Newly Diagnosed: FIGO 2 Uterine Cancer: What does this mean?

Endometriosis cancer being confirmed by Lab test
Hi I started bleeding in march and finally got into doctor on Monday May 22nd, doctor immediately after the Pap smear said I have endometriosis cancer, I did blood work on Tuesday a complete CBC, CA 125, Thyroid panal and this morning a new test showed up on my labatory pending list called a testosterone, free and total (MS). Can anyone tell me just what the testosterone test is about?

@gratefulcat
I had Endometriod Adenocarcinoma Stage 1A, Figo grade 2. I initially didn't require any treatments, but had a reoccurance 7 months after surgery and had 28 external beam radiation treatments and 3 high dose brachytherapy ones. For me the external beam ones were very quick and simple. I had plenty of gastrointestinal issues from them and the 3 brachytherapy ones were given after about a 10 day break. They were not painful but awkward and lasted much longer than the external beam ones. I believe mine were about 14 minutes each. Thankfully there were only 3 of them. I finished mine in December and just had my first followup with my Gynocological Oncologist and am currently awaiting the results of my tests. I also had positive pelvic washings but wasn't initially treated with radiation. I wish you well and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Hi. Could you please tell me how your reoccurrence was found?

Thank you.

@bangs
Hi. I was being seen by my gynecological oncologist every 3 months. On my 6 month checkup following my hysterectomy he found what he thought was some scar tissue. A kind that would potentially cause bleeding, so he removed it. He felt it was nothing more than scar tissue, but as a precaution it was biopsied and found to be the exact same adenocarcinoma that was found during my hysterectomy. I did have a tiny bit of spotting a few days prior to the exam, but I had moved some furniture and blamed it on lifting.

I am sorry to hear about your recurrence.
Check ups are usually scary. Mine is coming up in two weeks. Originally, my oncologist surgeon had me on 3 month checkups but placed me with his assistant. She’s a PA. So I decided to move to a more renown cancer center. This new oncologist wants to see me every six months. So I’m following her recommendation.

@bangs
Hi. I was being seen by my gynecological oncologist every 3 months. On my 6 month checkup following my hysterectomy he found what he thought was some scar tissue. A kind that would potentially cause bleeding, so he removed it. He felt it was nothing more than scar tissue, but as a precaution it was biopsied and found to be the exact same adenocarcinoma that was found during my hysterectomy. I did have a tiny bit of spotting a few days prior to the exam, but I had moved some furniture and blamed it on lifting.

@angierivas1
I agree! I told my gynecological oncologist that those visits never get easier. He said I know! At my last visit earlier this week he told me that if all is well in December, then I will only need checkups every 6 months. I see him every other visit and PA on the next. I like them all and they each seem to be very thorough. The thoughts of changing the frequency is scary too! I guess we just need to be vigilant and super mindful of our bodies. He told me before the biggest clues of a reoccurance would be bleeding and or unexplained pain.

Hi. My experience is with MD Anderson where a family member was treated for a reoccurrence (we actually think not all of it was caught the first time). I have met a few former patients who continue to check in years after their treatments. One lady who had breast cancer and has been free from it for 21 years told me she had a superstition that if she ever stopped going back, she would likely have a reoccurrence. Obviously, there is no connection. However, this belief probably enhanced the power of her positive thinking, which in many ways is a great support to good health. Trust your instincts and do what you need to alleviate your anxiety.

I'm a few years away from this active surveillance schedule I have after a recurrence in 2021. When I get near to the end of the 5 years of active surveillance without, hopefully, another recurrence or new cancer, I'm going to talk with my cancer care team about still returning on a regular basis for what? Passive surveillance?