Endometrial cancer: I'm so scared

Oh my gosh I so remember that feeling. I promise you it will be ok! They give you anti anxiety medicine as well. Be honest about how you are feeling to your care team and they will do everything to make you feel comfortable. Feel free to ask any questions! I will be thinking of you!!🤗

@sbryant Thank you for letting me know your follow-up schedule. Again, you received such good news! ❤️

I remember all of these feelings so well. By far the 2 hardest parts were hearing the "c" word for the first time, and then telling your kids. Those were the hardest phone calls I ever had to make, as my children do not live in the same city as me. Know that our children are way stronger than we give them credit for. Mine all rose to the occasion and then some! They handled it like champs, along with the regular stresses of their own lives. Also, for anyone who has just been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, please know that there is more than one type. The majority of type 1 have excellent survival outcomes, especially if diagnosed early. It is hard for your mind not to go to the worst case scenario, but they are now so adept at diagnosing the type of endometrial cancer as well as further identifying genetic markers and how they play into the big picture. Just take it day by day through surgeries, treatments, and recovery. Listen to your body and rest when you need to rest. After all surgeries and treatments are done, know that you will have such an appreciation for all the "normal" things in your life. I guess the one benefit is that you have time to reflect on the blessing in your life, the people who love you and who you love back, and just how lucky we are to still have the opportunity to rest and appreciate the beauty all around us. I had my first surgery in December, second in January, and 5 weeks of radiation treatments in March and April. I am now so close to feeling like myself again - biking, dancing, gardening, kayaking - and just profoundly enjoying whatever opportunities present themselves everyday. I wish you all the best.

Hi Shelley,
I just read your posts and I too had endometrial cancer June 2018. I started with spotting but acted on that very fast- the gyno did an ultrasound also swabbed me and some blood came out. The ultrasound showed a lot of fluid then a d and c-diagnosis shocking (healthy fit me) serous papillary endometrial cancer stage-a however I had a second opinion and they said stage 2 since it was creeping into the cervix. I had Da Vinci robotic radical hysterectomy, taxol and carboplatin chemo (lost all hair eyebrows and eyelashes) and then a few rounds of brachytherapy for the vaginal cuff. And I was alone back then- no family or partner (the social workers at the hospital were freaking out but I managed ok-I was 69 when diagnosed. SO fast forward to now- my oncologist has said I no longer need to be checked with him just my regular gyno. So happy ending thus far. But I always look to see if there is the dreaded spotting. Most importantly we have to embrace and enjoy life and dispose of the toxic people that malign us.

I am so sorry you were all alone. How frightening. I am so happy to here things are looking better for you.

Thanks for sharing. I absolutely agree that telling my 5 children was extremely hard especially while trying to remain strong and have a positive outlook look. It amazes me how many women have been through similar situations.

Had robotic surgery December 23 and was up at Starbucks the following morning. Very easy! Just keep moving. Walk every day. More studies are coming out on how exercise and walking help with recovery and prevention of recurrence. You can do this!!

I was diagnosed with stage 3C endometrial cancer in Feb. I'm about to have my 5th chemo treatment Monday June 9th. I'm doing chemo and immunotherapy. My CA125 numbers have gone from 1641 at diagnosis to 105 right now. It's been a very positive feeling of hopefulness watching those numbers drop. My CT scan couple weeks ago showed some lymph nodes and a mass has been resolved. You are going to need a good support system. You need to tell your family. I had my pity party before and while waiting for and after my diagnosis, for about a week. Then I got it together and said I'm not going out like this. Attitude is half the armor you'll need to overcome this. BELIEVE that you'll beat it and you will. I've loved watching my numbers come down. It gives me a little more hope with each report that they have dropped. They need to be 30 or under before my doctor will do hysterectomy. So, get your CA125 numbers from when you were diagnosed and ask them to do the test after every chemo treatment. It's just positive reinforcement that the chemo is working. I'm receiving chemo and immunotherapy only. No radiation so far. I wish you well on your journey. I'm gonna ring that bell before it's over with. 😉

@smevil13 What is the date of your surgery? Since you wrote your post 4 days ago I figure the surgery could be scheduled this week?

I was 67-years-old so post-menopausal when I had a hysterectomy after a diagnosis of endometrial (endometroid adenocarcinoma) cancer. Prior to the surgery I was already experiencing some painful sexual intercourse because of the reduction of estrogen overtime during and after menopause. Prior to the hysterectomy I was using Estradiol inserted vaginally a few times a week and that helped a lot. But...since my cancer was estrogen positive I was advised by my doctor not to use any estrogen cream anymore. I now use a vaginal moisturizer without estrogen. There are many on the market that you can buy over the counter. I use Hyalo-Gyn which I order online. It's helped a lot.

If your surgery is laparoscopic as was the case for many of us here the recovery was far easier than expected.

Since you will be entering menopause following your surgery I suggest working closely with your gynecologist and especially a doctor who specializes in menopause.

When is your surgery scheduled?