Uterine serous carcinoma: What led to your treatment decision?

Hi, I’m 64 and also had breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy in
2024 followed by a uterine serous carcinoma diagnosis and hysterectomy et al in 2025. I had high grade ductal carcinoma in situ (stage 0) in my right breast and my only treatment (following mastectomy) is taking Anastrazole for 5 years. My USC diagnosis was grade 3 Stage IIc (m) (p53abn). Myometrial invasion was <50%, margins were clear, no metastasis elsewhere. My oncologist recommended 6 rounds of chemo but due to severe toxicities, I was only able to complete 2 rounds. I have 2 oncologists, one is an Oncologist/Hematologist the other is a Gynecologic Oncologist (surgeon). The Oncologist/Hematologist recommended I get Signatera test on the tumor followed by regular blood draws to detect circulating tumor DNA. So far, since July 2025, I’ve had 7 blood draws (5 negative and 2 very low “below analytical range” results.) I’m considered NED (last 3 blood draws were negative) and regular follow ups are scheduled—pelvic exams and blood draws. No scans are required while my blood tests are negative.

Note: I do believe the Anastrazole is partly responsible for the USC diagnosis given it is a cancer which thrives in a post-menopausal atrophic uterine environment.

Just my 2 cents:
As a patient, please advocate for yourself to be heard by your health team. Each patient is unique and our providers need to treat each patient as an individual not just blindly follow an ancient “standard of care”. Prayers are lifted for your upcoming surgery and recovery. Keep your spirits up—it helps immeasurably.

@sosophia245
Thank for for your kind message. I'm sending you huge prayers.

@cookercooker
I'm sending huge prayers your way

I was diagnosed with stage 1A uterine serous carcinoma 5 years ago. I had brachytherapy and told that chemo was not recommenced because there was no spread beyond the uterus. 18 months later it recurred in my omnentum and I had 6 rounds of carbo/platin along with herceptin ( a monoclonal antibody for HER2 + cancer). I managed the chemo well, no nausea, little fatigue, no neuropathy and lost all my hair ( had a fabulous wig) no one realized that it was not my hair ! I continued with herceptin infusions ( 30 min) every 3 weeks with no side effects, until my CA 125 numbers started to rise 18 months after the chemo. A PET scan revealed 2 very small nodes lite up. My oncologist said it was very early and we could wait until after the summer ( 2025 ) to check again. I choose to begin enhertu ( targeted chemo for HER@ + cancer). May of 2025. After one infusion ( 30 minutes) my CA 125 went from 70 to 37....almost in normal range. My cancer is very sensitive to my CA 125 so it's a good way to detect what is going on. I have been on enhertu since May 2025 and all scans have been NED and CA 125 14...because of my strong response I have been able to have the treatment every 4 weeks instead of every 3 weeks. The side effects are not pleasant but manageable. I have been able to continue my very active life style, pickleball twice a week and strength training 3 times a week. Lots of time with family and friends and of course lots of walks with my pup. Enhertu is a very strong targeted chemo used as a maintenance drug for HER + cancer..I am hopeful that it will keep this aggressive rare cancer at bay for many many years to come. I am a very healthy, strong independent 78 year old with much more life to live !!

Sending huge prayers your way.

@dmarkz0101, I added your discussion to the Gynecologic Cancers support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/gynecologic-cancer/

You may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma: What treatments did you have?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/uterine-papillary-serous-carcinoma/

Please consider yourself (and anyone else in this group) also invited to join the monthly support group meeting hosted by Mayo Clinic social work held the second Monday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern time. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/events/

I can understand your strong emotions of being mad, probably also sad at times, that you are disrupting your family to care for you through a second run with cancer. It sucks. It's not in your control.

Do you have a good rapport with your oncologist to ask questions and get frank answers of how things might be expected to progress with or without further treatment? How are you doing today?

@colleenyoung Thanks so much for reaching out. I will definitely look into the links you shared with me. Strange as this may sound I'm not afraid of cancer. I truly see it as just another journey I'm on like so many. These are the cards I was dealt for whatever reason. Only God knows why. At the end of the day things could always be worse. I'm extremely blessed with the best son, family and a few true friends. I have asked my oncologist questions and I have more in mind. My team at Mayo has been pretty good and I'm very grateful to be a patient at Mayo. We all have ups and downs in life and today I'm going to push to be as productive as I can for my son coming and my upcoming hysterectomy. Thanks for your kindness. I'm going to have a good day and I wish you the same.
Donna