My Uterine Cancer Journey Decided No Chemo/Radiation
Today I had my post op consultation with my doctor. I had a full robotic laparscopic hysterectomy on 10/19. During the surgery, my doctor also took out the closest lymph node and took a biopsy of the omentum (large flap near stomach). She said that if cancer has spread, good chance they are in these two areas. I had no pain, discomfort only. Felt 60% of myself right after the surgery. Each day I felt about 5% better. By the 3rd day I didn't need to take anymore advil/tylenol
My timeline:
I had lots of vaginal bleeding on 9/12, on 9/14 had a uterine biopsy, 9/16 a transvaginal ultrasound, 9/28 a D&C, CT scan on 10/12 and then the hysterectomy on 10/19. The biopsy showed serous cancer cells and the D&C confirmed it. CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvic showed it hadn't spread. Today I learned my cancer was stage 1A and grade 3. As I understand it stage 1A because it remained in the endometrial lining and it was in less than 50% of the lining. Grade 3 because serous cancer is aggressive. The treatment she suggested was 6 rounds of chemo and 5 brachytherapy radiation to be extra sure undetected cancer cells aren't anywhere else. I declined because I don't want to introduce anything to my body that will change it forever....if cancer returned I'd consider hormone therapy, immunotherapy maybe radiation. Also, even with chemo/radiation there is a chance cancer would return. I'm nearly 61 and have always been healthy with a good immune system. I have always been someone who wants to enjoy life even if it's for a short while as oppose to extending my life but being miserable. After I declined the chemo, she mentioned there were some other patients with the same diagnosis and same grade and stage who also declined chemo/radiation. And they are doing well. I suggested I come in every 6 months for a CT scan. She mentioned that I would notice something before a CT scan so to stay aware. If I have vaginal bleeding, cancer may have gone to the top of my vagina, if my appetite decreases it may have gone to my stomach and if I have trouble breathing, it may have gone to my lungs. I'm to see her immediately, if I have any of these symptoms and then she'd order a CT. Good thing my fibroids left my body during the hysterectomy so I don't even have to wonder if the bleeding is from fibroids! I return in 4 weeks for the 6 week after hysterectomy check. And then after that, I see her every 3 months. I've been praising and thanking Jesus all day! He gave me peace during this entire journey. I had no worries, slept very well, prayed all the time, focused on taking one day at time and remembering that God is in control. Everybody's journey is personal, and everyone needs to make the best decision for their life and circumstances. Be well informed and listen to your body.
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Thank you so much for this encouragement. I am in the decision making phase right now, but am a 2c (55percent) and with the exception of minimal cells in one lymph node (technically a negative finding) all negative biopsies.
I have grown in my faith exponentially during this experience and hope that was the point. For the most part have remained peaceful and trust that God has the plan.
I am inclined to decline both therapies and focus on boosting my health instead. I too have always had a very good immune system. If I decline (and hopefully even if I don't) I hope to work with a nutritionist and health coach to optimize my health. I have ADHD and can be very enthusiastic about starting a strict new lifestyle...but remaining consistent will be a challenge.
I am curious how you are doing now, and thank you for sharing your positive story.
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2 Reactions@kellly Hope she responds. I'm curious too! I'm in similar situation.
@jabrown0407 You have a wonderful attitude! If you don't mind, may I ask what your symptoms were that resulted in a hysterectomy? I am 83, just diagnosed with Grade 1 endometrial cancer. Have had off and on bleeding for years, but was on HRT and didn't give it much thought. My only concern is my age and if recovery will be difficult for me
My symptoms were abdominal cramps that my doctor wanted to define as PMR hip girdle pain. I would have nothing to do with that symptom identification and requested a sonogram. That led to a vaginal sonogram and that led to the robotic hysterectomy. Recovery was very easy because the surgery was robotic so 5 inch incisions. Took 3 days for the pathology to come back. Thankfully, it was all benign. Pre-cancer, but benign.