find a support group to discuss their fears and basic matters with. I walked into a meeting with about 10 women at a meeting, and found them to be a great comfort to me as well as a source of information.

Your family is probably reacting to the "cancer" word more than anything. I believe if you get in touch (as you already have) with survivors, you'll start feeling better.

Do what you can to help yourself stay healthy and keep a positive attitude. I think you'd be surprised to find out just how many survivors living good lives there are!

My colonoscopy went great, no problems whatsoever! We were very excited about that. Unfortunately, my mammogram did not fair so well. I'm going for an MRI next week, apparently there is a sizable lump. Also, I'm having continuing thyroid trouble, one of the nodes is non-functioning, the other is doing way too much. I'm having an uptake and scan next week to rule out cancer. I'm a little worried, so we'll see how everything goes.
I appreciate reading what everyone has to say. Cancer is scary and it's great talking to people who know what I'm talking about! Thanks

Nanz1 · August 2005

cookcathy said:
My colonoscopy went great, no problems whatsoever! We were very excited about that. Unfortunately, my mammogram did not fair so well. I'm going for an MRI next week, apparently there is a sizable lump. Also, I'm having continuing thyroid trouble, one of the nodes is non-functioning, the other is doing way too much. I'm having an uptake and scan next week to rule out cancer. I'm a little worried, so we'll see how everything goes.
I appreciate reading what everyone has to say. Cancer is scary and it's great talking to people who know what I'm talking about! Thanks

Hey yippeeee about the colonoscopy. Remember most lumps by far are NOT cancer. Once you have cancer it feels like everything is going to be cancer but it isn't. Good luck to you on MRI. I have my mammo on wed. just routine yearly thing.
I'll let ya know how it goes. Yeah cancer is SCARY but it really is just a bunch of cells that don't know how to turn themselves into something useful. Let's kill em. Yah

Nanz1

prov356 · August 2005

When I read your message, I thought it was me writing! I am 45 years old, with 3 daughters, and underwent a total hysterectomy for endometrial cancer on March 7th of this year. Like you, my surgeon insisted on a mammogram and a colonoscopy. The mammogram is fine and I am scheduled for the colonoscopy next month. I am one of the blessed few who did not need to undergo chemo or radiation...they got it all in the surgery. However, the surgery itself caused the onset of a very painful disease called Fibromyalgia, which is a tightening of all of the muscles in my body..it's funny, God spared my life but gave me this... one of the side effects is an inability to sleep well...that is why it is 3:40am in Virginia and I am up writing this! I have learned to cherish each day and count my blessings. I know that God is in charge and the Real Victory has already been won!

groundeffect · August 2005

cookcathy said:
My colonoscopy went great, no problems whatsoever! We were very excited about that. Unfortunately, my mammogram did not fair so well. I'm going for an MRI next week, apparently there is a sizable lump. Also, I'm having continuing thyroid trouble, one of the nodes is non-functioning, the other is doing way too much. I'm having an uptake and scan next week to rule out cancer. I'm a little worried, so we'll see how everything goes.
I appreciate reading what everyone has to say. Cancer is scary and it's great talking to people who know what I'm talking about! Thanks

Good news about the colonoscopy! I hope you'll do as well with the MRI. I had a needle biopsy after a mammogram (since I was dx with uterine cancer) - it was negative.

Will the MRI include the thyroid gland that is non-functioning, too?

You sound like you're doing well so far. Baby yourself as much as you can, and let others do the same, and good luck with the MRI!

I've passed the third anniversary of my dx of uterine cancer, and am closing on the same for the ovarian cancer that I had. Life is good.

AuthorUnknown · September 2005

Hi, I am new to this web site also. I had a hysterectomy 2 weeks ago tomorrow. I am so scared. I am divorced and my kids are grown but I have 5 grandkids I want to see grow up and my youngest is 1 year old on Sunday. My doctor said it was contained in the uterous so I don't need radiation. I am scared because she doesn't specialize in this and I am hoping she knows what she is doing. I am also scared because after reading things on this site it looks like it is going to reoccur. I need a friend and if you have some incouraging words please email me at dnixon@rose.net.

AuthorUnknown · September 2005

prov356 said:
When I read your message, I thought it was me writing! I am 45 years old, with 3 daughters, and underwent a total hysterectomy for endometrial cancer on March 7th of this year. Like you, my surgeon insisted on a mammogram and a colonoscopy. The mammogram is fine and I am scheduled for the colonoscopy next month. I am one of the blessed few who did not need to undergo chemo or radiation...they got it all in the surgery. However, the surgery itself caused the onset of a very painful disease called Fibromyalgia, which is a tightening of all of the muscles in my body..it's funny, God spared my life but gave me this... one of the side effects is an inability to sleep well...that is why it is 3:40am in Virginia and I am up writing this! I have learned to cherish each day and count my blessings. I know that God is in charge and the Real Victory has already been won!

