Endometrial Cancer DX 12/21/10, Have Questions, High Risk
DX: Endometrial Cancer (Grade 2) on 12/21/10 via D & C with Hysterscope.
Symptoms: Vaginal bleeding/Ovarian pain 10/23/10.
Status: 2 years post menopause.
Tests: Transvaginal Ultrasound showing thick endometrial lining 9mm plus Uterine mass.
Scheduled for complete hysterectomy in 2 weeks, including uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix & lymph nodes.
Diabetic, asthmatic,very obese, high cholesterol, normally low blood pressure starting to creep up. Previous diagonal gallbladder surgery. Previous C-section & 4 hernia repairs w/mesh done in same east/west incision location, 5 weeks apart.
Gyn/Oncologist will try to start with laproscopic surgery & remove uterus vaginally, if not able to will do abdominal north/south incision. Does not know if I will need chemo/radiation/both or none till after the surgey & it is staged.
I am more afraid I think of going under the knife one more time than I think I am about the staging or possibility of radiation/chemo if that makes sense.
I would like to know if anyone out there has a similar history to mine with similar symptoms & risk factors. I need to know I am not alone and this can be do-able.
Thank you & God Bless everyone & Happy Healthy 2011!!!
Comments
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It's doable
It's definitely do-able. Your symptoms are consistent with many of ours (give a take a grade or pre surgery diagnosis). My risk factors included high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and 40 lbs. overweight. I understand your fear of surgery as I was scared to death of it (I'd never had major abdominal surgery). My surgery was DaVinci robotic assisted laproscopic and my parts were removed vaginally. I, too, was warned that there was a possibility the surgery would have to revert to open if the surgeon was unable to access an area, move something out of the way, etc. My gynecological oncologist said that his goal for me was to have the best cancer surgery, not how he had to do it. I told myself that millions of women have had open hysterectomies for years and are all still around to tell their stories and if that had to happen, I'd be fine. Fortunately, everything went as planned, and my recovery was amazingly uneventful.
It's human nature to be afraid of becoming a statistic and not making it out of surgery. I have a very good friend who had kidney cancer and had only a 50% chance of surviving the surgery(something like 9 hours and tremendous amount of blood loss). She said she figured it would be a good way to go if it was her time. I couldn't quite go there, but it did provide a little bit of comfort.
The most important thing for me is that I felt I was in really good hands not only with the gynecologic oncologist, but also with the anesthesia team. I think if you feel that, that's about as good as you can get. As the day approaches, you may relax a bit. Ask for some anti anxiety drugs if you're finding the wait too stressful.
Happy New Year.
Suzanne0 -
Do-able Endometrial Cancer SurgeryDouble Whammy said:It's doable
It's definitely do-able. Your symptoms are consistent with many of ours (give a take a grade or pre surgery diagnosis). My risk factors included high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and 40 lbs. overweight. I understand your fear of surgery as I was scared to death of it (I'd never had major abdominal surgery). My surgery was DaVinci robotic assisted laproscopic and my parts were removed vaginally. I, too, was warned that there was a possibility the surgery would have to revert to open if the surgeon was unable to access an area, move something out of the way, etc. My gynecological oncologist said that his goal for me was to have the best cancer surgery, not how he had to do it. I told myself that millions of women have had open hysterectomies for years and are all still around to tell their stories and if that had to happen, I'd be fine. Fortunately, everything went as planned, and my recovery was amazingly uneventful.
It's human nature to be afraid of becoming a statistic and not making it out of surgery. I have a very good friend who had kidney cancer and had only a 50% chance of surviving the surgery(something like 9 hours and tremendous amount of blood loss). She said she figured it would be a good way to go if it was her time. I couldn't quite go there, but it did provide a little bit of comfort.
The most important thing for me is that I felt I was in really good hands not only with the gynecologic oncologist, but also with the anesthesia team. I think if you feel that, that's about as good as you can get. As the day approaches, you may relax a bit. Ask for some anti anxiety drugs if you're finding the wait too stressful.
