too much info - am overwhelmed

Hi Jackie,

Just wanted to add another encouraging note. I had a TAHBSO for "probable" endometrial (uterine) cancer, and the "probable" was indeed reality, stage 1B.

That was 4 1/2 years ago, in mid-Feb of 2000. I've been fine, cancer-free, and with no major after-effects. My surgery went smoothly, my recuperation was actually rather enjoyable with little or no discomfort, and I'm now back to once-a-year pap smears, and twice-a-year pelvic exams. Next Feb will hopefully be my last followup CT scan--the five-year deal is standard protocol for many drs.

My cancer was caught early and required no further treatment.

I know that not everyone has the same story to tell, and the after-effects of major surgery vary from person to person. But know that a hopeful and positive attitude can certainly help in your recuperation.

If anything, I'm in better physical shape now, healthier and leading a far more balanced life. Down at least one dress size, too

Many of us here have discovered that the word cancer is just that....a word, not a sentence! And it has, for many of us, been a wake-up call to prioritize the things that REALLY matter in our lives, and to live each day in a high-quality kind of way. I'm not sure that I'd be living like I do now, if it hadn't been for cancer. Believe it or not, it's been a blessing!

Take it easy, pace yourself SLOWLY after your surgery, and come back here as often as you need to, to ask questions, cry, rant & rave, laugh, and share your own journey with us.

Blessings.
Marlene

Jackie,

Though I had breast cancer, not uterine cancer, let me say that your reaction is normal. When I was first diagnosed I was overwhelmed with the information, the decisions, the knowledge I was expected to have. I think it is always a good idea to consider second opinions before proceeding with treatment of any kind. I went to MD Anderson for a second opinion regarding treatment on my BC. They also have specialists in uterine cancer, so consider a second opinion at a major cancer center. Then do all the research you can, get all of your facts and make ready to do battle. You are your own best advocate in this process. Understand what the doctors are saying and speak to them in language they understand. They will then not "dumb" things down to you.

And lastly, just breath. You are going to get through this. I just had a LAVH BSO this year due to a suspicious growth on my right ovary. It turned out to be B9. How wonderful! Remember this health stuff is a process, not an event. Just follow the path that is right for you.

Good luck,
Kelly

Thank you so much for helping me to bounce back and to feel better. I realized after learning that I was going too have this hysterectomy, that I actually didn't know what that meant. So I read the men's section and that helped tremendously. Today, I attended a hysterectomy class at my hospital and that helped also. You're right when you say knowledge helps.

Also, I feel better because I learned yesterday that I do NOT have cancer, just pre-cancer cells. That info was, needless to say, comforting. But I still want to get this surgery done asap 'cause who knows when the cells will change to cancer; I don't want to spend my life thinking about this, there are more important things than dwelling on what might happen!

As for the doctor that I am using, she is a gyn-oncologist and she will be doing the surgery. I have every confidence in her and my gyn. They have been so supportive and up-front with me. And discovering this site is the best!

I just got the date of my surgery — scheduled for August 27th. Now that I have the date, I can prepare for the weeks of recovery, like cleaning the house and making sure that the items I need next to my bed are ready for me. That will make me feel better too.

I ordered the swelly belly to help me also. I've had a c-section and gall bladder surgery almost 20 yrs ago, so I am familiar with recovering from surgery.

By the way, I am a 52 yr old diabetic, not on insulin at the moment, and have some kidney insufficiency. I'm more concerned about that and the fact that I keep getting cellulitis (a serious skin infection).

All for now!

— Jackie

Hi Jackie,

Pre-cancerous or cancerous, if you need to have a hysterectomy, you must have the surgery performed by an oncologist/gynecologist. They are the only true experts in the field.

Rosalie

Dear Jackie,

Good news from your doc. Sounds like you are in good hands with a GYN/ONC!

You must be tremendously relieved!

Good luck with your ssurgery and recovery!

Jackie, You must be very relieved to learn it is not cancer. That is such wonderful news! I hope your surgery and recuperation go well.
s and blessings, peggiesue