Endometrial Cancer: Noticing my blessings every day

Posted by Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5, Aug 20, 2019

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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I had chemo and radiation for 4 mos and no bad affects. Had radiation every day for 1 hour over the lower half of my body and a chemo port for 24/7 chemo and I went to work everyday. That was 12 years ago and it's back so do everything you can!

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@mindyg

I had no spread everything was clear 14%invasion into my myometrial wall nothing even in the wash out. 20% chance of reoccurance with no treatment 10% with treatment. Its a tough decision

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@mindyg, it certainly is a tough decision and ultimately a decision only you and your family can answer. Along with weighing the chance of recurrence, you may also want to consider your age and other underlying conditions. Are you young and/or in good health otherwise to manage chemo and radiation well? Do you have underlying conditions that might make further treatment more difficult and compromise quality of life?

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that is what makes it such a troubling decision there is an 80% chance it wont come back.

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I had endometrial cancer, stage one, almost three years ago. Mayo checks me yearly and I am doing well. To have diagnosed the cancer early is a blessing.

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@harriethodgson1

I had endometrial cancer, stage one, almost three years ago. Mayo checks me yearly and I am doing well. To have diagnosed the cancer early is a blessing.

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How wonderful that you discovered the cancer at such an early stage! Were there any symptoms that you might pass on to others? It goes without saying that you received the best care possible, at Mayo, as did I also.

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I didn't have many symptoms: twinges in my ovaries as if I was getting ready for a period, though I was well past that. One dark discharge. Because I didn't feel right, I made an appointment with a Mayo nurse practitioner. She believed me, ordered tests, and they pointed to a diagnosis of endometrial cancer. This diagnosis was confirmed at the beginning of surgery and I had a hysterectomy. Later, my primary care physician said it was a good thing I listened to my body, otherwise the outcome would have been different.

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I do not want to alarm anyone but I had endometrial cancer in 2009. I went for my regular checkups in Texas and everything was great. In 2013 we move to California I wanted to resume my check ups so I made an appointment with a gynecologist oncologist, I was surprised he did not use a speculum and mentioned it he said that is because there is only a 1% chance it will return. Three more oncologists in 2 years no one used a speculum so I had my GP do one. I still continued to find an oncologist who would use one. Finally I found an oncologist who said she would do it but doubted she would find anything. Well! I had recurrence in my vagina cuff, 30 radiation treatments later and 4 brachytherapy at Stanford something I would not recommend. Be vigilant girls and make sure your doctor uses a speculum. Just want to add that originally I was told no radiation was needed, my surgeon took out over 26 lymph nodes all negative but years later I now have lymphedema no one mentions that either?

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Hi All.
I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and had a total hysterectomy in May , 2020. Stage 1A. Peritoneal washing’s were clear, etc. scan in July, and a PET scan in July nothing showed in pelvic area. However last week the CT scan showed 3 masses and 3 lymph nodes.
Waiting for appt Jan 4, 2021 to see what is next. If anyone has had any experience with this , or even Keytruda vs chemo.
I am interested in hearing

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@starko

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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I am curious how did you know to fast before Chemo?

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@starko

Hi. I survived multiple chemo treatments. What really helped was when I felt the worst I got on the treadmill for at least half an hour. It is amazing how that helped ease the discomfort. Also, I lost my appetite. Best to regain energy by eating protein, absolutely no sugar, avoid carbs and red meat, stick to healthy vegetables and fruits. One year later I am having a problem keeping my weight down and have a vigorous appetite. The first treatment is the worst! You will get used to it and you will survive! It will all become a memory in no time at all!

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Thankyou for sharing. I wondered how it gets with each treatment. Just worried about blood counts dropping. Going to have 3 rd round on Feb. 23, 2021

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