Happy New Year.
Suzanne
Thank You Suzanne!!!
I came home from work & logged on and saw your post!!
Your intelligent, understanding & serene reply was a welcomed sight. It really made me calm down and made me see that I have not had the "towel thrown in" on me and there is still hope. I do not want to fall into a defeatist attitude. I forget just how strong I am (We all are.) and I want to beat this.
I am sorry to hear about your breast & uterine diagnosis but you seem to be coming through everything with a great attitude. Good luck on everything and thank you once again. You put a smile on my face tonight.
Healthy 2011,
Domina
PS (LOVE YOUR HAIR!! The cut, the color...STUNNING & GORGEOUS)0 -
Hello Domina:Domina said:Do-able Endometrial Cancer Surgery
Thank You Suzanne!!!
I came home from work & logged on and saw your post!!
Your intelligent, understanding & serene reply was a welcomed sight. It really made me calm down and made me see that I have not had the "towel thrown in" on me and there is still hope. I do not want to fall into a defeatist attitude. I forget just how strong I am (We all are.) and I want to beat this.
I am sorry to hear about your breast & uterine diagnosis but you seem to be coming through everything with a great attitude. Good luck on everything and thank you once again. You put a smile on my face tonight.
Healthy 2011,
Domina
PS (LOVE YOUR HAIR!! The cut, the color...STUNNING & GORGEOUS)
Sorry to hear
Hello Domina:
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I am glad you found this site. You will find much information and support here.
I am now 50 years old. Previously, I had three (3) C-Sections and because of endometriosis, I had a total hysterectomy in 2005 which, after the fact, they found cancer, so one month later I had a staging surgery (at which time they also removed my appendix and omentium(spelling) plus lymph nodes, etc). I was diagnosed Grade 2 Stage ii/iiia. I did preventative treatment of chemo and then 3 brachytherapies. Because of my severe scarring, they did not do pelvic radiation. This past February, I went in for another surgery for a tiny recurrence. They also did a repair surgery for my LARAGE hernia (so I got a two for one cut!). So I had 3 cuts horizontal and three cuts vertical. I call it my anchor - it makes me strong!
You may want to discuss with your doctor whether it would be better to do conventional surgery (cutting) or the lapiscopic way. Since you have already been diagnosed, if you went the conventional way, they could quick test as they go along and then could remove anything that may look suspiscious. Also, it would probably be best to remove your omentum (spelling) and possibly your appendix to prevent recurrence.
Stay positive! Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
Kathy0 -
Kaleena endrometrial cancer (abdominal vs laproscopic surgery)Kaleena said:Hello Domina:
Sorry to hear
Hello Domina:
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I am glad you found this site. You will find much information and support here.
I am now 50 years old. Previously, I had three (3) C-Sections and because of endometriosis, I had a total hysterectomy in 2005 which, after the fact, they found cancer, so one month later I had a staging surgery (at which time they also removed my appendix and omentium(spelling) plus lymph nodes, etc). I was diagnosed Grade 2 Stage ii/iiia. I did preventative treatment of chemo and then 3 brachytherapies. Because of my severe scarring, they did not do pelvic radiation. This past February, I went in for another surgery for a tiny recurrence. They also did a repair surgery for my LARAGE hernia (so I got a two for one cut!). So I had 3 cuts horizontal and three cuts vertical. I call it my anchor - it makes me strong!
You may want to discuss with your doctor whether it would be better to do conventional surgery (cutting) or the lapiscopic way. Since you have already been diagnosed, if you went the conventional way, they could quick test as they go along and then could remove anything that may look suspiscious. Also, it would probably be best to remove your omentum (spelling) and possibly your appendix to prevent recurrence.
