Just diagnosed with uterine cancer

I was just diagnosed with Uterine Cancer and have two weeks to wait for an appointment with the Dr. If any of you have an idea of how long the process usually takes -- from diagnosis to operation -- I'd appreciate it so much. Thanks!

Welcome hildetta

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis but you're in the right spot for support.

The length of the process really depends on where you live and what facilities are available to you. I live near Toronto in Canada and my GYN was able to get me in to see the GYN/oncologist 6 days after getting my dx. The surgery was at a regional cancer centre and would have been done within the month if we hadn't been going on vacation out of the country.

I'm sure others will join in with their experiences. If you could take a few minutes to fill in your profile and answer the survey about your upcoming surgery, we'll be better able to help you with your questions.

s and best wishes....Wendy

Hi,
I'm sorry about your diagnosis. I know how surreal it can seem.

Have you had a uterine biopsy yet? CT scan?

Is your appointment with a GYN-oncologist? While you are waiting the two weeks, could you also find one and get a second opinion?

Once my GP did the biopsy and found it was cancer, she got me into a OB-GYN that week. He scheduled the CT for the next day and I had a choice of surgery dates. I chose the earliest one so that I could get it over. Surgery was the week following the CTscan. OB-GYN was assisted by another surgeon.

That said, a lot of ladies on this board are going to tell you to see a GYN-ONC. Had I taken that route, my wait would have been longer, due to finding one.

This is my two cents. Please don't let my opinions influence you. Be sure you consult with your medical team.

Here's a link on how others felt about surgery: http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...d.php?t=241364

If you want links with information on uterine cancer, let us know. Several on this board can help you with that.

Wishing you the best: smooth sailing to and through surgery and recovery.
s,
Kat3

If you have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, it is considered to be very slow growing and a bit of a delay should not make a difference.
The main thing to consider is that you are in the right hands and that an gyno oncologist will be operating on you. This is so important.
I'm so sorry you have to face this and hope you find some comfort in knowing that you will find great support and advise on this site.

Hi!
Do you know any specifics about your uterine cancer? Like what type, stage or grade. (this information would be available if you had any type of biopsy) Sometimes this information will shed a little light on the who, what, when & where's of an upcoming surgery. Please be positive; most uterine cancers are very slow growing, treatable with good prognosis.

Take care,
Beachball

As I've learned from reading here, the process varies alot. To give you another example, I'll share my timing ...

I saw gyn on 2/1 for abnormal bleeding -- he did an endo biopsy; he had me set a "normal" follow-up appointment which was done for 2/20 -- he was just expecting, as was I, some hormone-related issues. I'm 52 and not officially menopause yet; I was still having periods, even tho my cycle timing has been erratic for years. Anyway, on 2/6, he called me at home to tell me the biopsy showed uterine cancer. I kept the 2/20 appointment at which time he told me the cells were grade 3 (most aggressive) and referred me to a gyn/onc and ordered chest x-ray and ct scan; I did those right away. The gyn/onc visit was on March 7th; pre-op visit on March 14th; TAH/BSO set for this coming Tuesday, March 21st. The gyn/onc said his timeframe is to have surgery scheduled within 4wks of his first consulation -- no magic in that number he just said that was his personal timeframe.

So, now I'm on the edge of the cliff that so many of these ladies know so well ... my step off comes Tuesday and we'll go from there.

This is a great website for support and to educate about the process ... I've found it to be very helpful.

Linda

My cancer wasn't discovered until after a routine LSH for fibroids. It took one month to get the second surgery scheduled with the gyn/oncologist. This seems to be a reasonable time period, although the wait seems endless.

Good luck to you sisters who are newly diagnosed.

Welcome Hildetta,

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. You have found some great support with the sisters.

I received my diagnosis on 8/19, had my first appointment with the gyn/onc on 9/12, and had my surgery on 9/21. This is such a slow growing cancer that nobody was in a hurry but me! Once I knew it was in me I couldn't wait to get it out.

You are going through the worst part now - the wait is truly hellish. Check in as often as you need to.

Hugs,
Pearl

Thank you, everybody, for your quick replies and heartfelt support. I know you all realize how much it's appreciated at this time.

I only had a biopsy in my primary doctor's office, and a week later he told me I had Uterine Cancer and had to have an operation. He didn't say anything about the grade, etc. but he was very reassuring and said I was going to be okay. I belong to an HMO that has your primary doctor send you to a specialist. I have no info on the doctor, only that's he's a OBG/GYN. I do have faith in the HMO hiring good doctors, though. I should get much more info when I see him on March 24th. The time is getting closer and I'm feeling less anxious -- at least today. LOL

Califlyn, God Bless and best wishes for a positive outcome on your operation. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you on the 21st.

Thanks again to all -- you've helped me already, and I'm new to this forum.

Hello Hildetta:

Once I was diagnosed it only took a few days to see the gynecological oncologist (however I live in a major city.) The operation took place 4 weeks later. My doctors both said that this surgery was not considered an emergency. As for grade and stage, I would probably not count too much on the biopsy to give valid results. I have learned this can only be done after the surgery since the biopsy shows only a small sample of cells.
All the best,

Blue