@dontbackdown77 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and to our Gynecological Cancers Support Group. We are all cancer survivors here and many of us are currently in treatment.

This diagnosis must have been a terrible shock for you. My experience is that I was so stunned after my gynecologist told me of my diagnosis of endometrial cancer that I lost my way while driving home on a route well known to me. It took me several days to calm down enough to participate in my treatment planning but once that started and I knew what the plan would be I began to feel better. Hope starts with optimism that you will move forward and you will do this with your cancer care team by your side.

I would be happy to help you. So will other members here on Mayo Clinic Connect.

I have a few questions for you that will help us/me to support you. Please answer whatever feels comfortable for you.

1) What is your age?

2) What kind of treatment will you have? For instance, I saw on your profile that you will have chemotherapy. Do you know the name of the chemotherapy agent that will get? How often?
3) Will you receive radiation therapy before, during, or after chemotherapy?

4) I was informed by a nutritionist at Mayo Clinic who specializes in working with cancer patients to have a plant-based diet. That does not mean all vegetarian or vegan. It does mean to reduce the amount of meat (and fat) and add more vegetables and fruits to your diet. So, when I prepared meals (and I still do this) the meat portion (for me, this is usually fish or chicken) is smaller in size than the vegetables. It doesn't matter if the vegetables are "fresh" from Farmers' Market or the produce section. Frozen vegetables are considered just as nutritious and are more available all year round. Limit sugar, and fat. The nutritionist told me that I could have occasional baked goods such as cake or ice cream but in small amounts and I should "balance" that with the addition of something nutritious such as nuts.

5) My Integrative Medicine physician recommended that I add mushrooms to my diet. I don't eat mushrooms every day but I do add mushroom powder to my coffee. I know how odd that sounds but this doctor told me there is ample evidence that mushrooms are protective although most of the data comes from breast cancer studies and not gynecological cancers.

6) Are you currently taking any supplements? If so, what are they and have you talked with your oncologist about your supplements? Many of us have added an Integrative or Functional Medicine physician to our cancer care teams. In my case, my radiation oncologist referred me to Integrative Medicine at Mayo. Your oncologist may be able to do the same. If you'd like help in finding such a physician please let me know and I'll add websites to help you with your search.

7) Do you already see a mental health therapist? If no, then a therapist such as a psychologist or social worker who specializes in working with cancer patients in treatment would be of great support.

This is a start. Will you let me know what information I've provided that is helpful and what is not? And ask more questions so I/we can provide you with all the support that we can?