First Oncology Appt.

Michelle2003
Michelle2003 Member Posts: 1
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

Hello,

I'm 31 years old and was just diagnosed with Uterine Cancer. What can I expect for my first oncology appointment? The appointment is Monday the 26th and I'm terrified of what I will hear.

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,368 Member
    #2
    Michelle, it is hard, but try

    Michelle, it is hard, but try to take a breath.  Can you tell us a little more?  How was it diagnosed?  Did you have a endometrial biopsy?  D&C?  Hysterectomy?  Do you have a gynecologic oncologist?  There are different types of Uterine cancer, so you may not know exactly what kind you have.  That's ok.  

    If I could make a suggestion, see if you can take someone with you who can take notes and can act as a second set of ears.  

  • StrongerthanIthought
    StrongerthanIthought Member Posts: 55
    #3
    My first appt

     My first gyn/onc appt was terrifying too. I'd guess it was for most of us. Hearing that I had cancer sent me into panic.  I spent most of the time in the waiting room, with my husband by my side, crying.  However, once I met my doctor, I calmed down some.  He was very kind and spent a lot of time with me.  The visit was an internal exam, just a regular one like we have routinely.  Also he set the appointment for my hysterectomy, and explained that procedure to me. Let me ask and answered any questions I had.    You can do this - you will be surprised at how strong you are.  If you can, take someone with you, they can take notes and ask questions too.

    Barb

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    #4
    1st appointment

    Both my husband and I were scared as we drove to this appointment with my Gyn -onc.  Exam was just the regular pelvic.  I did ask right away if my husband could come in as soon as the exam was over.  My new Doc was happy to have him and made him feel comfortable.  He explained what the surgery would be and what treatment was to follow.  We both left with a feeling of confidence that we would and could get through this.  I got a great doctor that day.

    Sorry that you have to come here, but this is a great place ask question, vent, and get support.  Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

  • EZLiving66
    EZLiving66 Member Posts: 1,482 Member
    #5
    I'm so sorry, Michelle!

    It's scary, that's for sure.  As everybody else has said, my gyno/oncologist went over the biospy my gyno doctor had done, did a pelvic exam and explained to me what he proposed - hysterectomy, biopsy and staging.  I felt MUCH better when I left there than when I came in.....hope you do too.  I also would take someone with you.  It's tough to concentrate when your brain keeps getting caught on that "cancer" word.

    Please let us know how it went!

    Take care,

    Eldri

  • Abbycat2
    Abbycat2 Member Posts: 644 Member
    #6
    EZLiving66 said:

    I'm so sorry, Michelle!

    It's scary, that's for sure.  As everybody else has said, my gyno/oncologist went over the biospy my gyno doctor had done, did a pelvic exam and explained to me what he proposed - hysterectomy, biopsy and staging.  I felt MUCH better when I left there than when I came in.....hope you do too.  I also would take someone with you.  It's tough to concentrate when your brain keeps getting caught on that "cancer" word.

    Please let us know how it went!

    Take care,

    Eldri

    I was stunned

    to learn that I had adenocarcinoma. Surprisingly, it was discovered from a Pap test which I since learned is unusual. My gynecologist had already arranged an appt for me with a gyne oncologist several days later. I was terrified. The gyne oncologist did a biopsy in the office. That was in Oct 2013 and I am still thriving. I agree with the others here that it is a great idea to have someone with you initially as a second set of ears. Write your questions down so that you remember to ask all of them. Due to my high anxiety state, I found this helpful. I wish you calm seas as you journey through this experience.

    Warm Wishes,

    Cathy

  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,811 Member
    #7
    Abbycat2 said:

    I was stunned

    to learn that I had adenocarcinoma. Surprisingly, it was discovered from a Pap test which I since learned is unusual. My gynecologist had already arranged an appt for me with a gyne oncologist several days later. I was terrified. The gyne oncologist did a biopsy in the office. That was in Oct 2013 and I am still thriving. I agree with the others here that it is a great idea to have someone with you initially as a second set of ears. Write your questions down so that you remember to ask all of them. Due to my high anxiety state, I found this helpful. I wish you calm seas as you journey through this experience.

    Warm Wishes,

    Cathy

    Michelle

    So sorry!  It IS terrifying.  I promise, that part gets a lot better.  The initial few weeks are the hardest.

    Please consider getting something for anxiety. I used Lorazepam (and still do occassionally).  I was never one to take any kind of pills but have learned that it is better to use the "tools" available to us instead of trying to strong arm ourselves through this journey.

    I learned I have UPSC in May. I'm currently doing chemo and if all goes well, will be finished just before Christmas.

    Please come back with any and all questions.  The ladies here are warm and welcoming and someone will have been there done that on just about any topic.

    Sending you lots of love and hugs!

    Cindi

  • Editgrl
    Editgrl Member Posts: 903 Member
    #8
    Just hearing that

    you have cancer is such a shock.  I remember when I got the news, it didn't even seem real, like it was a dream that I would wake up from.  And then I didn't wake up.  Four and a half months later, I can see that the first days, when there isn't a plan in place yet, when you are still getting used to the idea, when you are trying to decide who to tell and how, are the most stressful and hard to deal with.  It will get better and you are stronger than you know.

    Let us know how your appointment today went.

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