Radiation or not after surgery for endometrial cancer?

Thank you for the follow up, Helen! When I was in the internist office she just said she would review my health history and records to see if there might be a reason for concern. I had never seen her before, Ive had a different provider at each 6 month follow up. Not sure what made her decide that the CT was warranted but there is a variety of cancers on my father’s side, colon, pancreatic, lung, brain.
I know most people experience bleeding, and some the cramping pain. Maybe this is a sign before bleeding? (how many folks look down and notice their belly button is off center??!) Navel gazing . . . really!!
I will come back and let you know what they found. They’re usually pretty quick with posting scans and reports.

@triciaot I looked back at your earlier posts and saw that you have been treated for breast cancer. With tamoxifen as a risk for endometrial cancer I can certainly understand your concern. It’s great that your internist has listened to your concerns and ordered a CT of the abdomen and pelvis.

I did not have the symptom you mentioned before I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. My symptoms were bleeding (I was post-menopausal for 8 years at that time) and cramping that felt like my worst period when I was younger. It was the vaginal bleeding that got me into the gynecologist’s office because I knew that wasn’t normal.

As nerve-wracking as it is to follow a cancer survivorship program (I am in my 3rd year of it after a recurrence reset my 5 year clock) I’m thankful for these regular surveillance appointments. Did your internist make any guesses on why there is that asymmetry in your stomach/abdomen?

I’m keeping you in my thoughts as you head into that CT and hoping that it shows no evidence of disease. Will you return here and let me know what you find out?

Anyone have an early symptom of endometrial cancer where your stomach was larger on one side than the other? My belly button is slightly off center. I have a slightly larger stomach (beside/below the navel) on the right side.
I have been taking tamoxifen for 18 months, which increases my risk for endometrial cancer. I noticed this change 6 months ago - no real change in size. . I have no pain. No detectable hernia. No signs of any other causes for why the right would be bigger than the left side.
Just wondering if any of you noticed this symptom before you were diagnosed?
I see an internist doctor as part of the cancer survivorship program. She has ordered a CT scan of my stomach pelvic area. I have that in 3 days.
Any thoughts?

@jjforward, how are the proton beam therapy sessions going? How often do you go?

Thank you for your reply and praying for your recovery. I am awaiting the plan Mayo will assign me. I had peritoneal carsanomatosis had 8 chemo and debunking surgery with HIPiC and finished it all in March of 2022. All test have been good until March when new cancer has appeared. Drs are awaiting next tests in July to see what route of treatment will be taken. I am researching on my own to see what avenues are open and how well patients are doing. Thank you for your input

@pat2628 I am currently receiving proton beam therapy at Mayo in Rochester. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer stage 3A, had a total hysterectomy in early November. Completed 3 cycles of chemo, now completing 25 sessions of proton beam, 2 sessions of brachytherapy and then will have 3 more cycles of chemo. Hope to be finished with all of this by end of July.

@veilwalker I don't know. if your intended recipient saw your post. If you direct your post with the @ then the person will get a notice in whatever format she prefers (email, notifications here on Connect). The original poster for this discussion is @marceyw

My total hysterectomy was August 2021. I was told the cancer was contained in the endometrial lining and a PET scan confirmed it. I was also told they got it all. 6 months later recurrence in the form of 2 tumors in my abdomen. 6 chemo infusions with immunotherapy and it was gone again. "CR" compkete response. The don't use "remission" with me.
To answer your question about radiation: the 1 tumor I have now (it grew back in the same spot) is too close to the colon for radiation.
I don't know if that helps, but I thought I'd share.

My hysterectomy is scheduled for May 20...marcyw. I'm interested in knowing what you decided about going thru the brachy therapy.

I was diagnosed with stage 1A endometrial cancer in early 2023 and had 4 sessions of brachytherapy after a complete hysterectomy. I think I made the right decision; I have not had any side effects. I felt that the risk of cancer recurrence would be much more serious than the side effects of brachytherapy.

I understand how stressful this can be. I was incredibly stressed when I went through my treatment and quite honestly, believed I was going to die. It was a terrible time. I am grateful for my supportive family, friends and pets. I couldn't have gotten through it without them. The one thing I kept at the forefront of my mind and I would say to myself several times throughout the day: "In this moment, you are safe, well cared for and loved." It helped me cope.

I wish you peace and healing.
GratefulCat