Should I be worried? Endometrial adenocarcinoma grade 1.

@yolix Welcome to our Gynecological Cancers support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. Many of us here, including myself, were diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma. Like you, my diagnosis was Grade 1. I was very shocked and disoriented by my diagnosis in 2019 and was fortunate to see a specialist (gynecological/oncologist) within a few days after diagnosis. My surgery was scheduled two weeks after diagnosis. I would not have wanted to wait any longer but I know many of our members here in this support group have waited several weeks before surgery.

I can only speak for myself. If I had scheduled a vacation or trip that interfered in time with the treatment/surgery for this diagnosis I would postpone the trip. But that’s me and I was very worried until the surgery was completed and I found out that I was staged 1a and nodes were clear.

How anxious are you about your diagnosis and surgery?

What does your doctor say about waiting vs. going for the earlier date?

@yolix I was diagnosed the same as you in 2011. The cancer is slow-growing. Enjoy your cruise. Then have the surgery. Pay attention and get check-ups as prescribed. Cancer is insidious; make peace with that knowledge. You'll have many cruises in your future, I'm sure!

given my personality i would not be able to truly enjoy a cruise knowing about the cancer. i would also struggle afterwards if it didn't come back as the lowest grade and stage possible, i would be upset with myself for not taking the earlier surgery date.

with all that said, the difference of 4 weeks in surgery most likely won't change the level of cancer you have. cancer is a beast to beat but 1 month doesn't make a big difference either way.

just know that you aren't just delaying the surgery your radiation (if suggested) will be delayed also since you can't start radiation until you heal from the surgery.

I waited, and I reget it big time! An east coast oncologist could have performed my surgery in 4 days. A west coast oncologist couldn't perform it till 4 weeks out. I waited 4 weeks out for the west coast doctor for convenience, because that's where I live. Not only was the wait torture mentally (I would not have been able to enjoy a cruise), but after the surgery I learned that the cancer penetrated the lining of my uterus into the middle layer, by just a few tiny cells. Well, those few tiny cells means a higher probability of recurrence, lower survival rate, and aggressive chemotherapy. I wouldn't risk a few days on a cruise for a life time of pain and suffering. Like in my case, just a few tiny cells of progression can make a huge difference in your outcome.

Speaking for myself, though a different GYN situation— I wanted to do the surgery as soon as possible…who can really predict what cancer will or will not do ? Hoping you will get credit from the cruise company and take many more and carefree cruises in the future !

Yeah, if you will tell the cruise company about your health condition i think they will refund some of your ticket fee.

@yolix I’m curious what you decided to do. Are you going for the June 16th date? Or waiting until July so you can go on the scheduled cruise?

Hello. I too had endometrial cancer. I waited 7 weeks for surgery because I wanted a specific surgeon. This cancer is generally slow growing. I’m no doctor but I think I’d take the vacation. Best of luck to you!

Hi, here is my timeline…
Sept - symptoms began (very slight post menopausal bleeding), visited GYN
October - Ultra Sound showed NO problems though symptoms remained
October - I refused an “in-office” biopsy (two were very painful 18 years ago)
December - met with a new GYN
January - new GYN did a hysteroscopy under sedation. Found stage 1A
endometrial cancer
February - ONCO-GYN did robotic hysterectomy: cells are grade 3
April - started four VBT radiation treatments
May - finished VBT
June - first follow-up with Onco-Gyn - says its healing perfectly.

Changing docs caused a three month delay. Docs were so “booked”, that was the best I could do (and the second doc’s normal wait time was five months - I got in because of a cancellation). What will it all mean? Have no idea, but it’s what it is & time will tell. I am very glad I changed docs and did not rely on the first faulty UltraSound report. Trust your instincts. Have a wonderful cruise!