Uterine cancer

Hello, I am looking for information on uterine cancer. My aunt was just diagnosed today. She was scheduled for a hyst on Aug 24th, but that was before the diagnosis.

I am looking for information on what the steps are after diagnosis.
Wouldn't blood tests have given some kind of positive result before the biospy?
Will the onocologist perform the hyst sooner?
What generally happens after the surgery?
Any information you can give will be greatly appreciated. I'm sure I have more questions, but I just can't think right now.

Thank you,
Brandie

Brandie:
The first thing she needs to know is to make sure a gyn/oncologist is either doing the surgery, or at least present at the surgery. Many gynes (mine included) feel capable to do the surgery, but she will have to have a 2nd surgery for complete staging if the gyn/onc is not there.
Blood tests (CA 125) are not usually an indicator of uterine cancer. I had one a few year prior to dx., one after the hyst, and one a few weeks ago.. All in the normal range. that test is used to see if chemo is working .
Uterine cancer is very slow growing (most of the time) . I actually put off my surgery for over a month to add the gyn/onc to my team.
After surgery, she will have to take it easy for about 6-8 wks. No lifting, vacuuming, etc. Full recovery can take a year or more. Her doctor should be able to provide her with pamplets to tell her what to expect. This site offers a great pamplet and gives weekly updates to her (or you) from the surgery date.
Hope this helps

Hi Brandie,
I am sorry your Aunt was DX with cancer. As has been noted tterine cancer is considered the slowest growing gyn cancer and often surgery alone can be the cure.
We strongly encourage that women post for themselves unless there are outstanding circumstances prohibiting this. Please tell your aunt about HS so she can consider becoming a member, post for herself. and get all the benefits of direct contact and membership. The women are very welcoming here. I hope she considers joining us.
I know you will be a big help to your aunt too.

Thank you PeggieSue,

I have already recommended this site to her (actually twice). I hope she will come here, but you know how emotions are after receiving a diagnosis like this.

I am here to support her, and I wish that there was something more that I can do.

Thank you PattieO,

Yes, an oncologist will be performing the surgery. She is supposed to be hearing from their office this morning. Wow, you put your surgery off for a month to wait for an oncologist.

I hope you are feeling better. Thank you again for the information.

I had a TAH-BSO for uterine cancer on June 29. After my diagnosis and before my surgery, we did all the research and were looking at having chemo and radiation because my initial biopsy showed a grade 3 cancer. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the surgical biopsy came back stage 1, grade 1. I need no further treatment and just need to check in with my doctor every 4 months to check for recurrance. The surgery and recovery is not fun, but let your aunt know that it could go for her just like it went for me.

And try to get her to the website. We are pretty nice ladies! LOL

<<Blood tests (CA 125) are not usually an indicator of uterine cancer. I had one a few year prior to dx., one after the hyst, and one a few weeks ago.. All in the normal range. that test is used to see if chemo is working .>>

Patti,

When you say CA125 is to see if Chemo is working, what would the test show if it is or not?

Also, many Drs use the test as a cancer maker, or so they say.

Thanks,
T

Wow, Rosieoutlook, that is AWESOME news.

My aunt heard from the oncologist today (via phone). That doctor told her that according to the biopsy the cancer cells are "mature", and that he/she does not think the cancer has spread outside the uterus. I really don't know how he/she can make that assumption with out further testing or until after the hyst is done. My aunt's hyst was initially scheduled for Aug 24th, but since the biopsy results it has been cancelled until further examination by the oncologist.

ps.
I'm still trying to get her here (hystersisters). I'm sure that she will eventually...this whole diagnosis is still very fresh and new.

Thanks again for the info, and I am so glad to hear the wonderful news from Rosieoutlook.