Just Told Tonight-Endo Cancer

I really understand how it is -- getting the cancer diagnosis is the beginning of a huge learning curve. Here's another bit of important info for you -- I mentioned the two top cancer hospitals, and they belong to a network (NCCN -- National Comprehensive Cancer Network) of the best cancer centers in the US. While Loyola is an excellent institution, it is not one of the aforementioned cancer centers, but, lucky you, Northwestern is -- they have the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.


You'll have to check with them to see if they offer the laparoscopic surgery, but I can't imagine that they don't.

Yes, the lap can be a total hysterectomy, including ovaries, and, so importantly, the lymph node sampling and cancer "wash" that is such a vital part of the surgery (and can only be done by a gynecologic oncologist).

My sister had brain cancer surgery at Northwestern three times...I don't know why I didn't think of them...

I guess all my questions are premature...my doctor appt. is Monday....this is going to be a loonnggg weekend...

Thanks for all your information and holding my hand today.....

Hi News,

I too am sorry you have found yourself here, but as you've seen already, this is the best place to be.

I can answer your question about the fold of skin/fat. I went into surgery about 80 pounds overweight - with a huge, flopping belly due to pregnancies - had a large vertical cut, and had absolutely no problems with healing anywhere - even under the fold. So it can be done. If you're concerned about keeping that area dry, however, you can pat it dry with a towel after bathing and then tuck a sanitary napkin under the fold, which will hold it in place. (Mine did not require this)

Definitely have a gyn/onc do your surgery so you can have nodes sampled and an abdominal wash - both are necessary to completely stage your cancer to help you and your doctors decide what kind of follow-up treatment is necessary.

Best of luck!

Thank you...thank you!!! This is one of my biggest worries...how do they get through all that flab? LOL I wonder if I could talk them into removing all that stuff and donate it for skin grafts? At my age that stuff just doesn't go back to it's original shape...LOL I'm really hoping whatever doctor does the surgery would consider my diabetes healing factor and do a laproscopy. I spoke to a friend's surgeon who was doing her gall bladder surgery...I should have had mine removed also and I haven't....he said laproscopy is perfect for overweight patients...???

Hi, While laparoscopic may seem to be the easier route to go, and it can turn out to be, pls keep in mind it still remains major surgery. FYI, I really wanted only a lap assisted surgery and eventually discussed both procedures with two gyn/onc, one of whom did only lap assisted and one of whom did both To my disappointment, the gyn/onc who did both, strongly recommended a TAH/BSO and with a vertical incision. He cited a then (Summer 2003) study that indicated strong concern re possible spillage of cancer cells during some lap assisted surgeries for endometrial cancers; apparently further studies were underway. He then reminded me that this would be major surgery regardless of method used and initial recovery time of 6-8 weeks did not change. He also advised that while the small lap incisions might indeed heal more rapidly this did not preclude an infection occuring and that internal healing time, as there still would be 100s of internal stitches/organs moved; etc., would not be shorter with a lap assisted surgery. I finally agreed to a TAV/BSO and despite being a fluffy female had neither incision nor internal healing problems.
I know with your doctors' assistance and the knowledge you gain you will be able to make the right decision for you.
s

Thanks peggy. I was only thinking of the risk of not healing due to the diabetes. I figured the smaller the incision the less change of it not closing. And what about vaginally? Is that ever an option? Sorry to be such a pest, but I'm terrified.....

I have Type II diabetes and it didn't factor into my surgery at all as far as healing. I think as long as the diabetes is under control you won't have any problems.

I have to say that even if any other options had been offered to me, I would have gone ahead with the TAH knowing that it was the best way for my doctor to check everything out as well as remove everything.

Thank you. I do think my diabetes is under control. I had an A1C a few weeks ago and it was under 7.0. My internist said everything about my bloodwork was excellent except she was stunned at a 32 FSH score for someone my age. She said a post-menopausal woman of 59 should be over 160...perhaps this has something to do with the cancer. I'm not sure. My ultrasound suggests I've had PCOS for many years prior to this.

Well judging from all your great responses and personal stories I guess an old, fat, diabetic, asthmatic gal can make it through this okay. LOL. I will try to keep my sense of humor.

This is an awesome forum. You ladies have calmed me immensely today. Hugs to all of you.

So sorry to hear about your dx. We have all been there with the terrified feelings.

You might want to call the American Cancer Society to tell them about your financial situation. They may have ways for you to go on that. They are on call 24/7 and are WONDERFUL. They have people on line all the time and will talk with you as long as you need.

The ladies on this board are very knowledgeable, as you can see above.

I would have to agree that the full hyst with the vertical cut is the best way to go. They can see and check everything in there. Also taking the nodes and wash is much easier. I have several studies where the cells can spill during a vaginal. The studies are on going on this.

Being overweight is one of the factors for endo ca so I am sure the drs are used to dealing with it.

Stay on here and keep us updated.

Love and good wishes,
Juanita

I dont know u but I will definately keep u in my positive thoughts!!!