Grade 1 Uterine Cancer

plrptc
plrptc Member Posts: 32
edited March 2014 in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
I was diagnosed with uterine cancer just last week. My oncologist has advised that the cancer is grade 1 but that he would not be able to determine the stage until he performs the hysterectomy. My doctor also had me have a colonoscopy because he said that at my age (47)I may have a genetic predisposition for uterine cancer. The genetic predisposition can also manifest as colon cancer. The doctor removed 2 small polyps from my colon and has sent them for biopsy. He does not think that they are cancerous.

Does anyone know if with Grade 1 uterine cancer if the stage of this cancer can be beyond Stage 1? I have a week and a half wait until my surgery and to find out my staging. I am just trying to find out my worst case scenario.

Thank you,

Paula

Comments

  • thank you
    thank you Member Posts: 77
    #2
    Stage
    Grade refers to the aggressiveness of the cancer cells. It is very good that yours is grade I. The stages refers to how much your cancer has been extended. Just in the uterus - stage I, extends to adjacent organs (ovaries etc) is stage II, lymph nodes - stage 3, or distal organs - stage 4. Make sure you ask the surgeon to take para aortic lymph nodes, for full staging.
    I wish you the best results on the surgery.
  • plrptc
    plrptc Member Posts: 32
    #3
    thank you said:

    Stage
    Grade refers to the aggressiveness of the cancer cells. It is very good that yours is grade I. The stages refers to how much your cancer has been extended. Just in the uterus - stage I, extends to adjacent organs (ovaries etc) is stage II, lymph nodes - stage 3, or distal organs - stage 4. Make sure you ask the surgeon to take para aortic lymph nodes, for full staging.
    I wish you the best results on the surgery.

    Thank you for your reply.

    Thank you for your reply.
  • CaCowgirl
    CaCowgirl Member Posts: 27
    #4
    plrptc said:

    Thank you for your reply.

    Thank you for your reply.

    Grading & Staging
    I was diagnosed w/Grade 1UC. Had full staging when they did the hysterectomy. When the doctor saw me to release me from the hospital he told me my results-Stage 3C! Mainly because the tumor was large, there were some microscopic cells in my lower right pelvic lymph nodes & some more microscopic ones in 3 of the 15 upper nodes they examined. Pelvic washings were clear.I did not go along w/what the oncologist wanted to do to me-very aggressive treatment, both chemo & radiation. Also I would have lost my insurance coverage if I didn't go back to work & since I have a very physical job, I couldn't do the treatments & work too. So, it's been 6 months since my surgery & I seem to be doing fine. I'm very comfortable w/my decision & happy to be back at work & riding my horses. I did a LOT of reading & studying about this decision & I hope I'm doing the right thing, but it's all one day at a time. Good luck!
  • plrptc
    plrptc Member Posts: 32
    #5
    CaCowgirl said:

    Grading & Staging
    I was diagnosed w/Grade 1UC. Had full staging when they did the hysterectomy. When the doctor saw me to release me from the hospital he told me my results-Stage 3C! Mainly because the tumor was large, there were some microscopic cells in my lower right pelvic lymph nodes & some more microscopic ones in 3 of the 15 upper nodes they examined. Pelvic washings were clear.I did not go along w/what the oncologist wanted to do to me-very aggressive treatment, both chemo & radiation. Also I would have lost my insurance coverage if I didn't go back to work & since I have a very physical job, I couldn't do the treatments & work too. So, it's been 6 months since my surgery & I seem to be doing fine. I'm very comfortable w/my decision & happy to be back at work & riding my horses. I did a LOT of reading & studying about this decision & I hope I'm doing the right thing, but it's all one day at a time. Good luck!

    Grading and Staging
    Wow...what a shock they must have been. I am trying to be optomistic but also am preparing myself for more bad news.
    Like you, if I am not working, I lose my health insurance. My job is stressful mentally, but not physically.
    I am having my hysterectomy done robotically and have read postings where internal organs can not be manipulated and moved around enough robotically to detect further cancer.
    What type of surgery did you have?
  • aprillorey
    aprillorey Member Posts: 104
    #6
    Paula
    My heart goes out to
    Paula

    My heart goes out to you have you had your hysterectomy ? yet do you know the stage and grade yet ?