Stay positive! Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
Kathy
Kaleena:
Thank you for your encouraging words. It is really amazing to me how many women are getting diagnosed with endometrial cancers or other gyn related cancers daily. You never hear about anything in the news except breast cancer. As serious & tragic as that is, it makes people feel like no other cancers exist for women, you hear about ovarian & cervical sometimes but uterine or endometrial is never spoken about.
I thought since I was past menopause I was home free & then the bleeding started again.
It seems there is two trains of thoughts on these boards, most women state laproscopic is an easier surgery pain wise & complication wise & recovery is cut in half but I have been reading that although abdominal is harder on the body etc. I think it is better diagnostically since you can look around more to make sure it hasn't spread.
I don't even know what a pelvic washing is or a omentum is, so I am going to have to research that.
I wonder if as much as I don't want another abdominal surgery if it is better for me in the long run than the laproscopic. I wonder if more women have recurrences of cancer or a worse prognosis if they have laproscopic over tradition surgery?
You have been through a lot of surgeries like me and I am glad you are doing well. I am sorry this has happened to you & all of us on these boards.
My doc does want to take out all female parts & lymph nodes including the cervix and leaving the vagina inside & she said she may take the appendix & also do a biopsy on the rectum & bladder.
Good luck with everything and hope you continue to do well from now on. Happy & Healthy 2011 & thank you for giving me some more things to consider & ask my doctor.
Thank you for your kind words & I will continue to keep up with you and everyone.
God Bless!!
Domina0 -
You are not alone
Hi Domina,
I am 58 and was diag with Endometrial Cancer in August of this year. Stage 1 Grade 3. My symptoms were also post menopausal bleeding. I had davinci robotic surgery in September to remove my uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. They did have a little trouble because I too had C Sections (2)over 30 yrs ago and there was some adhesions from that on my bladder, but they were able to successfully complete it. I do have asthma also, was obese,, but had gastric bypass in 2006, have high cholestrol, and had laproscopic gallbladder surgery in 2001. No hernias though.
I am currently undergoing chemo (6 rounds of tx 3 wks apart) and then followed by 6 internal pelvic radiation treatments, once per week. I have develped some neuropathy in my fingers and feet from the chemo. You are not alone! As you can see, many of us are going through this. It is hard, but it helps to know how many people care about me. Good luck with you surgery!0 -
You are not alone
Hi Domina,
I am 58 and was diag with Endometrial Cancer in August of this year. Stage 1 Grade 3. My symptoms were also post menopausal bleeding. I had davinci robotic surgery in September to remove my uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. They did have a little trouble because I too had C Sections (2)over 30 yrs ago and there was some adhesions from that on my bladder, but they were able to successfully complete it. I do have asthma also, was obese,, but had gastric bypass in 2006, have high cholestrol, and had laproscopic gallbladder surgery in 2001. No hernias though.
I am currently undergoing chemo (6 rounds of tx 3 wks apart) and then followed by 6 internal pelvic radiation treatments, once per week. I have develped some neuropathy in my fingers and feet from the chemo. You are not alone! As you can see, many of us are going through this. It is hard, but it helps to know how many people care about me. Good luck with you surgery!0 -
lindaan888 re: You are not alonelindaann888 said:You are not alone
Hi Domina,
I am 58 and was diag with Endometrial Cancer in August of this year. Stage 1 Grade 3. My symptoms were also post menopausal bleeding. I had davinci robotic surgery in September to remove my uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. They did have a little trouble because I too had C Sections (2)over 30 yrs ago and there was some adhesions from that on my bladder, but they were able to successfully complete it. I do have asthma also, was obese,, but had gastric bypass in 2006, have high cholestrol, and had laproscopic gallbladder surgery in 2001. No hernias though.
I am currently undergoing chemo (6 rounds of tx 3 wks apart) and then followed by 6 internal pelvic radiation treatments, once per week. I have develped some neuropathy in my fingers and feet from the chemo. You are not alone! As you can see, many of us are going through this. It is hard, but it helps to know how many people care about me. Good luck with you surgery!
