vaginal cuff recurrence

I had TAHBSO last April for hyperplasia with atypia by my regular gyn. My pathology showed garden variety endometrial cancer IB nuclear grade 2. I had no staging during the surgery and no further treatment. I've been going to a gyn oncologist for the last year. Monday I went for what was to be my last 3 month check.

To make a long story short, the NP found a polyp that was 99% going to be granulation tissue; except, Tues pm she called to say the cancer had recurred in the vaginal cuff. I've had a CT scan which is alright, and Monday I see the oncologist for a treatment plan, radiation. The oncologist over the phone said only 3% of people with my stage recur and 90% are cured with radiation. I've heard the favorable stats before but I'm beginning to think stats are not my friend. Anyone been through this?

Hi Dada,

I haven't been through it personally, but my sister had her ca recur in the vaginal cuff about 4 years after her hyst for Cervical Ca.

She had internal radiation and is now long past the 5 year mark from the second occurence.

I don't really know details about her treatment, but I know enough to tell you that there are indeed people in the 90% rate.

Sorry for the recurrence but feel very fortunate you still have the option of radiation, which more than likely will take care of it. Sounds like you have caught it quite early.

I also have a recurrence to my vaginal cuff but have already had radiation so can have no more. If my dr would have given me the brachytherapy I really feel I would not have had this recurrence, but she refused to give it to me. She was so SURE I was cured she said it was not necessary.

Your chances of complete cure are very good, so hang in there.

Juanita

I haven't been through a recur, but just wanted to send some cyber-hugs your way.

Hello dada,

I think there have been a couple of sisters who have had a vaginal cuff recurrence. If you search the user name 'Annakarenina' you will find some information from her posts. She has not been on here very often lately... so she may not see your request. I suggest you try to private message ( pm) her and she could tell you her experience. She had a very low stage 1a and grade 1 to begin with. Her vaginal cuff recurrence was highly unexpected. Since she had not had previous radiation she was able to have brachytherapy and ('I think?) pelvic radiation as well. Last I heard she was doing well.

hugs, Diane

GaGa (Juanita),

I'm so sorry about your recurrence. I've been wondering what happened when you had your testing done a couple of weeks ago. Are you having radiation to treat it? Bless your sweet heart. You are the greatest and deserve the best care possible.

DaDa,

I'm so sorry about your recurrence and hope and pray that the radiation completely takes care of it. Please keep us posted.

Hugs and prayers to both of you.

Susan,

I have not went to get my results yet....just do not want to....know what I mean. The gals on here know I am a big wuzz!!!!

My best friend's mother passed away last week and I went to her funeral, 3 hours away. I started getting sick on the drive home and have been in bed since. So many around here have had the same thing, lots of congestion and feeling like crap. My DH has also been down at the same time.

I will have to make an appt to see my dr for results although I know what they are already....yuk!! I cannot take any more radiation so I have come to the end of the line for treatment.

I have been really down mentally the last week or so. The discharge is driving me nuts and I know nothing can be done about it.

Keep me in your prayers gals.

Juanita

Oh, Juanita, I'm so sorry for all your trouble. I understand your not wanting to go for the results but surely there is something that can be done? That just isn't fair if there isn't. Maybe there is a trial treatment someplace.

I hope you and your husband feel a lot better soon. Keep us posted as you can.

God bless you.

dada, my first recurrence was in the vaginal cuff and also the intestines. I had a second surgery and then gemzar/cisplatin which only kept the cancer at bay a few months. I tried 5 rounds of doxil with no luck , then 29 radiation treatments. I have now been cancer-free since August of 2006. I have a cat scan coming up Tuesday so I'll keep ya'll posted. Anyway, what I'm getting at is, things can and do get a lot better. Hang in there.

And to you and Juanita both, I wish you the very best. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

Blessings,

(((dada)))

I'm so sorry you're having to face all of this. But, it sounds like you've caught things at an early stage which is always our best bet. We'll definitely keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

Big s!
monami



P.S. (((Juanita)))

If you'd like, we can organize the GaGa/HS Bus Tour Extraordinare Part Deux to go with you for your follow up (when you're ready, of course!).