No Date: Concerns About Hysterectomy & Cancer Diagnosis

I received a diagnosis of uterine cancer on Friday morning. Needless to say, I was horrified and saddened and my doctor was also quite surprised. I am a young, very active, 56 year old with a younger husband. I have gone through menopause already, but have been taking biodentical hormones and testosterone and have a wonderful sex life with my husband. I have read horror story after horror story on the internet about women who cannot or do not want to have sex anymore after their hysterectomy. I am also concerned about the health effects of loosing my ovaries---double the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, risk of other cancers, etc. Will I be able to start using my hormones immediately after the surgery, or is that out of the question with cancer? My doctor believes that the cancer is in a very early stage as my ultrasound showed no uterine wall thickening, etc. and the only symptom I had was some slight bleeding that stopped. My appointment with the oncologist isn't until July 26, so I really have no one to ask. I am also very concerned about maintaining normal urinary and bowel function and stories about this just made me cringe!! Please help. Thank you so much.

So did your Dr give you a full confirm diagnosis of Uterine cancer? Or is this just a ultrasound and CA-125 blood test? The reason I am asking is because I was given an ultrasound both external and vaginal. And had blood test done. My CA-125 level was so high the DR said it was Ovarian Cancer. They found 3 abdominal masses on my ovaries as well, 6cm-8cm in size. And also said that my uterine wall lining was way too thin. Which concerned them.
I had a TAH/BSO (cervix removed) on 7/2/10 One of the masses were attached to my rectum, so they had to repair that as well. And couldn't save my cervix. I am 30 years old. But they found no cancer, I am still waiting on the Pathology report this coming week to get the final results, but I am have been told by both of my Dr's that it looks very good.
Good luck sweetie, I hope that all goes well. Will be thinking of you.

I had stage 1b endometrial cancer diagnosed after some minor spotting, too. You can read those horror stories but most women will not have those outcomes so do consider that. I feel physically about like I did before, and that's a more common outcome. Some GYN-oncs allow HRT, some don't. If you do take it you may need adjusting since even post menopausal ovaries do contribute something to the mix. I found all my worries did not come true. Also remember women on support boards are usually more likely to be the ones with problems, so not the majority. I'm sorry you have this diagnosis but if its found early, surgery is usually the only treatment needed. I remember the shock and fear, and it does all get better. Ask anything here. And try to stay calm as you can, we are here for you. Sending hugs.

Thank you so much for your kind encouragement and support and perspective. This means so much to me at this confusing and shocking stage of my illness.

My cancer was diagnosed through a uterine biopsy and they found cancerous cells through that biopsy. The pelvic ultrasound looked normal (no thickening of the uterine walls) and my cervix and everything else seemed normal during the pelvic exam. I have not yet had the C-125 blood test.

Kathijr -

I understand the distress of getting a cancer diagnosis when you weren't expecting it.

The challenge of this surgery for anyone is that we can't predict exactly what our outcome will be, everyone is different.

My gyn-onc has allowed me to use low dose vaginal estrogen that doesn't go systemic to reduce vaginal atrophy. He understood my quality of life issue, however his preference would have been if I could have stayed away from it for 2 years (which I couldn't). I was not menopausal at the time so went into an intense surgical menopause. My libido did tank and I am on a low dose compounded testosterone which has helped some.

Sex is different but good now, it took months for me to reach that state thought. Orgasms are harder to achieve but they are possible.

So unfortunately we can't predict your outcome but will all wish for the best.

You may also want to check out the Cancer Concerns forum. As you get more information from your gyn-onc visit you may find it helpful. There are amazingly supportive women who totally understand your issues and concerns.



G.

I also had uterine cancer at age 51, my synptoms were identical to yours. I wished I knew what you do when I went into it. I was totally naive about how the surgery would affect me.
Some of the stories you've read, may be exaggerations, but the surgery changes your body and my oncologist lead me to believe I'd be just the same. He refused to give me hrt, and finally the 4th MD I saw, said it was safe for stages 1&2. I'm starting to feel more normal, but it's been a long year.
Be sure and write your questions down, so you don't forget anything, I'll be thinking about you.