EndoCa: Endometrial Cancer at 30

I've always been overweight, but had regular periods up until the past year or so. I thought it was just stress until August of 2010 when I experienced super heavy bleeding between periods. Now, I had never been to a gynecologist, stupid I know, but I had not been sexually active (last virgin alive!) and had no female problems up to this point. No excuse!

My best friend was about to schedule her year-post-baby exam and suggested that she schedule me an appointment with her doctor at the same time. I'm so incredibly grateful for her insistence!

I did some research and thought I might have PCOS, which I discussed with the doctor before my exam. During the exam he found what he thought might be benign polyps in my cervix, which he sent to be analyzed. We also scheduled a vaginal ultrasound for the following day and an appointment to discuss the findings the next week.

The day before my follow-up appointment I received a call from my doctor's office requesting that I come in immediately. I was so terrified!! Luckily, my best friend was able to go with me and my mother drove two hours and arrived after I met with my doctor. He informed me that the polyps were cancerous and that he had scheduled an appointment with one of the best gyn/oncologists in the area the following week. Much crying commenced. I will say though, that my gynecologist is extremely nice and was very supportive and reassuring, which helped.

My appointment with my gyn/oncologist confirmed what my gynecologist told me, adenocarcinoma. However, due to the fact that the polyps were in my cervix, she was unable to determine whether it began in my uterus or cervix. We scheduled a cervical conization and D & C. That procedure showed that I had no cervical cancer cells and that the polyps were growing down into my cervix from a tumor in my uterus.

My hysterectomy took place on Jan 7, 2011 and I am currently recovering well. I had a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy in which my uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes were removed. My ovaries are still hangin' in there. The tests found that the cancer had not spread anywhere else and only a centimeter sized portion had reached the uterine wall. My gyn/oncologist is so amazing and one of the nicest and most genuine people I've ever known. I'm also fantastically blessed with amazing family and friends who have been so supportive and encouraging through all this.

What I have learned: Never, ever put things off! Especially anything having to do with your health! Good friends, family and fun times can do wonders to restore your outlook and faith. Keep on keepin' on and accept what each day brings.