Lindaann888:
Thank you, you and all the other wonderful ladies on these boards are making me feel right at home & not so alone. Although, none of us want to be here, it is good we have this solidarity.
It seems after reading the posts that alot of women, even those like yourself
who have Stage 1 are being recommended by their oncologists to start Chemo. Is that standard protocol for uterine cancer in most cases?
I do not know my stage yet & I do not know enough about cancer in general let alone uterine cancer (since I am so recently diagnosed). I guess since the uterus is close to so many other organs in the pelvic/abdominal area that chemo is the best choice just to make sure everything is gone after the hysterectomy. Am I right in that assumption?
Can I be so bold to ask how the chemo is going? I know for everyone it is different, but does it make you vomit all the time & feel bad, or are some days beter than others? Do women go back to work while doing chemo?
I thank you for your kind words & sharing your personal story & I hope the treatments go smoothly and you are healed in no time. I am sorry you have to go though this. I wish you the best of luck & health in this new 2011!!!! :>0 -
Laparoscopic vs open hysterectomylindaann888 said:You are not alone
Hi Domina,
I am 58 and was diag with Endometrial Cancer in August of this year. Stage 1 Grade 3. My symptoms were also post menopausal bleeding. I had davinci robotic surgery in September to remove my uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. They did have a little trouble because I too had C Sections (2)over 30 yrs ago and there was some adhesions from that on my bladder, but they were able to successfully complete it. I do have asthma also, was obese,, but had gastric bypass in 2006, have high cholestrol, and had laproscopic gallbladder surgery in 2001. No hernias though.
I am currently undergoing chemo (6 rounds of tx 3 wks apart) and then followed by 6 internal pelvic radiation treatments, once per week. I have develped some neuropathy in my fingers and feet from the chemo. You are not alone! As you can see, many of us are going through this. It is hard, but it helps to know how many people care about me. Good luck with you surgery!
When I first saw a gynecologist for a biopsy, we discussed the potential of me needing a hysterectomy. She told me she was concerned about my belly fat and the complications that could arise with healing (i.e., infection) because of it. She scared me to death (everything did). After all, I was "only" 40 lbs. overweight! She referred me to a gyn oncologist who does DaVinci surgery. When I told him what the gyncologist said, he seemed rather surprised by that comment. Not only did he say that his goal was for me to have the best cancer surgery possible, he also said, "the thing is, these are the women who often develop endometrial cancer." He assured me that he has operated on women who are much heavier than I was for years, both abdominally and laparoscopically. Frankly, I think he felt that if complications arise, we'll deal with them.
Regarding visualization, I have read that there is often better visualization via DaVinci because the camera and magnification is so great (10X ?). I have also read that some physicians/patients do not feel that DaVinci surgery provides as much visualization/access as open surgery. I do know that more and more cancer surgeries are being done robotically (my dentist and my primary care physician's husband both had surgery for prostate cancer done robotically). I think that the skill level of the surgeon is most important and how the heck do we as patients determine that?
Again, I believe the most important factor is that you trust that your surgeon is going to do what is best for you. I know my surgeon would have reverted to open surgery in a minute if he needed to and I felt his 20+ years of performing surgery on women with endometrial cancer provided a solid background for him to determine what I needed.
I obviously know nothing medically - this is just my experience and my personal feelings about my surgery.
Happy New Year
Suzanne0 -
To: Suzanne re: Laparoscopic vs open hysterectomyDouble Whammy said:Laparoscopic vs open hysterectomy
When I first saw a gynecologist for a biopsy, we discussed the potential of me needing a hysterectomy. She told me she was concerned about my belly fat and the complications that could arise with healing (i.e., infection) because of it. She scared me to death (everything did). After all, I was "only" 40 lbs. overweight! She referred me to a gyn oncologist who does DaVinci surgery. When I told him what the gyncologist said, he seemed rather surprised by that comment. Not only did he say that his goal was for me to have the best cancer surgery possible, he also said, "the thing is, these are the women who often develop endometrial cancer." He assured me that he has operated on women who are much heavier than I was for years, both abdominally and laparoscopically. Frankly, I think he felt that if complications arise, we'll deal with them.
