Cancerhead!

I had a TAH on May 13th and recovering well and even going back to work next week - however - I can not get out of "cancerhead" My doc said that if it comes back it will come back on the vaginal cuff. If it does come back there how is it treated since there is nothing left to take?

Not sure what cancerhead is? You mean cancer reoccuring?

Did he give you percentages of recurrence? I had endometrial cancer and the vaginal area is also where it is possible for a recurrence... However, that is why we need to be vigilant about pap smears... Continue to be proactive... if it does happen, chances are they will catch it very early.

My OB/Onc told me the chances of me getting cancer of the vagina is next to nothing based on the fact that I have been married to one man for 22 years. He told me I really didn't need pap smears anymore unless I really wanted him to give it a feel. Others?

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikat Not sure what cancerhead is? You mean cancer reoccuring?

dear mikat..."cancerhead" refers to the anxiety one feels about cancer possibly recurring. one often feels this anxiety prior to significant dates, i.e. anniversary of diagnosis, hysterectomy, remission, follow-up appointments, etc. (someone please correct me if i'm wrong...hehe!).

hawley...please take care of yourself and don't overdo it. i'm glad you're recovering so well. best wishes to you.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikat My OB/Onc told me the chances of me getting cancer of the vagina is next to nothing based on the fact that I have been married to one man for 22 years. He told me I really didn't need pap smears anymore unless I really wanted him to give it a feel. Others?

I had early uterine cancer and had my uterus, ovaries, tubes and cervix removed. The cancer was caught very early and had not spread to any lymph nodes. I still need to have 3-4 pap smears a year for two years and chest xrays. The dr said it could go to the vagina or lungs. The chance is small, but I still need those tests. I would rather have the tests than to wonder about it.

I've been married for 26 years and my dr never said anything about although this could be that our cancers were in different places.

Mikat:
I have to agree with Alpine on that... don't know what being married to the same man has to do with anything.. I am going on 33 yrs with mine.unless the doctor was thinking HPV virus/cervical cancer link...

Being married to one person for years will not prevent the cancer of the vagina. It is considered rare, and mainly found in women ages 60-80. HOWEVER, I am only 38 and I was diagnosed with this cancer. I did not even have the HPV virus, just unlucky I guess. Since having been diagnosed with such a rare cancer, I don't say never anymore. Keep up with those PAPS!

For cervical cancer, the most likely place for recurrence is the vaginal cuff. But, according to my gyn/onc and what I've read, it can indeed "jump" to other (distal) parts of the body. That's why the follow-up x-rays, scans, etc. are done. The earlier your stage and the further out you get from your treatment, the less likely it is that either will happen. But, we ALL should be diligent with our follow-up care.

I don't recall any CC ladies who have not had follow up paps, and your partner situation has nothing to do with your chances for a recurrence. Most of us have paps every three months for the first two years, every six months for three more, then finally back to an annual exam. I'd definitely have them done. Your chances of having cancer in the first place were small (compared to the general population), so you should be as proactive as possible.

Remember, early detection is our best weapon!!!


monami

Thanks for the feedback guys - there are just so many questions and the doc says don't worry but I have heard that all through this experience and it just seems that every time he says it, it is followed by bad news so I'm a little jumpy. Have a great weekend ladies!