Just diagnosed endometrial adenocarcinoma: What can I expect?

Posted by canadiangal55 @canadiangal55, Jan 29 9:47am

Hello! I'm 55 years old and I've been in menopause for about 2.5 years and after a week of cramping and some discharge, I got a "period" again. The bleeding/spotting/ cramping started Dec. 2023 and hasn't really stopped! I met with my family doc in early Jan. and she ordered an ultrasound and a biopsy and I received results late last week - endometrial adenocarcinoma. She referred me to the cancer centre in my city and now I'm left to wait for that appointment, with my own thoughts, and I'm scared. My doc also mentioned something about bowel/ colon cancer and that really has me concerned - I'm waiting to get another appointment to gather more information. I'm trying to balance enough and too much information so that I can approach this journey informed, hopeful and practical. If anyone has sage words or is willing to share their own story, I would be grateful. I have an incredible husband, family and faith community I will lean on as I learn more. Many thanks from Canada.

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

ALL i can say is i'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. good luck, d

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@canadiangal55 ,
I just saw your post and wanted to send you positive thoughts and well wishes. I don’t have any information on what you might expect, but I bet others will. You sure have a lot of support from your family, friends and community. That’s really important. I’ll look forward to reading about your progress. You have an incredible attitude! Best wishes in your recovery. 🧸

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There's s Gynecologic Cancer thread on this forum that you may find helpful.
Helen, the mentor on that thread, is informative and supportive.
In the meantime, hang in there. EC is generally very curable in early stages, often with surgery alone.
Best of luck.

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@canadiangal55 Many of us have experienced what you are currently experiencing. It is a frightening and anxiety-producing time. I had similar symptoms as you when I was 67-years-old and after tests that included an ultrasound, and D&C (dilation and curetage) where the tissue was sent to pathology I received a diagnosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma. I was so stunned when I got that diagnosis that I got lost on my way home from my gynecologist’s office and I was driving a very familiar route.

I suggest that you go to the Gynecological Cancers Support Group here on Mayo Clinic Connect. There are women from the U.S. and Canada that have posted there. In addition, you can type the search terms “endometrial adenocarcinoma” in the big Search box at the top of your screen and you’ll find where others have written about this diagnosis.

Gynecological Cancers Support Group:

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/gynecologic-cancer/

Which province do you live in? Are you writing down your questions as you get yourself ready for a consult?

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I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I know I was very scared and confused when first diagnosed.
That's a normal reaction in a situation like this. It sounds like you are taking the best focus. While you wait, I would write down a list of all the questions you have . That helps reduce your stress and also makes sure you don't forget anything to ask them. Ask your husband his questions as well.
I also found taking someone into the appointment with you can help as they can take notes for you about specific directions etc. It's easy to get overwhelmed during big appointments like that.
Eat well, stay hydrated, sleep 8 hrs at least and get exercise you can do.
Ground yourself with things you enjoy doing, outside in the sun etc. Connect with your faith foundation.
My Sage words ?? ...
My cancer has taught me to live ... to be present in every moment. Each moment is lived as fully as I can
Wishing you the best and praying for you

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@celia16

@canadiangal55 ,
I just saw your post and wanted to send you positive thoughts and well wishes. I don’t have any information on what you might expect, but I bet others will. You sure have a lot of support from your family, friends and community. That’s really important. I’ll look forward to reading about your progress. You have an incredible attitude! Best wishes in your recovery. 🧸

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Many thanks for replying and sending best wishes. I am inspired and grateful for everyone's reponses.

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@lbrockme

I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I know I was very scared and confused when first diagnosed.
That's a normal reaction in a situation like this. It sounds like you are taking the best focus. While you wait, I would write down a list of all the questions you have . That helps reduce your stress and also makes sure you don't forget anything to ask them. Ask your husband his questions as well.
I also found taking someone into the appointment with you can help as they can take notes for you about specific directions etc. It's easy to get overwhelmed during big appointments like that.
Eat well, stay hydrated, sleep 8 hrs at least and get exercise you can do.
Ground yourself with things you enjoy doing, outside in the sun etc. Connect with your faith foundation.
My Sage words ?? ...
My cancer has taught me to live ... to be present in every moment. Each moment is lived as fully as I can
Wishing you the best and praying for you

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Great advice! Thank you. I have started a notebook dedicated to the many questions we have.

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Hello. My best advice is do not google fir info. Write down your questions and bring them with you to the doctor. There is too much info out there and so much will most likely not apply to you. I was diagnosed with the same as you December 2022. Completed chemo and radiation by august 2023. Everyone is different but I had incredibly easy treatments so it doesn’t have to be like it is depicted so often in the movies/tv. It’s easy to say but try not to worry too much. When your mind starts worrying get up and walk. There are lots of us out here to support you. Sending you positive thoughts!! Take care

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My endometrial adenocarcinoma diagnosis was an accidental discovery as I had no symptoms. During a different medical test I was encouraged to be checked out by a gynecologist and was then diagnosed with a grade 3 endometrial cancer February 2023.
I underwent a hysterectomy followed by 6 cycles of Chemotherapy with Paclitaxel and Carboplatin, followed by 4 cycles of Brachytherapy that I finished December 2023.
The side effects for me were Nausea and I chose not to take nausea medication. Instead I boiled ginger root and drank ginger tea which alleviated the symptom.
It is very important to write every question you have to ask when you see your oncologist. You may also want to read the information available for this diagnosis in the American Cancer Society website that may help you formulate additional questions.
The one thing I would suggest is to email the Cleveland Clinic mentoring program at https://4thangel.ccf.org. You do not have to be a patient of the Cleveland Clinic to join and I found this program very helpful. I was matched with a mentor that had the same stage and grade of endometrial cancer that I had and underwent the same treatment. She was extremely helpful sharing her experience after being cancer free for 10 years.
We are with you in this journey.

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Hello, @canadiangal55,

I, too, was diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma a year ago, at age 61. As Helen described, it was frightening. I was told that information over the phone while at home, so didn't have to drive myself afterward, thank goodness! I underwent surgery 2/23 and have been blessed with no spread detected and no recurrence to date.

I absolutely love the support offered by all here (and have hung on it for this past year+ now) and the specific suggestions for coping offered by @lbrockme, @aardvark2118, @diaz so far. Not sure what I would add to those as they are so key. I, too, agree that your hopeful and balanced outlook and the support you gather around you will continue to help you so much along the way. I will add you to my internal list of those I carry with me and send my best wishes each morning as I scan Mayo Connect.

Echoing.."we are with you in this journey."

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