Regarding visualization, I have read that there is often better visualization via DaVinci because the camera and magnification is so great (10X ?). I have also read that some physicians/patients do not feel that DaVinci surgery provides as much visualization/access as open surgery. I do know that more and more cancer surgeries are being done robotically (my dentist and my primary care physician's husband both had surgery for prostate cancer done robotically). I think that the skill level of the surgeon is most important and how the heck do we as patients determine that?
Again, I believe the most important factor is that you trust that your surgeon is going to do what is best for you. I know my surgeon would have reverted to open surgery in a minute if he needed to and I felt his 20+ years of performing surgery on women with endometrial cancer provided a solid background for him to determine what I needed.
I obviously know nothing medically - this is just my experience and my personal feelings about my surgery.
Happy New Year
Suzanne
Thank you for your reply. Don't I sound like such a "newbie"? LOL
I asked my gyno-oncologist/surgeon so many questions but I really think my mind was a blur that day. I feel she knows her stuff and she said she has operated on women much bigger than I am, but she did stress it was more difficult. She did say she would revert to traditional if need be. I don't think so many surgeons would use laproscopic (just because it speeds recovery time) if the end result was it missed picking up the visualization necessary to detect all the cancer. I guess I am just nervous.
This is such a strange journey, I feel like I am driving with my eyes closed a little bit.
Well, one thing I know is there are a lot of wonderful, caring women on these boards who like yourself are easing me into this and I thank you & everyone. The energy is very positive.
Have a great New Year & keep in touch.
Domina0 -
Bleeding when I urinateDomina said:To: Suzanne re: Laparoscopic vs open hysterectomy
Thank you for your reply. Don't I sound like such a "newbie"? LOL
I asked my gyno-oncologist/surgeon so many questions but I really think my mind was a blur that day. I feel she knows her stuff and she said she has operated on women much bigger than I am, but she did stress it was more difficult. She did say she would revert to traditional if need be. I don't think so many surgeons would use laproscopic (just because it speeds recovery time) if the end result was it missed picking up the visualization necessary to detect all the cancer. I guess I am just nervous.
This is such a strange journey, I feel like I am driving with my eyes closed a little bit.
Well, one thing I know is there are a lot of wonderful, caring women on these boards who like yourself are easing me into this and I thank you & everyone. The energy is very positive.
Have a great New Year & keep in touch.
Domina
Landed in ER this morning. Surgery is 10 days away, got up this morning and was bleeding when I urinated. Severe pain. Oncologist said it might have been the cancer, or an infection or the dye from the CT scan 6 days ago might have damamged my kidney.
The gave me an antibiotic in the ER, & RXs, one for a week of a different kind of antibiotic & some other pills that turn the urine orange. (It was already red.) The orange stuff is to coat & numb the pain. Hope the UTI was all it was, we will know when they open me up on 1/12/11.
?????????????????????0 -
Domina
Yes this is doable,I am 3 months after surgery I had complete hysterectomy and the doctors test & consider your well being and health problems before surgery,they have too, otherwise you'd be in jeapordy.Even still that dont stop the fear of what if?!and numerous other questions,be encouraged we are here to support you.
All will go well,be patient with yourself and follow doctors orders...we all are praying your health is restored and that you will have no treatments or very little if any.Its not easy the emotional trauma I lived with before surgery is almost the same after since I live taking meds for clinical depression but its also aids my menopause symptoms.Every woman is different though and I pray for you to have the courage.
~What Cancer Can not Do~Cancer is so limited ~ it cannot cripple love~ It cannot shatter hope~It cannot corrode faith~It cannot destroy peace~ It cannot kill friendship~It cannot suppress memories~It cannot silence courage~It cannot invade the soul~It cannot steal eternal life~It cannot conquer the spirit~
Brigitte0 -
To BrigitteIslandbreeze said:Domina
Yes this is doable,I am 3 months after surgery I had complete hysterectomy and the doctors test & consider your well being and health problems before surgery,they have too, otherwise you'd be in jeapordy.Even still that dont stop the fear of what if?!and numerous other questions,be encouraged we are here to support you.
