Do these sound like symptoms of endometrial cancer?

reecest1979
reecest1979 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine) #1
I am 28 years old. Have never been on birth control. No children. Possibly infertile since I have been married 6 years and have not gotten pregnant. Since June of 2007 with my period each month I have had the following problems: Heavy period, extreme cramping, lower right hand side back pain, clotting, vomitting, diarrhea, and nausea. During my period I am unable to go into work normally for a few days and they have moderate pain until my period is gone. My period has started coming earlier each month since September. In between periods I have pain during intercourse, after intercourse, discharge, mild intermittent bleeding, pain in my abdomen on the right hand side and occasional diarreha.

I saw my family doctor first over the summer '07 and they sent me to a Gastroenterologist to see if I had stomach ulcers or gall bladder problems due to my vomiting and pain in my stomach. They didn't find any problems and diagnosed me with IBD, even though I am not getting sick after I eat. I went back to my family doctor once I realized after about the 4th month in a row that I was only vomitting on my period. She referred me to a OB/GYN. I met with him in November and had an pelvic ultrasound done around December 21st. I was told my uterian lining was very thick and I would probably start my period before Christmas and they wanted me to come back in for another pelvic ultrasound right after my next period. Well I didnt start my period until January 2nd, almost 1 1/2 weeks after the first ultrasound when my lining was already very thick. I just went back on Friday 1/11 for my next ultrasound. The technician said that my lining is thicker now then it was 1 1/2 weeks before my last period and my period just ended on 01/08! I haven't been able to see the doctor after either ultrasound because he wasn't back from surgery yet. I am scheduled to see him on Monday so hopefully he is there so I can get some answers.

Co-workers that I have discussed my problems with have mentioned possible endometeroisis or fibroids. Do any of my symptoms sound like that or endometrial cancer and does anyone have any suggestions on what I need to do to get my doctor to speed up this process? I literally cannot function during my period and getting increasingly frustrated since I have been dealing with extreme symptoms for 7 months.

Thank you!

Comments

  • nonnatoo
    nonnatoo Member Posts: 34
    #2
    So sorry to hear of your problems. I am an endometrial cancer survivor -surgery 7/23/07. My symptoms were bloody discharge -since I am post-menopausal I knew there must be something. I was fortunate because my gyn had me in right away for ultrasound, biopsy, within one week. As for getting your doctor to move faster....Tell him..Some MD's don't....You may have to insist on an appt. or test...and that's okay. That's why I was seen so quickly for a biopsy. As far as your symptoms being endometriosis, or cancer I don't know. During my younger years I had problems like yours and it wasn't cancer.I did have surgery to correct some problems so that I could get pregnant and to try to relieve my difficult periods. If I can be of any help----my web page is on here. BUT, Be assertive and tell your doctor that you want answers and don't hesitate to get a second opinion. Good Luck
  • nonnatoo
    nonnatoo Member Posts: 34
    #3
    So sorry to hear of your problems. I am an endometrial cancer survivor -surgery 7/23/07. My symptoms were bloody discharge -since I am post-menopausal I knew there must be something. I was fortunate because my gyn had me in right away for ultrasound, biopsy, within one week. As for getting your doctor to move faster....Tell him..Some MD's don't....You may have to insist on an appt. or test...and that's okay. That's why I was seen so quickly for a biopsy. As far as your symptoms being endometriosis, or cancer I don't know. During my younger years I had problems like yours and it wasn't cancer.I did have surgery to correct some problems so that I could get pregnant and to try to relieve my difficult periods. If I can be of any help----my web page is on here. BUT, Be assertive and tell your doctor that you want answers and don't hesitate to get a second opinion. Good Luck
  • kmygil
    kmygil Member Posts: 876 Member
    #4
    Hi. I am a colon and endometrial cancer survivor. My cancers are genetic. I was thrown into menopause during chemo for the colon cancer, but an ultrasound was done at the end of January 07 just to check the state of the uterus:) It was fine at that time, but in June I started what seemed like a period. I knew that was not right, because I was menopausal. I called my gyn and she saw me immediately. We did a biopsy right then and there, and sure enough it came back as cancer.

    When I was perimenopausal, I had very bad periods with diarrhea, excrutiating cramps and sometimes vomiting, as well as clots etc. However, you are only 28 years old, so I would recommend that you insist on a biopsy. They're not fun, but they are relatively quick. It is worth it for peace of mind. If your current doctor is dragging his/her feet, see another doctor. If your insurance permits, go directly to a gynecological oncologist. The tests will be more comprehensive and you will know for sure. Facing the unknown is much scarier than facing reality. I have a feeling that you are dealing with endometriosis or fibroids, but you should have everything checked out just to be sure.

    Hugs,
    Kirsten
  • bz83
    bz83 Member Posts: 1
    #5
    I would like to hear that you have had a pap smear as one of your tests during this time. If you havent please ask to have one done.

    I had all of your symptoms except the vomiting and in addition to them, I would either skip periods or have two in one month. I thought I was going through pre menopause, all of my sisters had it. So they told me not to worry, that I was going through the same thing. Not wanting to go to the Dr. I just listened to them. Worst thing I have ever done.

