Connect
← Return to My Uterine Cancer Journey Decided No Chemo/Radiation
Discussion
My Uterine Cancer Journey Decided No Chemo/Radiation
Gynecologic Cancers | Last Active: Aug 11 2:57pm | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
Hi, I to had endometrial cancer in July 2022, stage 1 grade 2 on 30% of my endometrium. After staging during surgery all came back clear. I was advised NO chemo or therapy was needed. Surgery went well, thank God & recovery great. I see my Dr every 6 months now. I'm Planning a ct-scan for this 2nd year, but I'm not even sure if they can see very small recurrence early on. Every day is a blessing but The Big C is on my mind often, more times than I wish. It has changed my life forever and I will never be the same person. However I'm working on putting those negative thoughts out of my mind as fast as they appear, easier said than done but I'm trying hard, lol. I travel, I enjoy my life and my family to the max. I'm also grateful to God and my Dr for being alive and "healthy" today. My biggest fear is of it returning back too soon, I'm in my late sixties but feel and look younger. I pray that if it comes back that it's very late in my life cycle. I would like to see my grandkids become adults. The fact that no meds or chemo were given or suggested worries me even more, a lot. If I was given the chance to have done it, I'm sure I would have taken it at least as a precaution. Even the Princess of Monaco took that route. No meds leaves too much room for a recurrence. And even though my Dr told me that there is no scientific evidence that proves (for people in my same exact situation) that chemo or radiation should be the route to take instead of just watching it, (as we are currently doing) I'm still hesitant to accept that as fact, But I DO TRUST HER, so I'm putting ALL my faith in her and God to keep me cancer free. We will see what the future holds for me down the road. Only time will tell, Amen. BEST WISHES TO ALL OF US.
Replies to "Hi, I to had endometrial cancer in July 2022, stage 1 grade 2 on 30% of..."
Be thankful your surgery was curative and did not need radiation or chemo. I had stage 1 colon cancer in 2016 (age 61) and only needed the surgery. I have read of many secondary cancers caused by radiation and chemo. I am so thankful I did not need either. I am an avid hiker, and I could not bear the thought of having the neuropathy that chemo causes in the feet and legs. If I was faced with cancer again, I am not sure I would choose either chemo or radiation. I know it is hard the first couple of years not to be consumed by the thoughts of cancer returning, but after two years, the odds are in your favor of remaining NED.
Connect
@ihndz My journey is very much like yours. My initial diagnosis was in 2019 (I was 67-years-old at the time) and I had a radical hysterectomy with ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix all removed. The cancer was endometroid adenocarcinoma Stage 1a, Grade 1. With 6 month cancer surveillance appointments (physical exam including pelvic) my nurse practitioner found a tiny polyp on my vaginal cuff. That was two years later and it was a recurrence. So, I had radiation therapy. After that I had CT scans and physical exams every 4 months and there has been no evidence of disease. I'm still going back for the cancer surveillance appointments but now these are every 6 months.
Like you cancer lingers in my mind. The diagnosis itself and of course the treatments changed my thoughts, my emotions and my life forever too. Most every day I feel grateful for my health and I maintain that health through positive changes in my diet, exercise, and enjoying my "mostly" retired status. I still work part-time although I'm going to completely retire at the end of this year. My days are full as I have found so many interests I enjoy. I love to get up in the morning when I choose to get up, with no rushing around to get out the door for work, and enjoying that second cup of coffee.
I trust my nurse practitioner who has been with me since 2019 and the radiation oncologist and staff when I had radiation therapy two years ago.
I found my way to Mayo Clinic Connect because of cancer. That's a huge blessing.