1. < Gynecologic Cancers

Endometrial Stage III Cancer Diagnosis

Posted by tjperry @tjperry, Jan 21, 2023

On November 28th my world was turned upside down! I heard those dreaded words,
" I'm sorry but your biopsy shows you have cancer so I have referred you to a gynecologic oncologist."

Three days later I met him. They couldn't tell for sure if I had cervical or endometrial cancer. A Leep procedure determined that it was not cervical.

Eleven days later I had a total hysterectomy including bilateral ovaries and fallopian tubes. They were confident that I would have the surgery and I would be cured. The tumor was a grade 1, invasion less than 50% into the myometrium, no lymph node involvement, lower uterine segment involved but nothing in my cervix. Everything was looking great until the pathologist found cancer in my left fallopian tube! Ugh They said it is unusual because the tumor wasn't near the fallopian tube so somehow some cancer cells got away from the main tumor, travelled and implanted into my tube.

Went from surgery and cured to stage III and needing radiation and chemotherapy! I start the Portec 3 treatment plan on Feb. 6th. I am getting nervous!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

terradean | @terradean | Feb 18, 2023

It will be interesting to see what they come up with. I am 72, My treatment plan from last year, was hysterectomy, sandwich treatment plan, 3 chemo taxol/carbo, 25 external radiation, 2 brachy both this week, and which I will start 2/27 3 more chemo taxol/carbo. Am hoping they do not make me do anything else. However, was told if this didn't work then immunology.

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1 reply
nblucero | @nblucero | Feb 17, 2023
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@nblucero Hello. My diagnosis was endometrial adenocarcinoma. The recurrence was considered "local" meaning that it occurred..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@nblucero Hello. My diagnosis was endometrial adenocarcinoma. The recurrence was considered "local" meaning that it occurred close to where the original cancer was detected. It was found at the top of my vagina (vaginal cuff) and looked like a little tiny polyp. A PET/MRI showed no signs of disease anywhere else and I'm thinking that's why chemo was not recommended. The radiation oncologist said that radiation should take care of microscopic disease (not visible to the eye or in a CT or PET/MRI) in the pelvic region.

The research in cancer moves ahead very quickly and so I would imagine that the treatment for you and what is used will be different than what you experienced 12 years ago.

What is your treatment plan? How are you feeling about all of this?

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Hi. It’s great that your recurrence is well-managed. I was told by my oncologist that radiation is out of the question for the pelvic region because I had it 12 years ago. Now, I’m having a biopsy for this pea-like stomach mass that appeared four months since my first recurrence surgery. I expect another sarcoma. I hope you’re right and more options exist for patients with adenosarcoma. So far, I’m okay because I make myself continue with yoga classes, swimming, walking, and riding my e-bike.

At 72 years, I’m not sure if I could tolerate chemo again. For sarcomas, it’s controversial. Surgery is the first-line defense. So, I’m hopeful but realistic. It’s tough.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 17, 2023

@nblucero Hello. My diagnosis was endometrial adenocarcinoma. The recurrence was considered "local" meaning that it occurred close to where the original cancer was detected. It was found at the top of my vagina (vaginal cuff) and looked like a little tiny polyp. A PET/MRI showed no signs of disease anywhere else and I'm thinking that's why chemo was not recommended. The radiation oncologist said that radiation should take care of microscopic disease (not visible to the eye or in a CT or PET/MRI) in the pelvic region.

The research in cancer moves ahead very quickly and so I would imagine that the treatment for you and what is used will be different than what you experienced 12 years ago.

What is your treatment plan? How are you feeling about all of this?

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1 reply
nblucero | @nblucero | Feb 16, 2023
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@tjperry After all you've been through which is a rollercoaster of emotions, of course you are..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@tjperry After all you've been through which is a rollercoaster of emotions, of course you are very nervous about starting radiation and chemotherapy. When you think about it, your nervousness is normal for because your world has been turned upside down.

You are going into more treatment with not much idea of what to expect for you and your body. It sounds to me like you have a very thorough cancer care team and they are working closely with you. Before you start radiation your radiation oncologist will spend time with you getting you ready and explaining what will happen. Although I haven't had chemotherapy (I did have radiation therapy) your doctor will explain the chemotherapy to you in detail. I know that they try really hard to make sure you are as comfortable as you can be during treatment.

