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Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium: Pre-op prep & Diagnosis
I was diagnosed on Nov 14, about a month after I had one episode of dark vaginal spotting. My gynecologist ordered a trans Vagina ultrasound which showed my endometrium was 10,3 mm and should be less than 4. Also a complex ovarian cyst and large uterine polyp. He drew a C125 and we scheduled an endometrial biopsy. C125 was slightly elevated so he immediately referred me to the gyneoncologist and did the biopsy. I saw the oncologist 6 days later and the biopsy still wasn’t back. He was not happy and apologized saying I can’t tell you what to do til I get the biopsy. He gave me a from to scenario. I asked about the ovarian cyst which he said not to worry about but drew an He4 ovarian marker which was normal. He called my OB and said someone call that lab and tell them I want that report today. About an hour after I got home my gynecologist called and said he had a verbal which indicated endometrial adenocarcinoma , well differentiated which he told me was positive. He said he was calling the oncologist who immediately called me. I am scheduled for a devinchi robotic hysterectomy, removal of tubes, ovaries, cervix and sentinel node biopsy. Had to wait 15 days to get in the schedule. I am a nurse, retired in September, and I don’t know if that is helpful or a hindrance because I know so much. I also read too much. My emotions go from near panic to knowing as much as I can. My grandmother and brother died from colon cancer. I’ve never been pregnant, menopause didn’t start til age 55 and I’m overweight. All risk factors. My father died of lung cancer. I have a daughter which I adopted as a single parent. Surgery is 3 days from today. My daughter is driving home right now. She lives 750 miles away. Telling her was the hardest thing. It’s just the two of us. Fortunately I have many friends and a strong faith with a wonderful church family. I begin a pre surgery protocol tomorrow. Two days of a high carb diet. The morning of surgery 32ounces of Gatorade 4-6 hours before surgery. 3 hours before 8 more ounces with 1000 mg of Tylenol and 800 mg ibuprofen. This preop preparation I was not familiar with. Still have my times of high anxiety but am just needing to get the surgery over and have a final path report. So happy to have found this group
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How are you doing now that it has been a couple of days since your surgery?
I am in Wilmington North Carolina. I feel fortunate to have the hospital and cancer treatment center less than 15 minutes from my house. Safe travels. Hope you have time this week to rest up for the trip and big day.
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1 Reaction@cynthiaslife Your surgery is scheduled this coming week (December 8) at Mayo in Rochester? If it's cold enough in Mayo there will be a huge skating rink in Soldier's Field that I discovered when I was at Mayo last winter. If you feel like a walk the day before your surgery Soldiers Field is a nice place to walk.
You will be in such good hands at Mayo. I felt like I was surrounded by angels from the moment I checked in. That helped me so much with all the anxiety I felt and I am hoping the same for you.
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1 ReactionYes, I will be at Mayo Rochester. Where are you having your surgery at? Can I ask why you were at Mayo last year? I have never been there before.
@cynthiaslife I had a radical hysterectomy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester in 2019 after I was diagnosed with endometroid adenocarcinoma, Stage 1a. I had a recurrence in October, 2021 after a small growth was found in the vaginal cuff during a cancer surveillance appointment. I returned to Mayo Clinic in December, 2021 for radiation treatments. I've been keeping up with my appointments and now almost a year after I started those radiation treatments I'm doing well and no further signs of that cancer. It's a day's drive for us to get to Mayo Clinic but it's so worth it. I feel I've received excellent care there as will you.
I am so sorry to hear that the cancer returned and you had to have radiation. What is a cancer surveillance check? Do you get those at Mayo or with your hometown doctor?
A cancer surveillance check are the follow-up appointments that are scheduled on a regular basis depending on lots of factors including the type of cancer, the stage, and what your surgeon recommends. I chose to return to Mayo for those follow-ups as we (my husband and I) feel the small rural area does not provide the cancer follow-up care that I need. Here is a description of cancer follow-up plan (Cancer Survivorship Plan) you will be given by your doctor at Mayo at some point - probably at your first follow-up appointment after your surgery.
Cancer Survivorship Plan
-- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-importance-of-a-cancer-survivorship-care-plan
-- https://www.mskcc.org/hcp-education-training/survivorship/survivorship-care-plan
How often are the follow up appointments?
@cynthiaslife That depends on your plan. In my case after the hysterectomy surgery it was every six months.
@naturegirl53
I have been going back to Mayo every four months after My hysterctomy. I usually get the CA 125 blood work and a cervical exam. Is this the usual procedure you also received? My next visit will include X ray. Did you have this as well. As you know, you have been my source of what to look for because I have gone through the same experience you did and because of all that you shared, it has eased my anxieties. I'm so grateful to have been able to connect with you since my very first day of finding out my diagnosis. I'm so very happy to hear that all went well for you and that your felling much better. Thank you for your suppor.
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