    I was told i was stage 1 but he would not no 100 % at all and would not no the grade until after my full hysterectomy stage 1 is a good stage ( all through no cancer is good ) but if you have this cancer then stage 1 is what you will want

    i was stage 1 That means the cancer stays with in your uertus and that by doing the surgery you most likey will remove it all

    now i was stage 1 but i was also a grade 2 there is 3 grades with 1st grade being a less active cancer, grade 2 is more active cancer and grade 3 is the most active cancer i was grade 2 so i was a more active cancer

    they made me do 3 rounds of radition as they said due to the high hormons in my body that caused my cancer and the grade of the cancer not stage but grade that i was a high risk of its return so i needed the radition

    it is a hard Road to go down no mater the state or grade its not easy and packed full of mixed feelings

    but i went in to remison in may of 2010 just 1 month after my surgery i started radition in july or around in there of 2010 and im still in remison i will pray for u give us an update
  • plrptc
    plrptc Member Posts: 32
    #7
    aprillorey said:

    Paula
    My heart goes out to
    Paula

    My heart goes out to you have you had your hysterectomy ? yet do you know the stage and grade yet ?

    I was told i was stage 1 but he would not no 100 % at all and would not no the grade until after my full hysterectomy stage 1 is a good stage ( all through no cancer is good ) but if you have this cancer then stage 1 is what you will want

    i was stage 1 That means the cancer stays with in your uertus and that by doing the surgery you most likey will remove it all

    now i was stage 1 but i was also a grade 2 there is 3 grades with 1st grade being a less active cancer, grade 2 is more active cancer and grade 3 is the most active cancer i was grade 2 so i was a more active cancer

    they made me do 3 rounds of radition as they said due to the high hormons in my body that caused my cancer and the grade of the cancer not stage but grade that i was a high risk of its return so i needed the radition

    it is a hard Road to go down no mater the state or grade its not easy and packed full of mixed feelings

    but i went in to remison in may of 2010 just 1 month after my surgery i started radition in july or around in there of 2010 and im still in remison i will pray for u give us an update

    aprillorey
    Sorry for the delay in responding, but I have been recovering from my hysterectomy. Based on the findings from the surgery, I was very fortunate in that the cancer remained grade 1, stage 1. My fabulous oncologist even tested some lymph nodes and has confirmed that the cancer was localized in my uterus.
    I will follow up with him every 6 months for the first couple of years and then once a year for the next five.
    I was extremely lucky.
    I am so glad to hear that you are in remission and will pray that it will continue for you.
    PLEASE keep me posted.
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #8
    plrptc said:

    aprillorey
    Sorry for the delay in responding, but I have been recovering from my hysterectomy. Based on the findings from the surgery, I was very fortunate in that the cancer remained grade 1, stage 1. My fabulous oncologist even tested some lymph nodes and has confirmed that the cancer was localized in my uterus.
    I will follow up with him every 6 months for the first couple of years and then once a year for the next five.
    I was extremely lucky.
    I am so glad to hear that you are in remission and will pray that it will continue for you.
    PLEASE keep me posted.

    Congrats!
    Paula:

    Great news on your staging. I hope you are recovering well from your hysterectomy. Just don't over do it when you are up and about. It is easy to lift something over 10 pounds when you start to feel better.

    Keep on smiling and laughing,

    Kathy
  • plrptc
    plrptc Member Posts: 32
    #9
    Kaleena said:

    Congrats!
    Paula:

    Great news on your staging. I hope you are recovering well from your hysterectomy. Just don't over do it when you are up and about. It is easy to lift something over 10 pounds when you start to feel better.

    Keep on smiling and laughing,

    Kathy

    Ksthy
    Thanks Kathy!
    I had my first post surgery follow up with my gynecologist. He again said that the cancer appears to have been confined to the uterus. He also removed some lymph nodes, and they showed no signs of cancer.
    He did change the grading of the cancer from Grade 1 to Grade 2.
    How concerned should I be about the change in grade?
  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #10
    plrptc said:

    Ksthy
    Thanks Kathy!
    I had my first post surgery follow up with my gynecologist. He again said that the cancer appears to have been confined to the uterus. He also removed some lymph nodes, and they showed no signs of cancer.
    He did change the grading of the cancer from Grade 1 to Grade 2.
    How concerned should I be about the change in grade?

    I don't think you should
    I don't think you should worry yourself about the grade. Did the doctor say why they changed it? I mean you have just been doing follow ups so why the change.

