Endrometrial cancer at a late age

Posted by annguastel @annguastel, 6 days ago

I have been diagnosed with Domitian cancer and need a full hysterectomy removing lymph nodes possibly chemo after. I am 81 years old and don’t know whst my chances are to recover well after the surgery

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

@annguastel Hello and welcome to our Gynecological Cancers support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. I know the feeling of shock when you hear the word "cancer" in a diagnosis. I cannot remember a conversation with a physician that was more alarming. I didn't cry. I was in emotional shock and I couldn't think straight or ask a question.

I do have a question. What is Domitian cancer? Is that a typographical error? If so, then do you know what kind of endometrial cancer was diagnosed? Here is a website that describes the different kinds of endometrial cancer.

American Cancer Society: What is Endometrial Cancer?

-- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/endometrial-cancer/about/what-is-endometrial-cancer.html

There are many of us here in this support group who were diagnosed with cancer at a later age, with some in their 80s. What did your doctor tell you about the hysterectomy? Will the surgery be endoscopic? If yes, then that's what I had and while I was very fatigued after the surgery I was able to take walks pretty quickly after I returned home. My doctor told me that while I did not have a big incision as would have been the case 20 years ago when hysterectomies were often performed by opening the abdomen, my "insides" still needed to heal. So, I followed all the discharge instructions and within 6 weeks when I had my follow-up appointment with my doctor she said I could return to my normal activities.

When is your hysterectomy scheduled?

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Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@annguastel Hello and welcome to our Gynecological Cancers support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. I know the feeling of shock when you hear the word "cancer" in a diagnosis. I cannot remember a conversation with a physician that was more alarming. I didn't cry. I was in emotional shock and I couldn't think straight or ask a question.

I do have a question. What is Domitian cancer? Is that a typographical error? If so, then do you know what kind of endometrial cancer was diagnosed? Here is a website that describes the different kinds of endometrial cancer.

American Cancer Society: What is Endometrial Cancer?

-- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/endometrial-cancer/about/what-is-endometrial-cancer.html

There are many of us here in this support group who were diagnosed with cancer at a later age, with some in their 80s. What did your doctor tell you about the hysterectomy? Will the surgery be endoscopic? If yes, then that's what I had and while I was very fatigued after the surgery I was able to take walks pretty quickly after I returned home. My doctor told me that while I did not have a big incision as would have been the case 20 years ago when hysterectomies were often performed by opening the abdomen, my "insides" still needed to heal. So, I followed all the discharge instructions and within 6 weeks when I had my follow-up appointment with my doctor she said I could return to my normal activities.

When is your hysterectomy scheduled?

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@naturegirl5 sorry was a typo Domitian! They just said it was endometrial cancer. It is scheduled for 10/15/25 and the doctor does a laproscopy surgery supposedly after two weeks I can return to work but no lifting over 10lbs.

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Profile picture for annguastel @annguastel

@naturegirl5 sorry was a typo Domitian! They just said it was endometrial cancer. It is scheduled for 10/15/25 and the doctor does a laproscopy surgery supposedly after two weeks I can return to work but no lifting over 10lbs.

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Hello I had robotic assisted hysterectomy and found it “easy”. Was up at Starbucks the following morning. Back at work two weeks later. One side effect was an addiction to the Hallmark channel! Had surgery December 23 and there was nothing on tv during the day that wasn’t boring or depressing The hallmark channel at least had positive shows. Take care!

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I had a laparoscopic total hysterectomy. Dr. had a very difficult time of removing the uterus because there was severe stenosis in the tissues. This was caused by previous radiation to the pelvis fro anal carcinoma 13 years ago.
This surgery was thus a little more intense than others with out the stenosis.
Despite the difficulty I was released from the hospital the following afternoon. The most discomfort I feel was major abdominal bloating, due to the gas used to open the pelvic area. It took a little while for it deflate. Also, flatulence. Tenderness around the portal in the pelvis made for entry of the scope--belly button, two either side of and lower down, and a horizontal scar across bikini like. The dents are still visible after a year.
My belly was slightly protruding making it look somewhat saggy. Still trying to wrestle this. I believe it requries abdominal exercises, like planks.
It took a little while to heal, the band aid they cover the sutures with (which are dissolving) are not to be removed but allowed to drop off. You can show with them on.
Recommend no bathing, and warm to tepid water to the areas. Definitely no heavy lifting, and use your legs with a straight back when bending over.
Doc. may prescribe pain meds, like Tramaset.
I was ready for my CT scan 6 weeks after the operation.
Remember to move: sort, slow walks, easy house work, even weeding the garden helps. You'll build up your strength gradually. Have patience. You'll get through it.

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I had this robotic surgery at age 67. It was my first surgery ever and it was much easier than expected. I got home at 11pm the same day of surgery (-they were waiting for me to pee on my own.) My oncologist called me the next morning and encouraged me to walk around the house to get my bowels and body moving. For the first days post-surgery I pulled myself upright in bed using the tucked in sheet due to sore abdominal muscles, The pathology report from what was collected became an important piece of my staging and treatment.
I hope this helps in some way as you decide how to proceed.
PS: cooker cooker provided some great details!

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Thank you for responding. Sorry you went through this. It sounds a little more intense than what the doctor is saying but I know everyone’s situation is. I am trying to stay positive a little anxious but I will keep busy until the surgeey

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Profile picture for aardvark2118 @aardvark2118

Hello I had robotic assisted hysterectomy and found it “easy”. Was up at Starbucks the following morning. Back at work two weeks later. One side effect was an addiction to the Hallmark channel! Had surgery December 23 and there was nothing on tv during the day that wasn’t boring or depressing The hallmark channel at least had positive shows. Take care!

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@aardvark2118 That's too funny about the Hallmark channel. We have Netflix and I became attached to "Virgin River". That was in 2019 and oh, well. I eagerly await each new season. At least the show, while sort of a soap opera, is positive.

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Profile picture for annguastel @annguastel

Thank you for responding. Sorry you went through this. It sounds a little more intense than what the doctor is saying but I know everyone’s situation is. I am trying to stay positive a little anxious but I will keep busy until the surgeey

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@annguastel A little anxious sounds about right according to my doctors and nurses. I was anxious because, well, its not every day I have surgery much less a hysterectomy for endometrial cancer.

My memory of the surgical procedure is lying on the OR table awaiting the anesthesia. Just before I went to sleep my surgeon touched my hand, behind my head (I could not see her) and said her name and that she was "here". I found that to be a touching gesture and so soothing.

I wish for you compassionate care from your nurses and doctors.

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I am 66 years old had a complete hysterectomy on 9/5/25. It was robotic and laproscopic. I am amazed at how quickly I have healed. I followed all my discharge instuctions. Never had to take any prescription pain meds. Just Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Make sure you have someone with you for a few days, give yourself grace to rest and recover. You will do well!!

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