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Endometrial Cancer: Noticing my blessings every day
I was diagnosed with Endometrial Cancer, FIGO Grade 1 in late July. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and asked for a referral to Mayo. A few days after the referral, I met with my GYN-Oncology team, and a few days after that I had a radical hysterectomy at Methodist Hospital. The surgery was two weeks ago today. I am grateful that I had the means to go to Mayo Clinic, for my surgeon and her incredible team, and that I am now back home on this gorgeous day surrounded by support and love from my family and friends. (The cancer was staged Ia - caught very early and no other treatment is recommended). My life is a gift for which I am very grateful.
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When I'm done with chemo and radiation, I'm going to have to have the tests done regularly.
When I'm done with chemo and radiation
I get a blood draw every two weeks, measuring CA125 and HE4,S, as well as the general stuff, blood count, etc.
How often do you get the CA-125 test? That's a high probability of recurrence. I was told that if my cancer - clear cell endometrial cancer - were to recur, it would happen within the first 2 years.
Great news on the CA125. CHEMO IS WORKING! My port was put in ( in the hospital) to enable the chemo treatments, as well as the blood draws! Maybe you donot mind the arm stabs but I did. They had trouble locating my veins. Remember to keep getting blood draws (CA125) even after you have recovered. They told me to expect a recurrence of cancer after my chemo was done. 75-90% probability, but maybe that was for ovarian cancer in the late stages only.
I mentioned the He4S test to my doctor's nurse today. She was unfamiliar with it. I don't have a port. They said I didn't need one. They said I would have had to enter the hospital to have the port done. I've been to the hospital enough this year so I was glad. Some good news today: My CA-125 tumor marker has fallen to 24.8 from 38.7.
Hi. I had ovarian cancer with zero symptoms! You need an oncologist! Get an ultrasound in that area, CT scan, CA125 tumor marker test as well as an HE4, S tumor marker. In retrospect, I had colon blockage, was taken into the hospital, given a CT scan, then was diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer. Not sure if the colon problem was directly related to-the cancer. I am sure you are aware that cancer in those areas are the most serious of all womens cancers! Take action now!
My incredible Mayo gyn/oncology/surgeon claims this test is a better indicator then CA125. When I was first diagnosed myHE4,S was high (722) and with each chemo session, I watched it come down finally to 54 so we knew chemo was working. My local oncology does not use this test, but now he does! It is the same blood draw (hope you have a port) so please ask for it. I get both these tests every two weeks.
Yes! The chemo locates the cancer easier without interference of food, but remember I had ovarian cancer so it was important to have an empty abdomen. Those little cancer buggers like to hide in the crevices of the abdomen.
My neighbor just had cervical cancer which spread to her vagina. She told me that she was having radiation treatments.
I wanted to ask her the symptoms but did not.
(I have been having discomfort in that area.)
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I went to the gynecologist.
My gynecologist was upset that I had not seen her in many years( I am 70.)
She did not biopsy the cervical/vaginal area... but said
“ I don’t see anything.” ????
Is cervical/vaginal cancer no longer diagnosed when the older patient has not had a test in decades?