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Endometrial Cancer Stage IIIC1
Spotting in late April.
Referred to gynecologist after abnormal pap showing atypical glandular cells in June
Ultrasound showed endometrial lining thickened to 19.55mm
Collposcopy, scrape of cervix, and endometrial biopsy resulted in endometrial adenocarcinoma FIGO grade 3
Gynecologic consult Aug 4
Complete hysterectomy bilateral salpingo oopherectomy Aug 8
Pathology report: tumor in uterus, 97% invasion of myometrial lining, cancer cells in right sentinel pelvic lymphnode Stage IIIC1
Consult Sep 2: oncologist recommended platinum systemic therapy of six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Oncologist doesn’t recommend EBRT even though tumor board recommended a referral.
Anyone familiar with this stage and chemo treatment who might be able to share information on side effects. The more I read about chemo, the more I’m afraid to weaken my immune system. Seems like recurrence is likely and wondering about no further treatment?
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@mtstack You are doing all the right things. A plant-based diet seems to help avoid many side effects. With diet and exercise, my numbers remained stable throughout chemo and side effects were minimal. I bet you will have the same experience. I never missed a treatment or had to mask. Keep fighting! You can do this!
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3 Reactions@juliea55
Thank you so much for the support!
I’m so glad to hear that your chemo cycles went well.
That’s a relief to hear.
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1 Reaction@aardvark2118
Thank you so much for your positivity and kind words of support!
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1 ReactionAfter I received my diagnosis, staging and pathology, I was barely treading water. Going for a second and third opinion helped me because all 3 oncologists had the same treatment plan in mind and answered my questions similarly. I cannot describe myself as a warrior, but I am a woman who still wants to live and I will try what might keep me alive, as long as that life is a quality life. If I’m stuck in bed, in constant pain, living on the toilet or with drains & bags attached to me - and that’s the best that I can expect? Then I’ll reconsider my options. We all get to decide for ourselves what’s best, and having knowledge is part of that decision making.
Best wishes to those of you navigating the treatment options. It is an honor to share this space with you.
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8 Reactions@cookercooker
i don't see that it says that it destroys your immune system. i got low on wbc's and neutrophils but i continued to travel -- just mask up and avoid children (which are a lot worse than traveling as far as getting diseases, i think) and try to maintain distance. i have been to japan, canada and seattle while on taxol/platin and switzerland and michigan while on herceptin.
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3 Reactions@val64
Thank you for the information you provided. It is what I have been told from my med oncologist as well. I am getting ready to start my chemo treatments this coming week. It is hard not knowing what to expect but I am very hopeful. I have come up with an amusing way to look at Chemo. It is like pac man. Remember that game. We'll pac man is going to find any cancer cells and destroy them. It helps me to invision that and think of the treatment as my partner not the enemy. Thanks for your encouragement!! All the best to every lady on this forum no matter your situation!! Hugs and prayers to you all!
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6 Reactions@birdergirl, the quote from the article that @cookercooker quoted states "Chemotherapy also can damage your immune system by reducing your number of infection-fighting white blood cells. This makes it harder for your body to fight infections."
Everyone has to calculate their own level of risk avoidance. This will differ from person to person depending on the type of chemotherapy, their response to it and possible co-existing health conditions. I also think that doing what brings you joy is important for recovery. For some that may be travel, for others it may be spending time with children and grandchildren, for yet others it is rest and recovery with little contact until after chemotherapy.
Together we support one another on Mayo Clinic Connect to heal and live without judgement.
When on chemotherapy and around others, it is wise to wear a mask. I'm thrilled that you felt well enough to go on such wonderful trips. Was there any concern about health coverage when spending time out of country while on active treatment?
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3 Reactions@belle4 I love that PacMan metaphor/imagery. All my good wishes to you as you start your chemotherapy treatments this week.
Will you please come back and let me know how it goes and so that I and others can continue to support you?
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1 Reaction@naturegirl5. yes, I will keep in touch. Thanks for the support!!
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1 Reaction@belle4 👋
I recall when I began chemo in March not knowing what to expect. I had 6 cycles, 21 days apart, and the first 2 were quite fine. I found days 3 and 4 after a treatment the most challenging. Get some anti nausea pills and take them every 6 hours to prevent vomiting and dehydration. They work. I stayed away from crowds and was fortunate that spring and summer meant I could enjoy my backyard. I had to have 3 blood transfusions b/c I became quite weak after treatments 4 and 5, but that was okay. I had a month of recovery after I was done chemo, now I am driving 4 hours each day receiving radiation. I am done 5 of 25 planned sessions. It's going well so far, but I'm likely to have side effects after this week. That's okay. I wish you all the best going forward. Listen to your body and take the rest it needs. We can handle a lot if we take 1 day at a time and stay positive. Let us all here know how you are doing, and reach out for help if you need it!!
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5 Reactions