@valentinaz has some good suggestions. Who can you talk with about your feelings? A good friend? Your spouse or partner? Do you have medical questions for your doctors? I suggest writing your questions down as they come to you so that when you do meet with your doctors or nurses you'll have your questions ready.

I've been through the initial endometrial cancer diagnosis and a recurrence. I am here for you so will you let me know how you are feeling and if I can answer questions for you?

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Hi, You mentioned you had a recurrence. I was diagnosed with adenosarcoma 12 years ago for which I was diagnosed with a recurrence 5 months ago. Now, a small mass appeared on my scan yesterday. I had chemo/rads first time 12 years ago. Did you have chemo for your recurrence? Things have changed in that chemo doesn’t help sarcomas according to new studies. What’s your take?

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 14, 2023
In reply to @sherrill2023 "I’ve got GREAT news. My CT’s of chest, abdomen and pelvis show no lymph nodes or..." + (show)
@sherrill2023

I’ve got GREAT news. My CT’s of chest, abdomen and pelvis show no lymph nodes or metastasis of cancer. It has stayed in the uterus. God helped me through my darkness.

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@sherrill2023 This is excellent news. I'm so happy for you. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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tjperry | @tjperry | Feb 14, 2023
In reply to @sherrill2023 "I’ve got GREAT news. My CT’s of chest, abdomen and pelvis show no lymph nodes or..." + (show)
@sherrill2023

I’ve got GREAT news. My CT’s of chest, abdomen and pelvis show no lymph nodes or metastasis of cancer. It has stayed in the uterus. God helped me through my darkness.

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I have tears in my eyes as I read this from you! God is good! I have been and will continue to pray for you on your journey! Please keep us posted on how you're doing! Extra prayers for you and the entire medical staff that will be caring for you on your surgery day in two weeks!❤️🙏❤️

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sherrill2023 | @sherrill2023 | Feb 14, 2023
In reply to @sherrill2023 "I’ve got GREAT news. My CT’s of chest, abdomen and pelvis show no lymph nodes or..." + (show)
@sherrill2023

I’ve got GREAT news. My CT’s of chest, abdomen and pelvis show no lymph nodes or metastasis of cancer. It has stayed in the uterus. God helped me through my darkness.

Jump to this post

Yes I met with a gynecologic oncologist and he had ordered everything. My surgery is still scheduled for February 28. Good time to get these results on Valentine day.

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sherrill2023 | @sherrill2023 | Feb 14, 2023
In reply to @tjperry "Did you meet with a gynecologic oncologist yet? The day I met mine he would not..." + (show)
@tjperry

Did you meet with a gynecologic oncologist yet? The day I met mine he would not let me leave this appointment without a plan in place. He told me the surgery he recommended and they scheduled everything for me.

I am confused as to why you are having to fight to have your surgery!

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I’ve got GREAT news. My CT’s of chest, abdomen and pelvis show no lymph nodes or metastasis of cancer. It has stayed in the uterus. God helped me through my darkness.

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4 replies
tjperry | @tjperry | Feb 13, 2023
In reply to @tjperry "Did you get your diagnosis in August? That seems like a long time to be waiting!..." + (show)
@tjperry

Did you get your diagnosis in August? That seems like a long time to be waiting! And the waiting has been the hardest thing for me too! Are there other health concerns they are trying to correct first? Is yours stage III A, B, or C?

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I realized this morning that I asked you a question that you won't know until after surgery about the staging! Sorry about that! This is all pretty new to me too!

Do you know if it's type I or type II? That is something your gyn oncologist should know after a biopsy.

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tjperry | @tjperry | Feb 12, 2023
In reply to @sherrill2023 "I was dx. on December 20 after my Hysteroscopy. I have been fighting to have my..." + (show)
@sherrill2023

I was dx. on December 20 after my Hysteroscopy. I have been fighting to have my uterus left tube and ovary out since then. I started with abnormal bleeding. I had an ultrasound in October. I have grade III cancer. I’m very anxious.

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Did you meet with a gynecologic oncologist yet? The day I met mine he would not let me leave this appointment without a plan in place. He told me the surgery he recommended and they scheduled everything for me.

I am confused as to why you are having to fight to have your surgery!

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