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Endometrial Cancer: Noticing my blessings every day
I was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer, FIGO Grade 1 in late July. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and asked for a referral to Mayo. A few days after the referral, I met with my GYN-Oncology team, and a few days after that I had a radical hysterectomy at Methodist Hospital. The surgery was two weeks ago today. I am grateful that I had the means to go to Mayo Clinic, for my surgeon and her incredible team, and that I am now back home on this gorgeous day surrounded by support and love from my family and friends. (The cancer was staged Ia - caught very early and no other treatment is recommended). My life is a gift for which I am very grateful.
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Starko: thank you very much. My brother just bought me a treadmill. I'll get on it now. What fruits did you eat? It's good to know that the first chemo is the worst. If I can survive this, I'll make it through others.
Glad to hear of the treadmill! Take it slow at first, then speed up with time. I have a smoothie every morning, almond milk, banana, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and most important to settle your stomach, Greek, no fat yogurt! Then a whole wheat English muffin. Not sure if you know this but I fasted for 24 hours prior to each chemo session. Apparently, it helps the chemo get directly to the cancer without being partially absorbed by food particles. We want to kill the cancer and this happens faster! Every chemo session will become easier than the last. Hang in... it will soon be all over when you become well again!
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1 ReactionStarko: will buy all the ingredients for the smoothie tomorrow, as well as whole-wheat English muffins. As for fasting before chemo, did your doctor say it would help to kill cancer cells more directly? Again, thanks for all of this practical advice.
This is an unrelated question. I heard you mention HE4,S before. Should I ask my doc to do this test? If so, why? What would it tell me? I'm already getting the CA-125 test.
Whole wheat: only if you are not sensitive to wheat
(Celiac)
No wheat if you have celiac disease: wheat allergy
My neighbor just had cervical cancer which spread to her vagina. She told me that she was having radiation treatments.
I wanted to ask her the symptoms but did not.
(I have been having discomfort in that area.)
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I went to the gynecologist.
My gynecologist was upset that I had not seen her in many years( I am 70.)
She did not biopsy the cervical/vaginal area... but said
“ I don’t see anything.” ????
Is cervical/vaginal cancer no longer diagnosed when the older patient has not had a test in decades?
Yes! The chemo locates the cancer easier without interference of food, but remember I had ovarian cancer so it was important to have an empty abdomen. Those little cancer buggers like to hide in the crevices of the abdomen.
My incredible Mayo gyn/oncology/surgeon claims this test is a better indicator then CA125. When I was first diagnosed myHE4,S was high (722) and with each chemo session, I watched it come down finally to 54 so we knew chemo was working. My local oncology does not use this test, but now he does! It is the same blood draw (hope you have a port) so please ask for it. I get both these tests every two weeks.
Hi. I had ovarian cancer with zero symptoms! You need an oncologist! Get an ultrasound in that area, CT scan, CA125 tumor marker test as well as an HE4, S tumor marker. In retrospect, I had colon blockage, was taken into the hospital, given a CT scan, then was diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer. Not sure if the colon problem was directly related to-the cancer. I am sure you are aware that cancer in those areas are the most serious of all womens cancers! Take action now!