I was diagnosed with cancer on friday. Female DUers (et.al.) please check in; especially those 50+

[Greybnk48]

Mods: If this doesn't belong here, please move it to the appropriate spot.

I have uterine cancer, endometrioid adeno-carcinoma, and I'm scheduled for a radical hysterectomy and node biopsy the end of this month. My prognosis is "excellent" with surgery and I'm told that if you have to have cancer, this is the one to have. I may need radiation, but my endometrial biopsy showed clearly defined borders which means that as far as any one can tell at this point, it is confined to my uterus.

***That said, I want to warn all of the women here, especially the peri and post menopausal crowd--or spouses of said group. I had almost no symptoms! This is NOT detected with a PAP test. I had some post-menopausal spotting that started a few months ago, and some pain (more like an ache). I also noticed my pants did not zip as easily over my stomach. But if I had not had medical training in the past (I scrubbed in on these cases for 10 years in my younger days) I may very well have ignored these things until my prognosis was not so good.

PLEASE tell any one you know in this age group that ANY post menopausal spotting is a red flag ( mine was minimal). Any feeling of fullness, any pain down below, however mild. This is a sneaky cancer, but very curable if caught in time.

[Kahuna]

1. Thanks for sharing. My best thoughts and prayers are with you.

:pals:

[Greybnk48]

3. Thanks Kahuna!

[Olney Blue]

2. Thank you for this information!

I hope your treatment and recovery are fully successful. Best wishes. Take care of yourself!

:hug:

[Greybnk48]

5. Thanks OB, I'm optimistic.

[Maccagirl]

4. All good wishes and karma to you

Please let all of us know how your surgery and treatment evolve. I hope you have a very strong support system.

[Greybnk48]

10. My surgery is tentatively on the 30th

and my support system is awesome. I'm haveing the surgery at the hospital where I used to work, so as an added bonus I know many of the people there. I also used to work with my surgeon and she is great. I'll be laid up for a bit so I can be on DU more than usual--no pesky interuptions like having to work.

[qanda]

6. Thanks for the warning

And I'm glad you found your cancer early enough. Best wishes for a full recovery.

[helderheid]

7. All my best to you - I had a hysterechtomy 3 years ago - left my ovaries

Not for cancer but for bizarre bleeding. We'll be hyster sisters!

What a wonderful warning you've given.

[Greybnk48]

15. Hey hyster-sister

I think of you as the "rose-lady" (in a good way). Did you have an incision? How awful is that? They said they may have to cut to above my navel to get some nodes off my Aorta. I worried about that huge incision (I don't give a rip about the scar--I'm 58)

[helderheid]

65. I had 2 c-sections previous to my surgery - they used the same "path" -

I had some trouble healing. The incision became infected but I got the best care. You'll be fine! Just be sure you have some help for a couple weeks. I am lucky I had friends take shifts. I wasn't allowed to carry anything too heavy and I had a 1 and 3 year old at the time.

[librechik]

61. I had a utero-ovarian hysterectomy--wish I had done it years earlier!

I was holding on to my organs mainly because of superstition, I guess.I wanted to be a "whole" woman. But the agony I experienced on a near-daily basis literally crippled me much of the time. (As it should have--I had extensive benign endometrial cysts everywhere, even on the outside of the uterus, my surgeon tells me)

The day after the hysterectomy I felt better than I had in decades, even with a major abdominal incision!

Please everyone take good care of yourselves and don't let fear keep you from doing the right things for your life.

Good luck with your surgery, Grey!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

8. Prayers coming your way

Luckily, I live in the same house as an MD, so if I get any of these symptoms, I'll be sure and tell her.

If you are into spiritual healing, please PM me. I know of a healer who can help you, and I'll give you details.

[Clark2008]

9. How did you know you simply had not gained weight?

I had a 10-pound kid and am now pregnant with my second. My pants will NEVER zip easily over my stomach after being stretched out due to the excess skin.

How would I determine it's not just the skin or excess weight and could be something else?

Edited to add: Best wishes for a full recovery and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

[Greybnk48]

12. I had lost about 10 pounds

but it felt like I had gained that. It was a bump or full feeling about 3" below my belly button. I've had three kids and I'm used to being fat there. This was different.

[spartan61]

11. I am a survivor of this same cancer.

I, too, had to have a total hysterectomy and radiation. Although it isn't pleasant, and on some days you will feel like you will never feel well again, I promise that you will. Best of luck to you and keep that positive attitude. I strongly recommend the book, "Love, Medicine, and Miracles" by Dr. Bernie Siegel. I'll keep you in my prayers.

