new...how do you deal with worry

vickiemarieb
vickiemarieb Member Posts: 3
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

Hi.I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer March 23 and have my first appointment with my gynocological oncologist this Wed .April 19.It seems like an awfully long wait.My regular gyn told me it was well differentiated Grade 1 which she said was good but I am scared and don't want anymore test.What happens the first time you see your oncologist?Thanks for any answers.

Comments

  • janaes
    janaes Member Posts: 799 Member
    edited April 2017 #2
    There are different ways to

    There are different ways to be diagnosed with this cancer. Im not sure how yours was diagnosed.  This was what happened to me.  I went to see my  an assistant to the gynocologis. last April. In fact it was just over a year ago. That is when I had a biopsy.  The biopsy showed I had cancer.  I went and saw the gynocologist within a few days and she scedueled my hysterectomy by May 2nd.  Others have had different experiences and I believe have waited longer.  There are a lot of wonderful ladies on this site and I am sure there will be chiming in soon. 

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #3
    Dear VickieMarie:  

    Dear VickieMarie:  

    Its natural to be scared.  Just so you know I was diagnosed with Grade 2 Stage 3a endometrial cancer.   (By the way, that was in 2005).   About tests?  well...... There will be tests and tests and tests.  You might say this could be your new normal.   When I first found out, I screamed into my pillow late at night and then I decided to get up and take a hold of what was going on.   

    First of all about your questions.  You didn't say how you were diagnosed.  Did you have a hysterectomy?    They found mine after a routine hysterectomy.  I then had to go back a month later for staging surgery and then a month after that I started treatment.  So waiting is unfortunately a part of this stuff.

    If you didn't have a hysterectomy yet, some questions will be are they going to do a hysterectomy?   If so, will they also take out your appendix and omentum?   Mine was removed during staging surgery because my doctor said these are places of possible recurrence areas.   Further, if you are going through with treatment (sometime Grade 1 goes on a wait and see approach), what type of treatment and how long.  Further, will you have pelvic radiation and/or brachytherapy?   Have they tested your tumor?   Is your CA125 a factor?  

    These are just some areas.   

    My best to you,

    Kathy

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    #4
    So sorry

    So sorry that you had to come to this group, but welcome.  This is a great place to come for information and support.  The ladies here are so willing to,share their experiences with this rollercoaster ride.  Yes, as Kathy said, testing will now be part of your life, but it is also what is going to,help you fight this monster.  My diagnosis seemed like a whirlwin.  I went to my GP with a yeast infection and he found a tumor on my cervix.  PAP and another office test came back positive for cancer in both cervix and uteru, Gynecologist did a D&C and scheduled a CT scan,  sent me to a Gyno-oncologist/surgeon.He said no surgery until healed up.from the D&C. All in about 3 weeks. that was Sept 2013 and a rqdical hysterectomy was scheduled for mid October 2013. I welcomed the small break I had to,get something in order and get a classroom of 1st and 2nd graders ready for a sub.

    We were all scared and many of us still are.  I screamed in my husband's shoulder that I had ruined our life.  He let me cry it out and just hugged me.  That was certainly not true.  Along with cancer also came many blessings.  I found out what a great husband, family and friends I have.  I keep meeting new people to add to my friends list including the wonderful ladies here.

    you will find that you are stronger than you ever imagined.

    Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789
    edited April 2017 #5
    I am so sorry to hear of your

    I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. It is a very scary time but please know that you will have all the support that you need from us.

    As the others have noted, there will be more exams and tests. The gyn-onc will need the results from those to help determine the correct plan of action for the best possible outcome for you. Try to think of it as a good thing, as the right thing. Your medical team is on your side and wants the best for you - just like us.

    For now, my best advice is to try and breath. Don't overthink this or worry too much (I know, easier said than done). It sounds like you have a good team on your side. Let them do the worrying. You just need to try to stay hopeful and focused on what you are doing today so that you can put this behind you as quickly as possible.

    Wishing you peace and comfort, Kim

  • CarolMcLean
    CarolMcLean Member Posts: 1
    #6
    DES daughter endometrial cancer

    I am  66 years old and am interested in finding other DES daughters who have endometrial cancer.  My diagnosis was impeded by the structual abnormalites of my cervic and uterus. I underwent a DC (2 hours under general ) 10 days ago .  I have a type 1 cancer and am being scheduled for a robotic hysterectomy.  Interested if anyone has input.

    Thanks for the support

    Carol

  • Diropa
    Diropa Member Posts: 6
    #7

    Hi all, I have been on a roller coaster ride of emotions since the start of June. I had the hysteroscopy followed by a full hysterectomy and all connected parts. That was June 9th. I just received my pathology report that I am stage 2-3 endometrial cancer. There is still two more tests I am waiting on. I have to say I was terrified and that is why I sought out this support group. After reading some of your stories I am less afraid and dare I say a little hopeful.

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789
    edited June 2017 #8
    Carol and Diropa, I am so

    Carol and Diropa, I am so sorry that you have joined our little group but glad that you found us. You will find members here with a lot of different stories of courage and hope. Let those stories help ease your mind a little. This is not an easy diagnosis but it is do-able. 

    You may find it helpful to start a new post so that you can track responses to your questions or concerns more easily. Those in this group are here to help one another so please don't be shy about posting. No questions are off-limits.

    Good luck to you both and keep us posted on your progress. Wishing you peace and strength, Kim

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    edited June 2017 #9
    CarolMcLean said:

    DES daughter endometrial cancer

    I am  66 years old and am interested in finding other DES daughters who have endometrial cancer.  My diagnosis was impeded by the structual abnormalites of my cervic and uterus. I underwent a DC (2 hours under general ) 10 days ago .  I have a type 1 cancer and am being scheduled for a robotic hysterectomy.  Interested if anyone has input.

    Thanks for the support

    Carol

    Hi Carol

    "DES (Diethylstilbestrol) Daughters are defined as women born between 1938 and 1971 who were exposed to DES before birth (in the womb). Research has confirmed that DES Daughters are at an increased risk for: Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCA), a rare kind of vaginal and cervical cancer."

    I had to look the above info up as I had no idea what that was.  I'm so sorry you are dealing with this!  I had a robotic hysterectomy April 28, 2016.  I healed pretty quickly I think and did pretty good considering. 

    I'm sure that others will be along to chime in- one thing I see alot and totally support is that if you haven't already gotten referred to a gyn oncologist to do your surgery you would be best served to do it asap.  They are far more experienced with what they are looking for than just a regular gyn.

    You will no doubt have many more questions once you've had your surgery and get the pathology report back- that is when they can truly "stage and grade" your cancer.  Before I had surgery I was stage 1-2 but after I was stage 3a grade 3 and nothing they do now can tell them that until they pathologist looks at the cells, tumors, nodes etc. etc.  Then they will be able to decide on a treatment plan based on that.

    Wishing you a quick and complete recovery.  We'll be here waiting with you.  (((HUGS)))

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