    After waiting about two years, I finally went to the Dr. for a full physical. From my gyno symptoms alone the Dr. ordered a uterine biopsy. Then the pap came back bad and she ordered a cervical and cervical canal biopsy. Thank goodness the three were done at the same time or I wouldnt have gone back. They are nasty. No local, if you need this done take plenty of motrin.

    Then these biopsys showed severe dysplasia of the cervix and cervical canal, but the uterus was ok.

    I was then scheduled for a LEEP procedure. The Gyno removes the top layer of the cervix and the cervical canal in my case. The pathology showed a greater amount of the dysplasia was left behind.

    I was then scheduled for a cone biopsy. They did this operation first before a hysterectomy to determine if my cancer was in-suto (dysplasia) and small enough to be removed by the cone, or invasive and radical hysterectomy would be needed. Well, it showed it was invasive.

    I am currently recovering from a radical hysterectomy. The pathology showed that there was no incidence of cancer anywhere in the pathology. Which in effect means that the cone did in fact get everything. If we had known that I still would have had to have the radical hysterectomy because the cancer was large enough to be considered invasive. The Gyn Ono removed the uterus, cervix, tubes, paraneal tissues, and 15 lymphnodes. I was able to save my ovaries - they were relocated in the body.

    This dysplasia (or cervical cancer in-suto) got out of control because I did not go to the dr. when I should have. If I had gone regularly and had my paps done they would have been able to catch it must sooner and the Leep would most likely have gotten all of the bad cells out. If I had gone sooner I wouldnt be recovering from major surgery.

    Mine was caused by the HPV virus. I never thought I had that. Did you know that 80% of the population has it and dosnt know it? Thats me. Didnt know it until my immune system had to work overtime and couldnt handle it. Thats when the cervical cancer develops. When the HPV can run wild because of a compromised immune system.

    I am older than you 42, but I have talked to plenty of 20 somethings that have gone through more than me already.

    Please have your paps done. Save yourself from having to have major surgery.

    Let me know what happens.
    Barb
  • reecest1979
    reecest1979 Member Posts: 2
    #6
    Thank you for the responses! It is very helpful information. I met with the OB/GYN today and he said they found two masses about 1 cm each in my uterus and unable to tell if they are fibroids or not. I am scheduled for a D&C and Hysteroscopy on Monday 1/21. He made no promises that my symptoms would miracally go away but it is a start. I'm nervous about the procedure because I haven't had surgery before with any anesthetics. Again thank you, I really appreciate the feedback!!
  • kmygil
    kmygil Member Posts: 876 Member
    #7
    reecest1979 said:

    Thank you for the responses! It is very helpful information. I met with the OB/GYN today and he said they found two masses about 1 cm each in my uterus and unable to tell if they are fibroids or not. I am scheduled for a D&C and Hysteroscopy on Monday 1/21. He made no promises that my symptoms would miracally go away but it is a start. I'm nervous about the procedure because I haven't had surgery before with any anesthetics. Again thank you, I really appreciate the feedback!!

    It sounds like you are getting things done. That is a very good thing. Always remember, you are your best advocate. Whatever the procedures end up showing, educate yourself and never be afraid to ask questions. In fact, come armed with your questions in writing; that way you don't forget anything.
    I sincerely hope that it's nothing like cancer. I know it's futile to say, "Don't worry, be happy," but do try to relax as much as possible. If you have really high anxiety you may want to ask your doctor for something. Just know that we are all praying for you.
    Hugs,
    Kirsten
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #8
    It does sound as though you're getting into the right mode of diagnostic tools, but I wonder if anyone has suggested a CA-125 test of your blood. You have some classic symptoms of ovarian cancer, but it's likely that your doctors would not even consider that because of your age, which is not helping you.

    I had an ultrasound and a CT scan just before being diagnosed with uterine cancer via a mini-biopsy, and I have little faith in either as diagnositic tools. I'm glad to hear that you're going to have a D&C and Hysteroscopy; they should give your doc a better picture of what's going on.

    A CA-125 test involves just a simple little blood draw from you. I know they're not reliable, but they're the only test we have going that may reveal early ovarian cancer.

    I'd recommend you read Fran Drescher's book "Cancer, Shmancer" (you can skip over her personal love-life type episodes) to get a feel of how many doctors she had to see, and how long it took her to be diagnosed with uterine cancer because she was "too young" to have it, and she was almost 40. I was told I was "young" to have it, too, although I was 48. No human female who has all of her reproductive organs is exempt from consideration for any of their cancers.

    Have you had any swelling in your legs? That was one symptom I was dodging talking to my doctors about, and it resulted in a pulmonary embolism that could have killed me.

    This all said, I really hope your search helps bring a diagnosis that helps you feel better! I'm a five-year survivor now, and have to say I feel much, much, better than I did when I had all of those symptoms. I had horrible menstrual pain and other symptoms every month for years, and did not realize how bad things had gotten for a while. I'm glad my doctors were diligent about finding out what was causing the trouble!

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