 My Story: Endometrial Cancer - TAH/BSO - Molly |
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Hello, Dear Hyster Sisters!
I haven't been around the boards in a long time and thought I'd just pop in and offer those of you just starting on your journey some HOPE.
As the "old-timers" in the group will remember, I had a TAH/BSO with omentectomy for stage IIIa endometrial Aden carcinoma on August 25, 1999. I received my tentative diagnosis on August 12th, and all I could think was "GET THAT ALIEN OUTTA THERE AND DO IT NOW!"
For me, the waiting was the hardest part of it all. I wanted to take action immediately, and I guess I was lucky because we did move pretty darn fast. My surgeon assured me he got the entire alien - but after discussions with him, a radiation oncologist and a regular oncologist, we decided there should be some additional treatment to make sure there were no alien dust bunnies scurrying about anywhere.
Following about six weeks of healing, I had 25 external radiation treatments to my abdominal region, followed by three inter-vaginal Brach therapies on an outpatient basis, spaced two weeks apart. Thank God, my most serious side effects were mild diarrhea and fatigue. Oh, the intervaginal treatments were awkward and a tad uncomfy - kind of like having a mega-tampon inserted - but not painful at all.
And I got over being embarrassed about anything very early in this journey. A pelvic exam is a breeze now, after all the poking and prodding associated with the hyster, etc.
I also take Megace, a tumor-inhibiting drug, and will probably continue to take it till I reach the five-year mark. The worst side effect of Megace for me is weight gain. Like I needed any help with that! But I'm grateful to be waddling around cancer-free, and if it takes Megace to insure that, okay with me.
Anyhoooo.... to the HOPE part of my message:
Dear Sisters - you'll get through this. Take each day as a gift and LIVE IT fully...and know that there is sunshine on the other side of those clouds you may be under right now. It took me about a year to really, truly feel like myself again - mentally and physically.
I wasn't in the best shape prior to surgery, so I certainly didn't expect to be running marathons afterwards, but it did take a little longer to come back than I thought it would... I'm still working on the physical recovery...the weight gain is a factor, for sure. But I'm walking the dog longer and longer each day, and doing exercises to increase flexibility, and if I need a nap, I take one!
With the support of your families and friends - and the wonderful, courageous, caring, compassionate women here at Hyster Sisters you CAN get through this.
I look at my cancer as a gift, believe it or not. It helped me get my head straight about a lot of things; I don't sweat the small stuff anymore, and I always take time to smell the roses. My family comes first. And I remember to thank God often for His many blessings, including this experience.
Hang in there...I continue to hold all my dear HysterSisters in my prayers...
HUGS!
Molly
Albert Steren, M.D.
6301 Executive Blvd.
Rockville MD 20852
301-770-4967 |
John Garofalo, M.D.
30 Stevens St. Ste A.
Norwalk CT 06850
203-855-3535 |
Paige Brainard, M.D.
5550 E. Hampton
Tucson AZ 85712
520-721-8605 |
Brooke Slaton, M.D.
Omega Women's Center, LLC
1801 University Drive, Suite 201
Coral Springs FL 33071
(954)755-1411 |
Wm. Richard Salter, M.D.
1919 S. Shiloh Rd #333
Dallas TX 75042
972-276-9902 |
Brad Cohen, M.D.
2477 Route 516
Suite 103
Old Bridge NJ 08857
732-679-6900 |
Melodie Wilson, M.D.
3650 Joseph Siewick Dr. #203
Fairfax VA 22033
703-391-1500 |
Keita Sakon, M.D.
7190 S. Cimarron Rd.
Las Vegas NV 89135
702 870 3921 |
Betty Gingold Acker, M.D.
2900 E. 29th St
Suite 300
Bryan TX 77802
979-776-5602 |
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-- January NewsletterPost Hysterectomy Fitness and Health is the theme of our January, 2012 newsletter at HysterSisters.com. Visit this link [ More]...
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