Mom diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of endometrium-Daughter with questions so I can help her

Ocean1
Ocean1 Member Posts: 23
edited March 2014 in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
Mom (71 years old) was diagnosed by endometrial biopsy with adenocarcinoma of endometrium. She has an appointment Monday with her gyn doctor (just found out diagnosis today). I am not going to be able to attend the appointment with her. She is a 10 year survivor of breast cancer (twice) and took Tamoxifen for five years and then Femera for another 5. I know a side effect of Tamoxifen is cancer. I am looking for advice and support and questions we should know in advance to write down and ask the doctor. We know she will need a hysterectomy. I have already written down for her to ask about tubes and ovaries out as well. What about lymph nodes? Are those dissected or sampled at the same time? Should cervix be removed as well just to be safe? Any other questions we should ask or advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. We have been thru the breast cancer with her twice and she is really scared this may be it for her and I am scared as well. Also, after the hysterectomy, are drains used? She had drains from both of her breast cancer surgeries and I just want a heads up on what to expect after surgery as I will be the caretaker and want to know what I need to know in advance to take the best possible care of her that I can.

Comments

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #2
    Sorry to hear about your Mom needing surgery
    One of the questions to ask is if your Mom is a candidate for Robotic surgery? I had this type of surgery and the recovery was so quick. I was out of the hospital the next day with minimal pain, and was able to resume walking a little more each day. If she has an open hysterectomy she will be in the hospital longer and recovery will also take longer.

    Usually they do take the ovaries and tubes when they do the surgery. Depending on what they find with the immediate pathology will determine if lymph nodes are taken at that time. There are several ladies on this site who also have been through breast cancer treatments.

    You won't know what kind of treatment she will need....if any until after the surgery is completed. I hope all goes well with the surgery and she will not need additional treatment. Good luck to both of you. In peace and caring.

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