My Uterine Cancer Journey Decided No Chemo/Radiation

Hello there,
I had to reply after reading your most inspiring story. I have recently been diagnosed with stage 1 grade 3 serous endometrial cancer, and have been advised to have the same remedial treatment as you , after having the hysterectomy. Like you I have always had good health, take no pills, and until this, didn’t even have a doctor. I have no desire to embark on this treatment,
And like yourself, I value my health and quality of life. Your letter has given me hope that my choices are the right ones. Thank you

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.

@pugpeople It's been awhile since you've posted here. Your words here have provided inspiration and comfort to others making decisions such as yours. How are you?

@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.

Hi @meggsybundy, welcome. Have you had surgery already? How are you doing?

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.

@naturegirl5 thank you Helen, It made me feel better to read your story/journey, it gives me comfort coming from someone in a situation similar to mine surgery and all.

We are changed forever after this and from that point on we are living our new normal.

I Try to stay positive, live my life fully and are thankful for everything the Lord granted me so far. I have to admit that there are moments when any minor ache or pain or even a questionable pimple or lump scares the Hell out me for days lol, I do try to stay calm and focus on what I need to do. Thanks again for caring.

So glad to read your post and that you are doing well. Could you kindly share any reputable resources that note radiation (brachytherapy) causes secondary cancers? This treatment has been around since the 1900s and I just want to be sure we do not discourage anyone who may be considering the treatment that is highly targeted and proven effective. Thank you

See the comment above on this thread:
chrissiebee | @chrissiebee | Mar 5, 2023
I had endometrial cancer in 1996, Stage 1, non aggressive, complete hysterectomy with removal of ovaries. I was told it was gone and never to worry about it again. Then in 2002 it metastasized (tennis ball size) on to my outer colon and hip bone. I had a colon resection and very strong radiation. I opted for no chemo. The radiation oncologist said he had to give it to me for a longer period of time and stronger which could kill me or cure me. That was over 20 years ago. I am doing well considering what I had but have had radiation enteritis for about 7 years. No doctor ever diagnosed me or could give me an answer to my symptoms. I had a colonoscopy and there was no cancer but my colon has strictures, scarring, etc. which causes problems. I now have bladder cancer and was told by 3 doctors it's from the radiation I had. I'm having two different types of chemo directly into my bladder once a month for a year, after I had 6 weeks of it at the beginning. The effects I'm experiencing for weeks after the chemo are pretty extreme radiation enteritis. All I can do is accept it, spend most of the day when it begins in bed resting and sleeping, drinking often, and eating very lightly. I'm extremely weak during this time. In a few days I feel myself getting back to normal and feel pretty normal. This month is my last chemo, hopefully, and I may return to just being symptomatic every few months. A doctor recommended I take turmeric for the inflammation so I began taking the liquid form recently. Hoping it helps control it. I have a very strong faith in God and this above all has helped me through this cancer journey. BTW, I also had breast cancer in 1997, a lumpectomy, radiation and am doing well

There are many credible sources. Here are a few:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/long-term-health-concerns/second-cancers-in-adults/treatment-risks.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866968/
https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/rg.2021200171

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am at the beginning of just trying to find out why I am bleeding and having pelvic pain. I am a Christian also and praying what they find is not cancerous. Although I know it is not a good sign at 71 to be having these symptoms, and am praying I’m in the 10% group that is not cancer. Praying for your continued healing and protection from our Lord. God Bless!