What helps prevent recurrence of endometrial cancer?

I just saw my endometrial biopsy results. Looks like high grade serous type. I went to the gynecologist in April because I saw one spot of blood. I had an ultrasound end of April and my lining was 7mm. I had my biopsy done July 9. Just saw the results on my UPMC app. They came in yesterday. I called my doctor this afternoon. I’m waiting on a return call. I am glad to have found you all.

Sending hugs. We will be here for you.

@ffr Thank you. I see the gynecological oncologist this Monday.

@dobraka My situation was the same 1 year ago. Saw spot of blood, went to gynocologist and was diagnosed with Serous Endometrial Intraepithelial Carcinoma. I was shocked and terrified. Happy to share my experiences as you traverse this. Just reach out. It's quite an emotional whirlwind for me.

@dobraka Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and to our Support Group. The results from the biopsy must have been a big shock for you. Your timing from when you first noticed the spot of blood until now when you had the biopsy is about the same time line as I experienced. I was so shocked when I got the diagnosis (from my gynecologist by phone) that I took a wrong turn later in the day on the way back from his office and realized that I didn’t know where I was. And this was a well known route to me.

How did you feel when you read the results? And how are you feeling today? I’m glad you found us.

You’ve come to a good place where you will receive a lot of support and compassions from our Support Group.

I hope you get in to see your gynecologist right away. We have all learned to advocate for ourselves. Many of us have received those initial appointments too far into the future and so we’ve done the following. We ask to be put on a wait list in case of a cancellation from another patient. We call the office a few times a week, in the morning, asking if there is an earlier appointment we can get.

I found it’s helpful to have another set of “ears” in my appointments. When I’m upset or nervous I miss things. I make a list of what I want to talk with the doctor about Is there someone who can go to your appointment with you?

@dobraka
To add to Helen’s great suggestions…..
If you forget a question or think of something later, after things settle into your brain, call the office. There may be a nurse navigator who will be able to answer your questions or will have the doctor respond. The portal can be another option for questions, but not for really serious or timely inquiries.
My husband recorded a couple of the early oncologist conversations about the type and grade of my cancer, as well as treatment options, which was extremely helpful. This was done with my doctor’s approval (he did hesitate, but oh well) and proved to be very helpful when my handwritten notes were insufficient and I missed or misremembered things. My head was swimming and anxiety put me into another galaxy. So we get it.

These are all wonderful insights. I just want to offer hope. In October 2022 I heard a similar diagnosis as a death sentence. This week I passed the 3 year anniversary of treatment ending and am cancer-free. There is hope and treatment options (I had surgery 11/22 and chemo and radiation the first 8 months of 2023). Yes, advocate for yourself and gather your people. My faith played a huge role, as well as friends and family. It helped me to move towards viewing the cancer as part of my life , rather than interrupting my life. A day at a time. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I can say that having cancer showed me some things about myself and my life and my life now is healthier and so much more full and aligned with my values. You have my love and prayers.

@jeanadair123 I have never had an internal exam after the coloscopy and followed by total hysterectomy and carboplatin and paclitaxel to treat endometrial serous cell stage3C1. Cancer ca markers diminished slightly by tumor didn't change a new on found in the vaginal cuff.
Switched to Enhertu a had shown great results--NED over the past year of3wk infusions. But still, no internal exam, with or with or without speculum. Is this soley because of the NED? Should I insist on an internal exam?

@cookercooker
I would ask for internal examinations. I have one each time at my follow up visits.

@cookercooker My NP performs an internal exam at every cancer surveillance appointment. I've been NED for 4 1/2 years and she still does an internal exam. I asked her about this and she was surprised to find out that some providers do not perform internal exams at these appointments. An internal exam - a pelvic exam - is how my recurrence on the vaginal cuff was found.

So, yes, in your place I'd advocate and insist on an internal exam.