My Uterine Cancer Journey Decided No Chemo/Radiation
Today I had my post op consultation with my doctor. I had a full robotic laparscopic hysterectomy on 10/19. During the surgery, my doctor also took out the closest lymph node and took a biopsy of the omentum (large flap near stomach). She said that if cancer has spread, good chance they are in these two areas. I had no pain, discomfort only. Felt 60% of myself right after the surgery. Each day I felt about 5% better. By the 3rd day I didn't need to take anymore advil/tylenol
My timeline:
I had lots of vaginal bleeding on 9/12, on 9/14 had a uterine biopsy, 9/16 a transvaginal ultrasound, 9/28 a D&C, CT scan on 10/12 and then the hysterectomy on 10/19. The biopsy showed serous cancer cells and the D&C confirmed it. CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvic showed it hadn't spread. Today I learned my cancer was stage 1A and grade 3. As I understand it stage 1A because it remained in the endometrial lining and it was in less than 50% of the lining. Grade 3 because serous cancer is aggressive. The treatment she suggested was 6 rounds of chemo and 5 brachytherapy radiation to be extra sure undetected cancer cells aren't anywhere else. I declined because I don't want to introduce anything to my body that will change it forever....if cancer returned I'd consider hormone therapy, immunotherapy maybe radiation. Also, even with chemo/radiation there is a chance cancer would return. I'm nearly 61 and have always been healthy with a good immune system. I have always been someone who wants to enjoy life even if it's for a short while as oppose to extending my life but being miserable. After I declined the chemo, she mentioned there were some other patients with the same diagnosis and same grade and stage who also declined chemo/radiation. And they are doing well. I suggested I come in every 6 months for a CT scan. She mentioned that I would notice something before a CT scan so to stay aware. If I have vaginal bleeding, cancer may have gone to the top of my vagina, if my appetite decreases it may have gone to my stomach and if I have trouble breathing, it may have gone to my lungs. I'm to see her immediately, if I have any of these symptoms and then she'd order a CT. Good thing my fibroids left my body during the hysterectomy so I don't even have to wonder if the bleeding is from fibroids! I return in 4 weeks for the 6 week after hysterectomy check. And then after that, I see her every 3 months. I've been praising and thanking Jesus all day! He gave me peace during this entire journey. I had no worries, slept very well, prayed all the time, focused on taking one day at time and remembering that God is in control. Everybody's journey is personal, and everyone needs to make the best decision for their life and circumstances. Be well informed and listen to your body.
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@naturegirl5 and expensive!! For that price, I will wear it like a hat when it gets cold.
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1 Reaction@naturegirl5 Thank you ... I will imagine your love surrounding me as I navigate the halls of the huge hospital to find my way to the oncologist's office. My goal is to not feel overwhelmed, just safe and protected and not making this into a drama!
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2 Reactions@karieblu Here is was I often tell myself and my friends. You're going through something that is frightening so when you feel very anxious please tell yourself you are allowed your feelings. You don't have to get over the feeling or get rid of it. The anxiety is there for a reason. You might like to use whatever coping skills work for you to bring the anxiety down a notch to help you to navigate through the anxiety. And when the frightening thing (your appointment) is over you get to give yourself a big pat on the back and say "Well done, you". For me, when I face something that is so scary my mind says - oh, no, how can I avoid that? and then I do it anyway. I feel a huge victory.
We are walking those halls in the huge hospital with you. We, in this support group, have all been "there".
@naturegirl5 It looks like I have a mix of garden variety Grade 1 cells mixed with some pesky high grade serous cells. Scary but I love the surgeon! Very reassuring and thinks there is a significant chance removing the uterus will take care of the situation. He's leaving the country soon so I'm scheduled for next week. Trying to get everything organized ...