Hi, I was wondering if you had your lymph nodes removed? I didn't get mine removed and she thinks she got it all. I am so scared of what tomorrow holds. I know I am not suppose to be but I am. I would like to know how you are doing. Email me at dnixon@rose.net

MoeKay · September 2005

Any woman diagnosed with or suspected of having endometrial cancer (EC), or any other gynecologic cancer, should be treated by a gynecologic oncologist. Gyn-oncs have several extra years training in all aspects of treatment for gynecologic cancers. I was diagnosed with EC in 1999 and was extremely fortunate that my surgery was performed by a gyn-onc as my EC was determined at the time of surgery to be more extensive than originally suspected.

If you had your surgery performed by a generalist gynecologist, you should have a consult with a gynecologic oncologist after the fact to make certain that the surgical procedure performed was appropriate for your particular case and/or to determine whether any further treatment might be needed to ensure the best outcome possible for your long-term health.

Also, there is a very active gynecologic cancer support board on www.hystersisters.com. Once on the site, click on "message boards" and then page down to "cancer concerns."

Good luck and good health to you,

MoeKay

tamralynn1 · October 2005

Hi there neebie!!!

Not so new anymore huh!! I'm 47 and had a hyster. in Feb 05, diag. with Leimyosarcoma of the Uterius stage 4. I'm a friend of Nanz1. Had 4 months of chemo and now feel fine. Second check coming up Nov. 5th. I was like you, scared and needing help in coping. I found this site and it has been a wonderful thing. Helped me through some rough patches. As time goes by you'll be able to cope better. My advice is to try to take one day at a time and not overwelhm yourself with bad thoughts. Stay off the web pages they just give numbers and percentages and are usually very scary stuff. I'd love to hear from you.

Love and Hugs

Tammy

JMPJCK · November 2005

Hi Cathy,

How are you doing lately?

Wow, what a super strong person you are. You asked, "How does everyone else cope?" The following is my situation. I don't know if I would call what I am going through coping it is just there is no one willing to help and I have no choice but to face this situation alone without the needed help.

I had my emergency surgery/diagnoses for advanced stage 3 colon/uterine cancer in 2002 at the age of 47. I was going through the chemotherapy when my husband unexpectedly died ten months later. Also, three weeks after my emergency surgery our only child at the age of 25 was rushed by ambulance to UCDavis Medical Center in Sacramento were he was diagnosed with leukemia and placed into an isolation room for two months where he came close to dieing several times. I am now faced with being alone trying to complete the needed repairs my husband and I started on our home when I became ill with my cancer.

The doctors told us that the five year outlook did not look good in my situation. Also, the doctors stopped the chemotherapy when my husband died because I had no one to help me deal with all of the details related to that. With chemotherapy I was hospitalized for eight days because of my passing out every time I stood up. Now, living alone without any help I could not handle passing out living here alone.

How old are your children? That is one area I feel such relief. My son is now 29 and married. Even though he is still battling leukemia his wife and her family have been just super. Although I do not get to see him but perhaps twice a year because he uses what little energy he has to work on his relationship with his wife and getting to know the in-laws.

I am so glad your colonoscopy went well and they were not able to detect any abnormalities. How did the MRI turn out? How about the thyroid trouble? And yes, cancer is very scary. Let us know how you are doing.

If you would like you may visit my personal home site to learn more about my situation and what is going on with me. http://mypeoplepc.com/members/jspr007/patricia/

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Patricia

jinny91 · November 2005

Nanz1 said:
Hey Cathy,
I have a different form of uterine cancer but the shock and fear are all the same I think. On this site EVERYONE know what you are going through. No one ever thinks they will have cancer. Certainly I didn't.

The first thing I did to cope was to ask myself what others could say that would help me. I knew that I wanted people to tell me I was going to be alright. I told my husband to just tell me I was going to be fine. It takes a while until you believe it yourself. I was not a praying person but I became one. It's funny but you are the one in the most fear but others expect you to comfort and reassure THEM. I'm sure this is true for your daughters. I think the more you say you are going to be O.K. the more your body starts to relax and you start to slowly believe that things will be alright.

I had to learn the hard way to stay away from statistics. I must have thought that the computer would somehow tell me that I would absolutely be O.K. It doesn't but that is because it has articles that are reviews of studies done years ago. So I learned to not surf the web because it always just ended up scaring me out of my wits.

I asked for and got tranquilizers and antidepressants for the short run but now I am O.K. Somehow you become accustomed to your situation and things just feel better.

Staying in the present moment helps and also trying to completely get rid of thinking of the "what ifs". The big challenge of this whold thing is to believe you will be well. You actually have to force your mind to go there. As you get done with your treatment it becomes less anxiety ridden.

Check out my web page and come to chat in the chat rooms you will see that people are very supportive because they do know exactly what you are going through.

You'll be just fine.

Nanz1

Hello nanz1, i can relate to you in regards to the surfing online because i have been doing that a lot and it just confuses the heck out of me. i have uterine cancer stage one still in the beginning stages of testing,, will keep you posted i enjoyed ready the positive words that you have wrote,, stay strong young ladies that's all we have our inner force to continue living,, take care jinny..

I'm new to CSN

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