    However, if it makes you feel any better, I am a Grade 2 Stage ii/iiia. I was first diagnosed in September of 2005. (I had a hysterectomy for endometrosis - not cancer - and it wasn't until after my surgery that they diagnosed me so I had to have another surgery [staging] a month later).

    That was five years ago! My CA125 does not come in to play. I just go regularly for check-ups and yearly CT scans. I did recently have a recurrence, but it was for something they didn't take out during the staging surgery in 2005. I had surgery, and everything was negative!

    But I wouldn't be too concern.

    Kathy
  • plrptc
    plrptc Member Posts: 32
    #11
    Kaleena said:

    I don't think you should
    I don't think you should worry yourself about the grade. Did the doctor say why they changed it? I mean you have just been doing follow ups so why the change.

    However, if it makes you feel any better, I am a Grade 2 Stage ii/iiia. I was first diagnosed in September of 2005. (I had a hysterectomy for endometrosis - not cancer - and it wasn't until after my surgery that they diagnosed me so I had to have another surgery [staging] a month later).

    That was five years ago! My CA125 does not come in to play. I just go regularly for check-ups and yearly CT scans. I did recently have a recurrence, but it was for something they didn't take out during the staging surgery in 2005. I had surgery, and everything was negative!

    But I wouldn't be too concern.

    Kathy

    Again thank you
    I really appreciate your help and advice.
    I go back next Thursday for an internal exam (to check to make sure the stiches are healing and there is no infection)....I am scheduled for total hip replacement in a couple of weeks. I'll be certain to ask then why the change in grade.
    My partner also says thanks for your help.
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #12
    plrptc said:

    aprillorey
    Sorry for the delay in responding, but I have been recovering from my hysterectomy. Based on the findings from the surgery, I was very fortunate in that the cancer remained grade 1, stage 1. My fabulous oncologist even tested some lymph nodes and has confirmed that the cancer was localized in my uterus.
    I will follow up with him every 6 months for the first couple of years and then once a year for the next five.
    I was extremely lucky.
    I am so glad to hear that you are in remission and will pray that it will continue for you.
    PLEASE keep me posted.

    Plrptc
    I am so happy to hear about your good report.....enjoy each day, laugh, be thankful, and dance!!

    Life is good!

    Karen
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #13
    plrptc said:

    aprillorey
    Sorry for the delay in responding, but I have been recovering from my hysterectomy. Based on the findings from the surgery, I was very fortunate in that the cancer remained grade 1, stage 1. My fabulous oncologist even tested some lymph nodes and has confirmed that the cancer was localized in my uterus.
    I will follow up with him every 6 months for the first couple of years and then once a year for the next five.
    I was extremely lucky.
    I am so glad to hear that you are in remission and will pray that it will continue for you.
    PLEASE keep me posted.

    Plrptc
    Delete repeat
  • CaCowgirl
    CaCowgirl Member Posts: 27
    #14
    kkstef said:

    Plrptc
    Delete repeat

    That is good news!
    Paula-That is pretty good news on your staging/grading,although I would follow up why they changed it from grade 1 to grade 2. I had an old-fashioned hysterectomy & think my doc did a great job.Hope your recovery continues to go well. So, now another surgery & a new hip? That is a lot to go through-you will be in my prayers. How are you feeling? I was so tired for so long, but am finally getting back to having some "extra" energy. So glad I didn't do any of the treatments-they are quite fatiguing I've heard. I cooked the full Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in many years as my MIL went to another state for the holiday & that's where we've gone for over the last 10 years or so. Happy to say everything went well-hope yours was good also.
  • plrptc
    plrptc Member Posts: 32
    #15
    CaCowgirl said:

    That is good news!
    Paula-That is pretty good news on your staging/grading,although I would follow up why they changed it from grade 1 to grade 2. I had an old-fashioned hysterectomy & think my doc did a great job.Hope your recovery continues to go well. So, now another surgery & a new hip? That is a lot to go through-you will be in my prayers. How are you feeling? I was so tired for so long, but am finally getting back to having some "extra" energy. So glad I didn't do any of the treatments-they are quite fatiguing I've heard. I cooked the full Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in many years as my MIL went to another state for the holiday & that's where we've gone for over the last 10 years or so. Happy to say everything went well-hope yours was good also.

