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
Store »
Hysterectomy Checkpoints
Hysterectomy News [Read More]
What 100,000 Women Know About Hysterectomy
