Breakable

While my experience never included a cancer diagnosis, I decided that any parts that were holding me back from what I wanted in life had no value. I have a young son to raise and I cannot do it effectively if I am unwell.

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Originally Posted by DB593 Medicine needs better cancer tests for ovarian and uterine cancers, etc. Imagine telling a man that he no longer needs his testicles!!!

My husband had testicular cancer; he accepted it very well. He needs HRT, but insurance refuses to pay for it; however, insurance will pay for a woman's HRT.

It's been 14 months since I got the diagnosis of uterine cancer, and one year this week since I had surgery. For me, instead of feeling that things were moving too fast, it seems they were moving too slowly. I discussed my symptoms (post-menopausal bleeding that was getting progressively worse) with my primary care doctor. He sent me for a uterine ultrasound. Then based on those results, he refered me to a gynecologist. She did a biopsy, and a week later gave me the diagnosis of cancer. She referred me to a gynecological oncologist who examined me, then scheduled me for surgery. The original surgery date got moved back. It about drove me crazy. It took two months from the start of this process to finally get to surgery.

Because of the cancer diagnosis, I felt such a sense of urgency, and it drove me half crazy waiting to finally get the surgery performed.

The good news is that uterine cancer is usually very slow to spread. I was told that the thick muscle wall of the uterus is a barrier that is hard for the cancer cells to get past. In had both ovaries removed, and pelvic and some aortic lymph nodes for staging for cancer. Everything looked good - cancer was confined to the lining of the uterus. So no chemo or radiation was needed. This is one of those cancers where surgery is usually the cure.

I do have to go in for pap tests every three months - had my 4th one today. (They take the scraping from the vaginal cuff, since I no longer have a cervix.) If this one comes back good, I can reduce the frequency.

As fightening as it was to be told I had cancer, I learned that there is usually a good outcome from this cancer with just the surgery. I wish you all the best for your outcome.

Thanks to everyone who responded. I'm back to resignation today, on my liquid diet day, answering all the phone calls, and thankful that people understand or care. ( I'm up early with my paralyzed dog.)

Thank you so much sisters for your input. It is invaluable!

While my situation was quite different, in that I didn't find out I had cancer until the post surgery pathology, your message just reached out to my heart... I want to wish you strength to get through the next section of your journey, and send you lovingkindness from another lady who has been through it... I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have, or anything else that might help...

I found that both the support of my friends and family, and the support here were both invaluable. It is not a walk in the park, but it is doable, and in time you will regain the connection to your body. I have actually been seeing a counselor to help me deal with the many changes in my life and body from my cancer diagnosis and treatment, and also attend a local support group for women dealing with gynecologic cancer; not everyone finds they need "extra" help, but it is out there if needs be.

For me it has been a little over a year since my surgery, and truly, while in some ways my life has changed forever, in other ways I am back to being myself again. Hard to believe, but I no longer think about CANCER all the time! but am busy with my everyday life.

If you are fortunate the surgery will be all that is needed, that is the case for many women. If you go over to the "Cancer Concerns" section under special needs here on the forum, that is another place to get more specific questions answered...

I am so sorry to hear what you are going through.

And now the surgery has been delayed until 2:30 tomorrow afternoon. That makes me angry because I've been on liquid diet all day and really hoping to get this over and be rid of the docs.

Does everyone vacillate between anger and resignation???