My Uterine Cancer Journey Decided No Chemo/Radiation

Posted by Watertv @pugpeople, Nov 4, 2022

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.

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

Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@danae25 Absolutely! I very much agree with you.

I'm glad to know you feel stronger today then yesterday. You have some time to feel stronger each day as you come closer to August 25.

How ironic that you like your wig better than the hair style/cut that you have now. I did not lose my hair when when I was treated for endometrial cancer as I did not have chemotherapy. I did have radiation therapy. I keep reading that the wigs of today are far superior and natural compared to those of years ago.

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@naturegirl5 and expensive!! For that price, I will wear it like a hat when it gets cold.

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Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@karieblu That sounds like you have thought this out and doing what works for you. Recording the conversation with the provider's permission (I have done that too) is a good plan.

I will be looking for what you learn at your appointment tomorrow. If this works for you then please envision our members including myself surrounding you with our love and support before and during your appointment.

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@naturegirl5 Thank you ... I will imagine your love surrounding me as I navigate the halls of the huge hospital to find my way to the oncologist's office. My goal is to not feel overwhelmed, just safe and protected and not making this into a drama!

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