New User, Pathology Report Tomorrow

groundeffect said:

Hello, "HJ1"! This may all seem so strange, you're probably having a hard time getting a grasp on it. I'd like to say that what your surgeon said sounds great. I hope you'll come back and let us know what the pathology report came back as.

You may not have any menopausal symptoms, especially if you were on the verge of it before your surgery. I was fortunate in that way (I was 48, but hadn't started it yet), and didn't have any noticeable menopausal symptoms. I did have to have chemo because of the ovarian cancer that was found during the surgery, but my uterine cancer was staged at 1B, and it was felt that no further treatment was required because of it.

I had trouble with my incision, but I had no real pain associated with the surgery other than from my bowels-they react to being manipulated during surgery, and sometimes the pain was horrible. Be sure to talk to your doctors about any pain you have. They're used to hearing about it, and will recommend anything they know of that will be helpful.

I hope you'll explore what support groups may be in your area. The American Cancer Society office closest to you may have a list of them, or a local newspaper may keep a list, as does my local paper.

Keep your chin up! Although I was not "officially" working when I was diagnosed, I had a little income from selling on eBay, and was able to keep that up during my recovery and chemo, and then interviewed for jobs toward the end of chemo, landing one that I did the interview wearing my wig to. I haven't divulged my illness to my employer, because I don't consider it any of their business!

I can appreciate your not wanting to "whine" to your family all of the time! It would be good to get into a support group. It helps to be able to commiserate with them, and I find mine inspirational in many ways. Hope to see you on the board again!

tlva said:

Hi,
Glad to hear your pathology was so good! Is your doctor a gynecology oncologist? If not, I would suggest an appointment with one in your area and possibly a second opinion from a radiation oncologist.

My regular gynecologist is also wonderful, but readily admitted the best thing to do was to have a gyn/onc to co manage me. Their expertise goes so far above regular gynecology.

My cancer was Grade 1 Stage 2B and the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) recommended radiation which I had. I had my gynecologist and an gyn/onc at my surgery and everything was very early with only two 0.4 cm lesions and superficial stromal (body of the crevix) invasion.

The NCCN makes recommendations for radiation based on grade, stage, your age, tumor size, depth of invasion and invlovement of outer third of uterus, and any other pathologic findings.

The time to ask questions is now. And if they all agree with your gynnecologist, you will be better able to put your mind at ease and loose some stress.

I had to know that I had done everything possible at the beginning and that the rest is in God's hands. He has given you the knowledge to be your own advocate...take advantage of that blessing!

And that menopause thing...hell...it beats the alternative!!!! But I haven't had any problems and I was 46 at surgery and will be 48 next week.

I think it's all hype from the drug companies!

Good luck with your healing...it will happen!

tori1 said:

Hi HeartJourney1! You are not alone - I know what you are going through. I'm 49 and had a 17 cm ovarian/uterine benign tumor removed on 7/19/06...inside that tumor was a stage 2 malignant tumor. So I also had a hysterectomy, appendectomy, lymphectomy(?)...and have been told I am cancer free (the outside benign tumor shielded the other organs from the inside malignant tumor). BUT I too am an emotional basketcase...I cry at a moment's notice no matter who I am speaking to or about and I get angry over little things. It doesn't help I lost my job (business sold to new company)on the day I went into surgery and have to take my son out of parochial high school after 1 year adjustment to it (after homeschooling 8 years). Could this be hormonal? I must seem ungrateful for this second chance at life, but...this is not an easy thing to recover from I think because of the emotional-hormonal connection and the financial strife we are going through doesn't help.