Path report, starting radiation

I finally got my hands on my path report today, when I went for my 7 wk. checkup. (Hey, all the gyn/onc/surgeon did was stick her finger in my vagina and my bum for half a second, and looked around. Probably cost about $400 to do that! I could've done that myself!)

The rad. (external beam only, five weeks) starts next Monday. It's a new experience. What can I say? They'd better not burn up my nice colon, bladder and newly healed vagina. I asked why am I not having the internal, and if not, how would the vag. cuff be radiated to protect that? She said they were radiating my lymph nodes and that the vag. would get radiation that way. I also worry about lymphedema, because I need surgery on my leg (knee, arthritis, and other things with it) after this is over. I'd love to have my broken things fixed.

My belly is my biggest "asset", as in big, so it hangs over the pubic area a bit. Now, I'm worried about that wet radiation burn that I've read about, happening. Maybe there's a way to prop that area open to the air? Any suggestions?


So, the path report says the uterus was 400 grams. What can I relate that to in size? I know it's equal to just under a pound, but still.

I asked her if some of the cancer cells could have "latched on" and taken residence in my vagina, upper, lower, wherever? She only said that the top part was removed and the rest is clear. OK. But I always hear people on here telling how it recurs in their vagina. She said that if I'd had cervical involvement I'd have to worry. Hmmm.... I don't know. I remember the pap from before surgery showed endometrial cells in the cervix. So?? Those cells were there then. The pelvic washings were clear. Is that reliable for me to feel confident over?

You know, I just cannot trust cancer! Any comments welcomed. (Please don't say "cancerhead"!!!)

Hi LA41950,

My heart goes out to you...having to go through this stuff. I hear all your questions... I'd have them too. Keep asking your doctor until you feel confident. I'd ask for cellular testing or swabing of the vagina just for a peace of mind.

I guess you will be tired and you'll have to stay away from exposure to virus?? Five weeks...how many times? Each Monday? I had you on my calendar for the 1st of Feb. Tues.

My uterus was 500 grams, a little over a pound. I just picture a pound of hamburger in the shape of a pear! Good riddens!

I wish you well. You'll be in my thoughts.

Maralyn

Hi! It's Feb. 1, and maybe that is a Tuesday! I don't have a calendar, and was guessing. I will go five days a week for five weeks for the radiation. I hope it is a Tuesday, because that gives me Monday off!

Wow, this just made my stomach sink to the floor. 7 weeks after your surgery and you find out you have cancer? I am so sorry to hear that. My heart goes out to you. I pray that everything goes well, and that you come through with flying colors! Stay strong!

It has been 5 1/2 weeks, and in spite of repeated requests, I still do not have my pathology reports. I thought that I had nothing left to worry about. Guess you never know until you get those reports!