All will go well,be patient with yourself and follow doctors orders...we all are praying your health is restored and that you will have no treatments or very little if any.Its not easy the emotional trauma I lived with before surgery is almost the same after since I live taking meds for clinical depression but its also aids my menopause symptoms.Every woman is different though and I pray for you to have the courage.
~What Cancer Can not Do~Cancer is so limited ~ it cannot cripple love~ It cannot shatter hope~It cannot corrode faith~It cannot destroy peace~ It cannot kill friendship~It cannot suppress memories~It cannot silence courage~It cannot invade the soul~It cannot steal eternal life~It cannot conquer the spirit~
Brigitte
Ty Brigitte,
I really need the support you & the other wonderful women have been passing along to me.
Today, I was unusually calm, the days are going quickly, surgery is now 9 days away.
I don't know where this will take me, what kind of person I will be after but one thing is for sure, it sure makes you think.
I am sorry you had to join this discussion board but glad to meet you & hear your story.
Hopefully, in 3 months I can also be of some assistance to someone else just getting diagnosed & ease their mind like you and everyone has.
Thank you all, healthy 2011 everyone. God Bless.0 -
Hi DominaDomina said:To Brigitte
Ty Brigitte,
I really need the support you & the other wonderful women have been passing along to me.
Today, I was unusually calm, the days are going quickly, surgery is now 9 days away.
I don't know where this will take me, what kind of person I will be after but one thing is for sure, it sure makes you think.
I am sorry you had to join this discussion board but glad to meet you & hear your story.
Hopefully, in 3 months I can also be of some assistance to someone else just getting diagnosed & ease their mind like you and everyone has.
Thank you all, healthy 2011 everyone. God Bless.
I've just read through all of the posts and you seem to be calmer now than you were when you first wrote. That's what's so amazing about the women here...complete support and so so so much information.
My surgery on March 22nd was traditional abdominal, above and around the belly button and down to my pubic bone surgery. I was taken off the self administered morphine from the recovery room and never had another pain killer. I have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, definitely overweight and came through with flying colors from the surgery. I will tell you, though, that I was so frightened about the surgery that I hired nurses aides for the first two 24 hour shifts. It provided me with much peace of mind going into surgery. It was worth every penny I spent just to have that not play on me.
I hope your uti is clearing up and that you are feeling more comfortable. Know that thoughts and prayers are coming your way.
Peace and hope, JJ0 -
Open vs robotic
Domina,
I had 2B uterine cancer surgery 1.5 yrs ago (open) followed by Taxol and Carboplaten...gosh now I can't even remember the chemo drugs! Anyway-also had 28 radiation treatments. Some considerations for surgical approach. With hernia repairs your abdominal muscles are already weakened. The robotic/laproscopic approach may be the best option for you. My mother 5 yrs ago had an open procedure and was sutured by a resident. Her sutures didn't hold and needless to say she broke open which delayed her chemo and radiation. She didn't survive. It is a discussion you will need to have with a couple of surgeons. Eat fruits and vegetables to keep your immune system healthy. All of your "sisters" on this site will keeping praying and giving you most positive thoughts for your recovery during your fight against cancer.
God Bless you!
Lori0 -
To: Always HopefulAlways Hopeful said:Hi Domina
I've just read through all of the posts and you seem to be calmer now than you were when you first wrote. That's what's so amazing about the women here...complete support and so so so much information.
My surgery on March 22nd was traditional abdominal, above and around the belly button and down to my pubic bone surgery. I was taken off the self administered morphine from the recovery room and never had another pain killer. I have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, definitely overweight and came through with flying colors from the surgery. I will tell you, though, that I was so frightened about the surgery that I hired nurses aides for the first two 24 hour shifts. It provided me with much peace of mind going into surgery. It was worth every penny I spent just to have that not play on me.
