Bleeding: I know what's happening is not normal but is it cancer?

Try not to worry. I am 50 post menopause. Had spotting and some back pain and cramps. I had a lining of 9 mm. I ended up with heavy bleeding (like a period) and she was able to do the biopsy because my cervix was open, due to the blood flow. Going to the hospital for the biopsy is a great alternative if they can't get in. They will get a good, complete sample and be able to tell what the cells are or are not.

Many thanks. I'm starting to wonder if cervical stenosis is the cause of the bleeding and back pain.
I have a sonohysterogram this week.

My GYN performed a hysteroscopy and a d&C to check around what is causing the bleeding. I had a fibroid size of a golf ball but he was also able to find polyps to send for Biopsy. The pathology report came back with serous carcinoma grade 3. We discussed the results and the treatment plan after our next appointment. And I had an gynecologist oncologist surgeon appt within two weeks and we scheduled the hysterectomy within two weeks and chemo 4 weeks thereafter.

@hildac I can certainly understand why you are worried. The symptoms you describe sound uncomfortable and yes, I agree, not normal for a 59-year-old woman. When I was 67-years-old in 2019 I found blood on the tissue after using the toilet. A few days later I found the blood again so I made an appointment with gynecology. I knew it wasn't normal so I got in to the doctor right away.

It's good that you are persistent and have another procedure scheduled. Today is Wednesday, April 19. When is the sonohysterogram scheduled? I hope you get the results back quickly and will return to tell me what you find out. Will you do that?

Helen. The sonohysterogram is scheduled for tomorrow.
I'm quite nervous as they've advised its uncomfortable and I should take something an hour before.
My gyno could barely get a biopsy because my cervix was so narrow and it was incredibly painful. I suspect it will be a challenge for the sono tomorrow too.
We know I have a few calcified very small fibroids and through pelvic exam should could not find any polyps.
What was your diagnosis in the end?

@hildac When I had the D & C with hysteroscopy I had light anesthesia similar to what is administered for a colonoscopy. So I wasn't uncomfortable during the procedure.

My diagnosis was endometroid adenocarcinoma, FIGO 1. My gynecologist was stunned as he did not think I had any risk factors but in fact I did. I'd entered menopause late (at about age 60) and I've never had children. The symptoms of bleeding and the cramping went away right after the D & C. However with that diagnosis (and I was shocked too) I was referred to Mayo Clinic as I live in a rural area where hysterectomies (if needed, which I did need) are not done for cancer. Within days after the referral to Mayo Clinic I had an appointment in Gynecological Surgery with a gynoncologist. I had a hysterectomy with removal of uterus, bilateral fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix. After surgery, pathology staged the cancer as 1a.

I'm hoping that your diagnosis will not be cancer. There are other possibilities for your symptoms and it's good that you are continuing to pursue medical care.

I understand that all of this is frightening. Personally, I was less frightened once there was a plan in place for addressing my symptoms and getting some answers.

Did your doctor prescribe medication for you to take prior to the procedure? Will you come back and let me know how the procedure goes and the diagnosis once you have more information?

Hi Helen. So sweet of you to take the time to tell your story.
The sono tomorrow is at an imaging center so they have just advised I take Advil or Tylenol one hour before. They will stop the test if it's too painful and I suspect my gyno will advise next steps.
I think I too will feel much better once we know the source of the symptoms. My trouble is that, while I recognize I am not a medical professional and have no business trying to google this, I have. And I cant find a reason that doesn't map back to cancer. The waiting game is the challenge because I think treatment is very clear.. hysterectomy.
I need to dig deep and find the patience.
I will keep you posted 😍

Helen, what happened after surgery. With your cancer Stage 1A what was your follow-up treatment plan? Any helpful tips for after surgery?

Well sonohysterogram did not show anything obvious per the dr that performed. So expected report to say the same.
No fibroids or polyps.
That leads me to believe the spotting, bleeding, abdominal and back pain are related to the uterine lining or cervix.
Gyno was surprised at the amount of blood when she did biopsy.
So I guess now we wait..

@hildac This is rather frustrating. I so hoped that the sonohysterogram would show something that could lead to useful information for how to proceed. Since there was a biopsy done during the procedure is the plan to wait for these results before your gynecologist recommends your next steps?