@denisestlouie. The diagnosis must have been a huge emotional shock for you. Since you were diagnosed 8 weeks ago and have already had surgery and started chemotherapy I'd like to say that your cancer team is moving ahead quickly with you. And that is wonderful. May I ask your treatment plan? What chemotherapy are you receiving and what is the schedule?
I am also a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma FIGO Grade 1 in 2019 at age 67 years old. Within a week after diagnosis I also had a radical hysterectomy including ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. The cancer was staged 1a. I had a recurrence in 2021 and had 25 external radiation treatments and 2 brachytherapy treatments. Since the recurrence I have been working with an integrative medicine physician at Mayo Clinic whose expertise is in gynecological oncology. With her guidance I have modified my diet by working with her and a nutritionist. She is a researcher and clinician and told me that there is very little published on the effects of diet on uterine cancers. There is considerable research on breast cancer and so much of what she relays to me comes from that research. One of her suggestions was to consider subscribing to Consumer Lab because this group tests a number of products including supplements. That site is her "go-to" for their research citations and their own testing. You do have to pay for a membership but I have found the price well worth the money.
ConsumerLab.com:
--https://www.consumerlab.com/
I schedule my cancer surveillance appointments as recommended. In fact, that was how the cancer recurrence was found by a pelvic and vaginal exam as I had no symptoms. I now go every 6 months for these appointments and my next appointment is on November 19. I'll have a physical exam and CT.
I have thoughts of cancer most every day however the thoughts do not cloud the rest of my life. Usually. I have learned through mindfulness practices to let those thoughts go. If the thoughts become burdensome then I have a toolbox of mindfulness and coping skills I can go to.
In sum, I am more careful about what I eat, I exercise daily, and I rest when needed.
How are you feeling after your first cycle of chemotherapy?
Thank you for your reply. My chemotherapy regiment is The regiment will be:
Carboplatin AUC 5
Taxol 175mg/m2
Heceptin 8mg/kg
Every 21 days x 6 total cycles.
I'm asking for immunotherapy. Actually I'm demanding it.
I am currently 64. Two years ago I was so diagnosed with Crohn's disease and I was taking a biologic and I wonder if being immunosuppressed had a factor in developing cancer
Because of Crohn's I started working with a holistic/ functional Doctor and before that a Crohn's colitis dietitian. I have made many life style changes before the cancer diagnosis. I had a therapist through the IBD clinic I go to for Crohn's. Most days I've been on the side of I've going to beat this, but last night the reality that my cancer is rare aggressive, and doesn't respond to chemotherapy was overwhelming. My oncologist is great, I don't understand why I'm being treated with a therapy that we know is effective other than no one is studying clear cell uterine cancer because it's so rare or why they are using the the immunotherapy that is being used with cell cell kidney cancer
My first treatment was 8/19. I read that fasting before and after chemotherapy for gynecological cancers helps reduce the side effects from chemotherapy. I had one one day I felt tired and three day of systemic inflammation which is what I felt with a Crohn's flare. On day 8 I woke up feeling on top of the world. I hope each round goes this well. Im also walking my dog every morning 2 miles and I'm have a trainer for strength and balance. I'm doing everything in power to feel in control.
I'm still in shock.