    Hysterectomy followed by hip replacement
    I had a da Vinci hysterectomy on Nov 15th. Having used up all vacation and sick days prior to the surgery and still facing total hip replacement surgery on Dec 14th, I decided that two weeks and two days post op that I was ready to return to work. Yesterday was my first day back. Thankfully, I have a desk job, but even so I think it proved to be too soon. I was able to work for 6 hours, but left early, came home and went straight to bed.
    How will I know when I am ready to return to work?
    I am very concerned about my personal bills and now hospital bills that are coming due.
  • ladybugplace
    ladybugplace Member Posts: 2
    #16
    plrptc said:

    aprillorey
    Sorry for the delay in responding, but I have been recovering from my hysterectomy. Based on the findings from the surgery, I was very fortunate in that the cancer remained grade 1, stage 1. My fabulous oncologist even tested some lymph nodes and has confirmed that the cancer was localized in my uterus.
    I will follow up with him every 6 months for the first couple of years and then once a year for the next five.
    I was extremely lucky.
    I am so glad to hear that you are in remission and will pray that it will continue for you.
    PLEASE keep me posted.

    aprollorey
    I had the same diagnosis. Have you had any scans done? I had my surgery on 11/18 and then got put back in for a infection for 5 days. Now I have a wound vac on going on the third week. I go back in for follow up on 1/4. Did they do anymore tests on you?
    My lymphnodes came back clean so I was very fortunate.


    thanks
  • sleem
    sleem Member Posts: 92
    #17
    Stage 1 grade 3 UPSC

    See edited post
  • sleem
    sleem Member Posts: 92
    #18
    Stage 1 grade 3 UPSC
    Complete surgical staging in Sept. 2008. Getting ready to celebrate 2 years cancer free. Had carboplatin and taxol (6 treatments) and 5 radiations to cuff of cervix. At a well woman exam, I reported painful intercourse and wanted an Ultra sound to see if fibroids had grown. My reg. gyn/ob did not inform me that the US showed 17 mm stripe thickness. I was not presenting with bleeding but painful intercourse. I had other demographics as not breast feeding, early periods before 12, later menopause. After signing off for 17 mm stripe growth, my reg. ob/gyn miss getting me in for further imaging/and or biopsy. 9 months later, I was having full blown staging & radical hysterectomy after I reported some post-menopausal bleeding.... 1st doctor missed it all around.
    I have an average prediction of 5 yrs. of hopeful cancer free...perhaps more...however stats are just that. Make sure that you see a doctor who is a gyn/oncologist..better stats for survival... I was proactive with my symptoms wanting a hysterectomy thinking my fibroids grew...I asked for ultrasound...doctor did not react to radiologist report to follow up on 17 mm stripe thickening...5 months later I reported a few spots of blood & went back...Get all your lab reports, imaging, pathology, and have each explained to you...I took myself to a new hospital and when I sought my reports...only then did I discover 1st doctor's lack of following up Ultrasound... I was told my own research saved my life...I wasn't even told what the symptoms of uterine disease were when I reported painful intercourse...hang in there... I live with one doctor's multiple mistakes...and another's who did everything by the book to save my life... there is only one of you...there are no wrong questions...doctors are human...make sure yours keeps you desires as their guide...learn everything you can about UPSC...even if it is hard to read...find a way to live each day with hope and faith... I'm just able to return to this message board...it was too painful at first... I found friends who don't mence words with me and face it strongly...some loved ones hide as it is too hard for them... they love you, but they are scared too...if you believe in God... pray and get with others who will pray with you.... Hope I can come back soon…
  • Eileen M
    Eileen M Member Posts: 2
    #19
    thank you said:

    Stage
    Grade refers to the aggressiveness of the cancer cells. It is very good that yours is grade I. The stages refers to how much your cancer has been extended. Just in the uterus - stage I, extends to adjacent organs (ovaries etc) is stage II, lymph nodes - stage 3, or distal organs - stage 4. Make sure you ask the surgeon to take para aortic lymph nodes, for full staging.
    I wish you the best results on the surgery.

