Gynecological Cancer and the HysterSisters
There is nothing scarier than being in a doctor's office or receiving a phone call after an exam and hearing the "C" word. Its frightening, forcing the hearer of the words to use energy to process the information with a thousand questions going through the mind.
There are several different types of gynecological cancers, some more known than others. Because HysterSisters isn't a medical information website, covering the details isn't possible. But we can (and do!) offer support!
On this page you will find the different aspects of support offered at HysterSisters.com for cancer concerns. Uterine cancer. Cervical cancer. Vaginal cancer. Endometrial cancer. Ovarian Cancer.
HysterSisters offers live discussions in our forums for cancer related questions for diagnosis and treatments. We offer resources links for great medical websites to help fill in the details from a medical point of view. We provide articles written specifically for the HysterSisters that may help you as you make your way down the path of cancer diagnosis and treatments.
The most important thing to know is...you are not alone. Come meet the HysterSisters who will offer their experiences wrapped in hugs.
Join the HysterSisters and visit our Cancer Discussion Forum.
Find a GYN Oncologist
If your doctor has said "cancer", your mind might have been suspended as all the thoughts and fears crowd out the accompanying words. Initially the communication with your doctor will be one way: doctor to patient.
We encourage you to focus. Gather your strength from family, friends and your faith and head into battle well-equipped.
Often the doctor who provides the initial diagnosis is not a specialist in oncology. While it is understood that you may feel emotionally attached to your physician, it is important for you to gather other opinions for your diagnosis and treatment options from a GYN oncologist.
Ask your doctor for a recommendation. Ask friends and co-workers. Find other women who have had a similar diagnosis and ask for the name of their oncologist.
Your journey from diagnosis through your treatment requires the plan and handiwork of a specialist. Partner your health needs with a GYN Oncologist!
Recommended by HysterSisters for Comfort during Cancer
The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for you. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:
- Iso-Cool Pillow - Sleep in cool comfort with our Iso-Cool pillow utilizing a special technology to keep you comfortable all night long.
- Chillow Personal Cooling Device - With the Chillow® in or on your pillow, you have a wonderfully cool spot to lay your head. That coolness allows you to relax, fall asleep faster, and stay cool for hours. The Chillow® absorbs the extra heat and releases it to the surrounding air.
- Soakool - Cooling Scarf - Our Cooling Scarf provides immediate relief from hot flashes, girls! Great for wearing while exercising, for reducing fever, relieving headaches and minor sunburns too! Non-toxic cooling crystals are the secret!
- Pre-Surgery Cleanser - Minimize the possibility of a hospital related infection! This is the antiseptic scrub your surgeon uses before surgery!
- Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig!
- Find more great products in the HysterSisters.com Store!
Click to Visit the Store!
Coping with Cancerhead
Any woman receiving a cancer diagnosis is likely to experience a wide range of fears. The best defense against these fears is accurate information. Although it may be difficult to imagine living with cancer, it is possible to learn to cope with the inevitable fears that accompany this disease.
I vividly remember the day I learned I had cancer. My doctor called with the pathology report from my D&C which stated I had endometrioid adenocarcinoma, FIGO grade 2. He reassured me that it was the "best" type of GYN cancer to have in that it tends to be slow-growing. Devastated, I hung up the phone. He would see me in his office in a couple of days to give me more detailed information on my diagnosis and discuss my initial treatment, which would be a total abdominal hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries. The surgery and staging of the cancer would be performed by a gynecologic oncologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of gynecologic cancers.
I would describe myself as a woman of strong faith with a positive outlook on life. However, with the cancer diagnosis came a deluge of "what-ifs," and cancer began to dominate my thoughts. Fear, anxiety, depression, anger, and sadness were common emotions that plagued me all hours of the day and night. In my quest for information, I discovered the Cancer Concerns Forum on the HysterSister's website. I learned that my "what-ifs" had a name - cancerhead. Time and again this term came up as women described their fears regarding cancer. I found that I was not alone. Psychologists and other experts agree that women diagnosed with cancer respond in similar ways.
- 1) Denial – There must be some mistake.
