Gynecologic cancers: What do you wish you had known?

Thank you- I admire how much effort and time you put in as a volunteer mentor. It is greatly appreciated. I have never had any pain or "unexplained' bleeding. I had significant bleeding after my endometrial biopsy (no sample obtained), vulvar biopsy (benign) and D & C (no sample obtained) due to significant atrophy and thinning tissue. However, the reason I'm very anxious this week is because my gyn noticed some oxidized blood in my vagina during my annual exam last week. He has the strong opinion that this is oxidized blood from old trauma/atrophy and NOT blood from the endometrium/cervix. I really hope he is correct but it is difficult to be positive without getting a sample from my endometrium (which is proving to be rather difficult to do). That's why I'm so anxious to get the results of my latest pap and pelvic MRI. The waiting is always a challenge for all of us.!

I had no menstrual bleeding. Was diagnosed with stage 3c serous cell endometrial cancer. I had to persuade the women's clinic to give me a pap test; they were reluctant because at the time, in Canada, they don't give pap test every year-it was every 2 years. I believe now it is every 3 years. Abnormal cells were found, not unusual for me. Had a coloscopy and there it was -- cancer. I wish I had not waited the 2 years to get the pap test.

@sle3364 Thank you for writing back to me. Yes, the waiting is so difficult. I have been in that place so many times. For me, anxiety is about what may or may not happen. Sometimes what works for me is to say to myself, instead of the worst that can happen, what if the results turn out to be good news? As I think about it most of the times I have worried about my test results or a medical appointment the outcome was good news. I am hoping and wishing that it is good news for you.

@naturegirl5
Well, so far the news is good! The app smear came back negative and the MR I report showed that my endometrial thickness decreased by a good bit. However, I will wait until my appointment next Friday with my gym onco ( and a review of the scans themselves) before I will really take a relaxed breath after this months long waiting game. I am thankful for the good news and feel blessed. The waiting is so draining and I wish good outcomes for all.

Had nine biopsies under anesthesia yesterday. Results next week as to how much to "scoop" out. Doctor only gave my five pain pills. How many will she give for big cut? It seems after opioid crisis they have swung too far the other way.

@sle3364 Yes!! 👏 This is very good news. Your appointment with your gyn/oncologist is, thankfully, very soon. I do understand and have experienced the waiting to see what my physician will say following tests and scans.

I wish you a good outcome. Will you please let me know what happens in your appointment next Friday?

@kate14 It’s good that you had biopsies while sedated. Here is something I know and have experienced. Whenever a medical provider writes a prescription for a controlled substance such as opioids the prescription is “logged” by the state. So, yes, in a sense the pendulum has swung the other way to prevent substance abuse and addiction. I get it. However, how much and how often one needs medications can and should be discussed with one’s physician.

When is your next appointment so you can discuss the results with your physician?

June 12 at the hospital. Then the big one the 15. One of the nurses mentioned that this doc is very reluctant with pain meds.

@kate14 Thank you for sharing the dates. I don’t know a medical provider these days who is NOT hesitant with pain meds. I don’t have a history of dependence or addiction but it does exist in my family. IF this were me, I’d explain my history, my family history and my pain level and then ask the doctor. The doctor may have good suggestions for you. What do you think of this idea?

@naturegirl5
Well, the news is still good. My gyn oncologist thought that I was in the clear as the MRI now shows my endometrium is 3 mm . She believes the "old" blood in the vaginal canal was residual from all my procedures and atrophy. I will have a follow up appointment in 4 months and will keep my fingers crossed that all remains calm. Thank you so much for your calming voice and the time you take to keep everyone so well informed. I wish everyone an uneventful summer!