    Worried
    Im alittle worried, I was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with uterin cancer. My Obgyn has told me its at stage 1. But reading your response has me worried because I was referred to an Obgyn-Oncologist and he also told me that its at stage 1 from the looks from the MRI it has not spread. But my worry is the the oncologist has told me of having the hysterectamy and he was going to remove my uterius, ovaries, and Lymph nodes. If it at stage 1 why does he need to remove everything? I was told it was caught early so I would only need the surgery and would not need treatment after it. I havent gotten a second opinion but ive had a few women that I work with that have had hysterectamy done, they advise me to get a second and third opinion, it seems very extensive to remove everything if it has been caught early. I dont know what to do! Help!
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #20
    Eileen M said:

    Worried
    Im alittle worried, I was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago with uterin cancer. My Obgyn has told me its at stage 1. But reading your response has me worried because I was referred to an Obgyn-Oncologist and he also told me that its at stage 1 from the looks from the MRI it has not spread. But my worry is the the oncologist has told me of having the hysterectamy and he was going to remove my uterius, ovaries, and Lymph nodes. If it at stage 1 why does he need to remove everything? I was told it was caught early so I would only need the surgery and would not need treatment after it. I havent gotten a second opinion but ive had a few women that I work with that have had hysterectamy done, they advise me to get a second and third opinion, it seems very extensive to remove everything if it has been caught early. I dont know what to do! Help!

    Eileen they don't the stage for sure until they do the surgery
    I had no symptoms, but had an abnormal pap test. Both the gyencologist and gyn/onocologist felt I would only need the hysterectomy and everything would be fine. But during the surgery they found UPSC......which was unexpected. So they did take ovaries, tubes and lymph nodes. The cancer had spread to the lymph nodes, which made my have Stage III-C UPSC. So they don't really know the stage until the pathology comes back. I hope you are Stage 1 and you will not need further treatment. I hope your surgery is being done by a gyn/onocologist. I had the DaVinci Robotic Surgery, and the recovery period was minimal. Good luck. In peace and caring.
  • Tresia23
    Tresia23 Member Posts: 77 Member
    #21
    sleem said:

    Stage 1 grade 3 UPSC
    Complete surgical staging in Sept. 2008. Getting ready to celebrate 2 years cancer free. Had carboplatin and taxol (6 treatments) and 5 radiations to cuff of cervix. At a well woman exam, I reported painful intercourse and wanted an Ultra sound to see if fibroids had grown. My reg. gyn/ob did not inform me that the US showed 17 mm stripe thickness. I was not presenting with bleeding but painful intercourse. I had other demographics as not breast feeding, early periods before 12, later menopause. After signing off for 17 mm stripe growth, my reg. ob/gyn miss getting me in for further imaging/and or biopsy. 9 months later, I was having full blown staging & radical hysterectomy after I reported some post-menopausal bleeding.... 1st doctor missed it all around.
    I have an average prediction of 5 yrs. of hopeful cancer free...perhaps more...however stats are just that. Make sure that you see a doctor who is a gyn/oncologist..better stats for survival... I was proactive with my symptoms wanting a hysterectomy thinking my fibroids grew...I asked for ultrasound...doctor did not react to radiologist report to follow up on 17 mm stripe thickening...5 months later I reported a few spots of blood & went back...Get all your lab reports, imaging, pathology, and have each explained to you...I took myself to a new hospital and when I sought my reports...only then did I discover 1st doctor's lack of following up Ultrasound... I was told my own research saved my life...I wasn't even told what the symptoms of uterine disease were when I reported painful intercourse...hang in there... I live with one doctor's multiple mistakes...and another's who did everything by the book to save my life... there is only one of you...there are no wrong questions...doctors are human...make sure yours keeps you desires as their guide...learn everything you can about UPSC...even if it is hard to read...find a way to live each day with hope and faith... I'm just able to return to this message board...it was too painful at first... I found friends who don't mence words with me and face it strongly...some loved ones hide as it is too hard for them... they love you, but they are scared too...if you believe in God... pray and get with others who will pray with you.... Hope I can come back soon…

    There are no wrong questions
    Hi,

    I love what you say. How true. When I was going through a really tough time my beautiful brother told me 'Questioning things is the most sacred thing to do. People should never be afraid to be challenged intellectually. You have the right to question'. He also added that 'your own existence is a sacred rite'.

    As a nurse I see good doctors and not so good doctors. We cannot rely on them to know everything or even to be there for us all of the time. They are humans with weaknesses. But we are all unique. We need to do our own research and keep informed. Since my cancer diagnosis my eyes have been opened to a different perspective on health and illness. I look at other health professionals differently and with a new scepticism. I am not untrusting but I will continue to ask questions and I expect them to give me a rationale for what they are doing to me.

    Look after yourself. I hope this year goes well for you.

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