I hope your uti is clearing up and that you are feeling more comfortable. Know that thoughts and prayers are coming your way.
Peace and hope, JJ
Always Hopeful
Ty JJ for your reply. I have been feeling calmer lately. I am sorry we all have to be here but I am grateful for all the support that you & all these wonderful women have been giving me, the encouragement, their stories, their survival, their stregnth.
It is getting close to a whole year since your surgery, I hope you are doing well. Looking back now what has surprised you the most?
That was a smart move on hiring the nurses aides, I am sure that really gave you comfort.
I think the UTI is going away,ty, it hardly hurts anymore & so far no more blood. I finished thw pain killers that turn my urine orange yesterday & I have 2 more days of antibiotics. So I think I am good to go.
Well, it is getting closer, less than 6 days till surgery time. I will keep you posted as soon as I am able.
Peace & Blessings.0 -
To: NorthwoodsgirlNorthwoodsgirl said:Open vs robotic
Domina,
I had 2B uterine cancer surgery 1.5 yrs ago (open) followed by Taxol and Carboplaten...gosh now I can't even remember the chemo drugs! Anyway-also had 28 radiation treatments. Some considerations for surgical approach. With hernia repairs your abdominal muscles are already weakened. The robotic/laproscopic approach may be the best option for you. My mother 5 yrs ago had an open procedure and was sutured by a resident. Her sutures didn't hold and needless to say she broke open which delayed her chemo and radiation. She didn't survive. It is a discussion you will need to have with a couple of surgeons. Eat fruits and vegetables to keep your immune system healthy. All of your "sisters" on this site will keeping praying and giving you most positive thoughts for your recovery during your fight against cancer.
God Bless you!
Lori
Ty Lori, I am glad you are doing well. It seems like a lot of women have had chemo based on these posts. I guess if I need it I can get through it like everyone else.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your mother. That was such a tragedy.
Thank you for you kind words. God Bless you also & all our sisters in this fight.0 -
Most surprisingDomina said:To: Always Hopeful
Always Hopeful
Ty JJ for your reply. I have been feeling calmer lately. I am sorry we all have to be here but I am grateful for all the support that you & all these wonderful women have been giving me, the encouragement, their stories, their survival, their stregnth.
It is getting close to a whole year since your surgery, I hope you are doing well. Looking back now what has surprised you the most?
That was a smart move on hiring the nurses aides, I am sure that really gave you comfort.
I think the UTI is going away,ty, it hardly hurts anymore & so far no more blood. I finished thw pain killers that turn my urine orange yesterday & I have 2 more days of antibiotics. So I think I am good to go.
Well, it is getting closer, less than 6 days till surgery time. I will keep you posted as soon as I am able.
Peace & Blessings.
Dear Domina,
As far as surgery goes, I was most surprised that I did not require any pain meds once the pump was removed. My previous experiences with surgery involved arthoscopic knee surgery and laproscopic gall bladder removal. Unlike others, my recoup from those was quite lengthy and their were complications during my knee surgery. I just assumed I was not a good healer. That wasn't the case at all with this surgery. As I wrote before, I was so crazed that I hired nurses aide's to be at my bedside, which as it turned out, I really didn't need (still happy that I did though because of the peace of mind it gave me). My mom and sister, because of their experiences for their hysterectomy's, were absolutely amazed at how well I was moving and healing.
So, go into surgery with a positive attitude and know that you are not alone.
With prayers and good wishes coming your way...
