Connect
← Return to Biopsy confirmed: I have squamous cell carcinoma
Discussion
Biopsy confirmed: I have squamous cell carcinoma
Cancer | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (52)Comment receiving replies
@debbiejp I’m happy to know that you feel relieved. Waiting for biopsy results is very anxiety-provoking as you know given the many years you worked in cancer care as an RN. However, it’s different when you, yourself, are the patient, right?
The answer is yes, I am a patient. I was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma, FIGO Grade 1, Stage 1a in 2019. I dutifully scheduled and went to all of my cancer surveillance appointments and a recurrence was found in 2021. I had radiation therapy and have been continuing with cancer surveillance appointments with no evidence of disease since 2021. I live in a rural area of Michigan and so the cancer care I needed in 2019 was not locally available. I received a referral to Mayo Clinic in Rochester and I’ve been a patient there since 2019.
How are you feeling about your medical care?
Replies to "@debbiejp I’m happy to know that you feel relieved. Waiting for biopsy results is very anxiety-provoking..."
Connect
Helen, thank you so much for reaching out to me. As I wait for the biopsy results, I feel in limbo, unattached and on the sideline. As I worked in cancer nursing for so many years and then as a Hospice nurse for almost 10 years, there is no surprise factor anticipated. I feel I know what is ahead, have accepted it and intend to fight each cell within me. It’s the not knowing that’s difficult.
I am in the panhandle of Florida and until 5 years ago, I lived on 80 acres here. It was actually my family homestead settled in 1832. I’m getting old (at 71) and have numerous other health concerns (nursing kills you)! lol. Broke back, replaced knee, urostomy for Stage 3 chronic kidney disease and others. I moved to the suburbs and am happy here, closer to hospitals and family. I worked with the Oncologists whom I’ll be seeing soon so that is kind of weird.
You are way ahead of me and I’m sure you’re feeling blessed to have yours in remission or gone.
Thank you again for reaching out. I feel the need to connect with someone who can understand the myriad of emotions I’m feeling at present. It is odd to me that I’m not afraid, angry or panicking - I just feel detached but blessed that I’ve connected with you. Thanks again and I hope you will keep in touch. I’d like to stay in the loop with you and your journey forward.