- 2) Anger – Why are you telling me this?
- 3) Why me? – What did I do, or not do, to deserve this?
- 4) Resignation – I can’t help myself; it’s beyond my control.
- 5) Acceptance – I will fight this with everything I’ve got in me.
Read the entire article.
Share Your Cancer Story
Hystersisters inspires members and visitors through various journeys including the diagnosis and treatments of GYN cancer. You, each of you, inspire and encourage each other with your words of support and your very own personal journey's story.
We invite you to document your journey for the strength and encouragement of others. Submit Your Story here (You must be a registered member to submit your story. Join here.)
Our Cancer Stories
Family History has me running scared
Diagnosed...endometrial early stage post menapause
Stage 4 Endo. Cancer/MRSA/Rad & Chemo
Endometrial Cancer at 30
Now I have Leukemia
My Ovarian Cancer Story-- So Far
I am still here !!!
Wisdom after 20 years
Cancer Surprise (long!)
My Cancer Story
Cervical cancer found after hysterectomy
My Cervical Cancer Story
Clear after almost 7 years..
The "C" word: Is my ego in worse shape than my uterus?
Ready for the 2nd half of life! (very long)
There is hope for survival!
cancer found after RSO, Radical TAH 6 weeks later
Preparing for Radiation/Chemo
I survived
Endometrial Cancer at 32
Browse ALL GYN Cancer Stories of Bravery
From the Forums
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Numbness after lymph node removal.
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CC metastasis to ovaries
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Stage 0 uterine cancer, no further treatment.
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Pelvic Pain?
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Cancer Treatment Side Effects
I've never posted to any forums but hoping someone can help. I was diagnosed wit
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Enlarged Uterus, septated ovarian cyst, ovarian "lesion"
Hi everyone. I'm new here...
Not quite sure I belong, as hysterectomy isn'
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Endocervical Adenocarcinoma in situ
:new:
[FONT="Century Gothic"][COLOR="Magenta"]I received a wonderful call fro
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Got bloodwork results from pre-op today
Pretty much everything's normal - creatinine and glucose a smidge low, but nothi
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Gynecological Cancer Articles
Ovary Transplants for Cancer Patients?
What Type of Surgeon for Cancer?
Cancer Concern - Which Hysterectomy Is Best?
Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer
Cancer Diagnosis - Extra Questions
Diagnosed. What Next?
HPV - Reinfection with Intercourse?
Types of Cancer Cells
Cancer: Endometrial/Uterine Cancer Fact Sheet
Cancer: Ovarian Cancer Fact Sheet
Cancer: Cervical Cancer Fact Sheet
Chemotherapy: What to Expect
Cancer Detected After Hysterectomy
When Are You a Cancer Survivor?
Clueless About Nodes
Overview of GYN Cancers
Being Proactive Didn't Stop the Bad Report!
Fallopian Tubes and Ovarian Cancer
Don't Want to Insult My Doctor by Getting a Second Opinion
How to Handle the Waiting
Types of Specialists
Don't Know How to React to Cancer Diagnosis
Bleeding/Spotting Many Years Post-Hysterectomy
Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia
HPV - Monogamous with an HPV Diagnosis
Trachelectomy -- What Is It?
What is Pelvic Washing?
Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer?
Confusion after Second Opinion
CA-125 Test
Fibroids or Cancer?
HPV and Cancer Risk
What is colposcopy?
Wht is LEEP?
What to Expect: Endometrial Biopsy
Brca
Pelvic Radiation
Hyperplasia, Atypia, and Cancer
Brachytherapy
Cancer - Grading vs. Staging
Diagnosed with Cancer - I need to feel empowered!
Treatment or Hospice?
Lynch Syndrome
Lymphedema
Reduce Your Chance for HPV?
Possible Cancer Diagnosis - Feeling Alone and Sad
Cancerhead - Coping with GYN Cancer Fears
Prevention Tips for Lymphedema
Lymphedema - Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
Endometrial Biopsy?
Browse all Cancer Articles
Browse all GYN Cancer Articles
More GYN Cancer Resources
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