The beginning process of diagnosing endometrial cancer

Posted by tishie58 @tishie58, Jun 27 7:21pm

Hi, I have had a positive UTI 5 times in 6 months. Along with increasing discomfort in my lower pelvis and lower back. It feels like my insides want to fall out. I had a CT scan and it said, suspicious for endometrial neoplasm. I am waiting for upcoming urgent GYN consult.
I'm so scared. Age 66. Anyone experience this and where are you in the process now. Thank you so much for responding.

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lathomasmd | @lathomasmd | Jun 28 7:30am

Hello Tishie,
I certainly hope you do not have cancer. But I think it helps to prepare for the worst.
I have ovarian cancer. The serenity prayer has been very helpful as I have gone through diagnosis and treatment. (Grant me the strength to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference.)
The next most helpful thing is having the right doctor. If you don’t have great confidence in your doctor, you MUST get a second opinion. Or a third, if necessary.
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
—Laurie

tishie58 | @tishie58 | Jun 28 8:18am

In reply to @lathomasmd "Hello Tishie, I certainly hope you do not have cancer. But I think it helps to..." + (show)

Thank you Laurie for reaching out. Sending positive vibes for all you are going through. I am planning for the worse. So weird to have such a gut reaction to it all. I've heard that when you know, you know.
Tishie, my family nickname
Someone else used Trish.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jun 28 8:43am

@tishie58 I understand the fear and I felt that during the process of gynecological exams, a D & C, and then the pathology report that told me I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. However, here is something that can be reassuring. Radiologists who read CTs and ultrasounds need to use the words « suspicious for » because it alerts the referring physician that it « could » be cancer. « Suspicious for » isn’t a diagnosis. It’s a supposition that what is found should be follow up on. My husband is a pathologist (now retired) who explained this to me.

I hope that the above can be reassuring. Your CT scan is suspicious for cancer. Or it may not be cancer. Ask yourself this question - what if isn’t cancer? Then your doctors must keep following up to figure out what is going on and how to treat this ongoing pain.

I had repeated UTIs 25 years ago. Then I had a fever. Repeated doses of antibiotics worked while I was taking them but once I finished the course of antibiotics the symptoms returned. I was diagnosed with a huge kidney stone that was was infect and was lodged in the upper part of my left kidney. This isn’t to say that your symptoms are those of kidney stones although I’m thinking your doctor was looking for that.

Referrals sometimes can take time. If you don’t hear back in a few days I recommend that you call the gynecologist’s office and press for an appointment very soon. Will you do that?

shivey | @shivey | Jun 28 3:22pm

Hi I had uterine cancer in 2018 and I had a radical hysterectomy in July 2018 and after I recovered from surgery I was fine. Hope it all goes well for you. Best wishes ps I was 68

tishie58 | @tishie58 | Jun 28 5:08pm

In reply to @shivey "Hi I had uterine cancer in 2018 and I had a radical hysterectomy in July 2018..." + (show)

Thank you so much for responding. Scary journey for sure. I'm glad you are fine now!

tishie58 | @tishie58 | Jun 28 5:15pm

In reply to @naturegirl5 "@tishie58 I understand the fear and I felt that during the process of gynecological exams, a..." + (show)

Thank you very much for responding Helen. I'm sorry for everything you've been through. I do have my consult scheduled for July 2nd.
I am still working full time and trying not to panic. I have times where the whole situation takes my breath away.
I'm happy for the times I'm distracted by work. I don't want my kids, 43, 44 and 46 to know anything right now. I live alone
so all the beautiful women responding to me has been most helpful. Hugs and best wishes to all of you!!!!

shivey | @shivey | Jun 28 5:24pm

In reply to @tishie58 "Thank you so much for responding. Scary journey for sure. I'm glad you are fine now!" + (show)

It is scary but you will be fine and it’s amazing what we can adjust to, if I can ever help in any way please reach out anytime

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jun 29 5:15pm

In reply to @tishie58 "Thank you very much for responding Helen. I'm sorry for everything you've been through. I do..." + (show)

@tishie58 Your consult is on Tuesday. That's just a few days away. Will you come back and let me know what you find out?

Yes, I've been through it but I feel I'm on the other side as my last few check-ups have shown no evidence of disease. Reminding ourselves that we are warriors - that really helps me.

I can understand why you don't what to tell your children right now and you don't yet know what's happening and what the potential treatments might be. Will you talk with them after your consult on July 2?

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jun 29 5:16pm

In reply to @shivey "It is scary but you will be fine and it’s amazing what we can adjust to,..." + (show)

@shivey You are right. When I look back I realized I've amazed myself on what I was afraid of and then once something happened I adjusted to it and moved forward. We are more resilient than we predict for ourselves.

tishie58 | @tishie58 | Jun 30 9:05am

In reply to @naturegirl5 "@tishie58 Your consult is on Tuesday. That's just a few days away. Will you come back..." + (show)

Good morning Helen, yes I'll come back and let you know how my consult goes.
I ended up telling my 46 year old daughter because she could hear it in my voice. I'll let the boys know after I know more.
I feel frozen, it will be good to go to work tomorrow so I can be very busy. Thank you for being there Helen, your kindness means a lot. Trish

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