Peace and hope, JJ0 -
To Always HopefulAlways Hopeful said:Most surprising
Dear Domina,
As far as surgery goes, I was most surprised that I did not require any pain meds once the pump was removed. My previous experiences with surgery involved arthoscopic knee surgery and laproscopic gall bladder removal. Unlike others, my recoup from those was quite lengthy and their were complications during my knee surgery. I just assumed I was not a good healer. That wasn't the case at all with this surgery. As I wrote before, I was so crazed that I hired nurses aide's to be at my bedside, which as it turned out, I really didn't need (still happy that I did though because of the peace of mind it gave me). My mom and sister, because of their experiences for their hysterectomy's, were absolutely amazed at how well I was moving and healing.
So, go into surgery with a positive attitude and know that you are not alone.
With prayers and good wishes coming your way...
Peace and hope, JJ
To JJ
I am going to try & take your advice & go into surgery with a positive attitude. I have had about 7 previous surgeries but none regarding cance till now & none this extensive.
I can usually take a lot of pain and for the most part pain meds don't do much for me since I have a high tolerance except they make me vomit & sleepy. I just hope everything flys smoothly.
Thank you so much for your prayers & wishes.
Blessings on you also
Domina0 -
When is your surgery date?Domina said:To: Northwoodsgirl
Ty Lori, I am glad you are doing well. It seems like a lot of women have had chemo based on these posts. I guess if I need it I can get through it like everyone else.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your mother. That was such a tragedy.
Thank you for you kind words. God Bless you also & all our sisters in this fight.
Domina- Your date must be getting close now. I found that when the time finally came, I was much more relaxed and so much less frightened. I just felt safe and knew the procedure would soon be behind me, the pathology known, and a plan would soon be in place. Hope as your date approaches, you will find yourself in the same place that I finally got to (I had to wait over 6 weeks for an open time in my surgeon's schedule as well as an available robot! It was hell.)
About my hair - that picture was taken in early August - just minutes before having it all buzzed off. I had only recently let it grow out and found I liked my gray hair, but it had already started to fall out due to chemo (for breast cancer). Interestingly, that was a "good hair day" but I've had no hair since. Chemo has now been over since Sept. 23 and I have about 3/4" of really sparse new growth. Thank you for the compliment - I hope to have it back like that in 6-8 months.
Suzanne0 -
To Double Whammy Surgery 1/12/11Double Whammy said:When is your surgery date?
Domina- Your date must be getting close now. I found that when the time finally came, I was much more relaxed and so much less frightened. I just felt safe and knew the procedure would soon be behind me, the pathology known, and a plan would soon be in place. Hope as your date approaches, you will find yourself in the same place that I finally got to (I had to wait over 6 weeks for an open time in my surgeon's schedule as well as an available robot! It was hell.)
About my hair - that picture was taken in early August - just minutes before having it all buzzed off. I had only recently let it grow out and found I liked my gray hair, but it had already started to fall out due to chemo (for breast cancer). Interestingly, that was a "good hair day" but I've had no hair since. Chemo has now been over since Sept. 23 and I have about 3/4" of really sparse new growth. Thank you for the compliment - I hope to have it back like that in 6-8 months.
Suzanne
Susanne
Ty, yes surgery is now 2 days a way. I just moved into new apt Sat. due to my apt. flooded. It is such a long story. I won't bore u all, but this apt. Complex is old & I have had numerous floods, 3 rd apt.they moved me to in 5 1/2 yrs., can't afford anywhere else especially having my dog. Hopefully this one is ok, they say it has been re-plumbed. Can't
Find anything.lol
I am calmer but we are in a snow storm today.
Hope it stops & does not turn to ice. If I do not go in I don't get paid, don't know how bad the driving is yet, hope it does not ice over or the surgery gets cancelled.
I am sorry u lost your hair. I am sure it will come bk in just as beautiful. Mine is silver/grey also, stopped coloring 6 yrs. Ago. The back is salt-n- pepper & is darker. Just spent a yr growing out the layers, last trim was Aug. not going to touch it now till I find out stage & if they recommend chemotherapy or radiation.
Do u wear it uncovered, wig or scarf/hat?
Good luck, Ty & God bless, u have made me feel relaxed.
Hugz
Domina0
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