[Greybnk48]

16. Thanks. I'll look for that book.

[blondie58]

13. sending positive thoughts and energy your way

please take care of yourself and keep us posted. Isn't is funny how life can throw you a curveball?

[Greybnk48]

19. A phone call changed my life

I do have a positive attitude, but at the same time I'm scared and sad for my husband and kids. It's already wearing on them.

[Hepburn]

14. Thanks for the warning and reminder and info.

The very best of wishes to you for a speedy and full recovery. :hug:

[Princess Turandot]

17. Best of luck to you..

my mother had uterine cancer in 1970, treated with surgery and radioactive implants and lived to be a world class PITA who died a few years back at the age of 85. I hope that all goes well with your surgery. Thanks for reminding folks to not ignore their body's warning system.

[no_hypocrisy]

Thank you for sharing your story and the warning to all of us in

the DU community. I hope surgery and recovery offer you a negative pathology, a positive prognosis, and peace of mind.


((hugs))

[Greybnk48]

22. thank you!

[Raven]

18. Great post! Important info! A good website for you

is http://www.hystersisters.com/, it is not a medical site but it's a support group and it contains lots of helpful information.

I had a similar situation 5 years ago but they found a non malignant tumor...a 5 pounder on an ovary. I am a thin person and didn't know it was there...BUT I did have some stomach discomfort that I ignored.

[Greybnk48]

21. Wow.

those tumors sometimes push other things out of the way and are not overt. But you said the dangerous word--ignored. That's what I want to warn about.

[Raven]

24. That's exactly what happened...

it was sitting on a nerve that went down my right leg and I had begun to have trouble walking...that's what finally got me to the Doctor. Check out that website.

[Greybnk48]

33. Me too!!

sciatica caused me to miss a day of work and I decided to get it checked out. I'll bookmark that site--thanks.

[ginnyinWI]

53. And yearly checkups are so important!

I went through a period of four years recently without going in--not a good thing, especially if you are over 40. My excuses were that I wanted to lose some weight first, and that I didn't want to be slammed with a battery of tests like the last time I went in --like a bone density test, colonoscopy, blood workup,etc etc. When I finally did go in, she found a benign ovarian cyst the size of a grapefruit (I was a post menopausal 53 year old). I had surgery and am fine today--but it was the same thing: I felt a bit of tightness and felt I was just gaining weight. Then, doing yoga on a hard floor one day I felt a definite firmness below my waist, and that prompted me to finally go in.

Believe me it's always better to know than not know! It could have led to a medical emergency if the ovary and cyst had gotten twisted and caused an infection.

[halobeam]

103. so true... must go yearly

I've been great with that on the norm, but lost health insurance with my gyno about four years ago. I have had mamos' each year but missed the last two paps, I've tried a couple of gyno's and was horrified at their care with my lousy insurance and haven't gone back in two years, hence the missed paps. I've heard about ultra sound breast exams, being more thorough and also uterine ultra sounds ... Have you heard anything about these?

[Greybnk48]

104. I was given an ultrasound

both external and internal. With the internal they get a really good look at your uterus on the outside and your ovaries. The internal doesn't hurt at all and you don't have to guzzle all that water.

I've heard about the new mamos, but haven't had one.

[halobeam]

115. yeah, I think a dishwasher can wait... maybe I'll go

I have to pay out of pocket, but it's worth it.

[ginnyinWI]

111. I had the uterine ultrasound

as part of the diagnosis. Not too different from the kind you get when pregnant. That, plus some blood tests to look for cancer "markers", which gave the gynocologist a way to predict the chances of it before the surgery. The number was extremely low, and the lab work after the surgery confirmed that it was benign.

[halobeam]

114. thank you for the information

[jrthin]

20. Thsnk you for sharing...

Thank you for you generosity. With such giving instincts, the university will conspire to help and protect you.

[Greybnk48]

23. Thanks jrthin

I think you meant "the universe" but you kind of freaked me out because I teach at a University and you also used the word "conspire." Thank you for the cosmic wishes.

[youngdem]

25. Best wishes and KICK for knowledge

Thanks for thinking of others in your time of personal crisis.

[Greybnk48]

30. I've been here since right after the 2004 election

almost every day, and I consider DUers my extended family, even though I'm not very vocal on here.

[dogday]

26. My thoughts and prayers go with you...

Hopes for a speedy recovery and 100% Cancer free prognosis....

[LiberalEsto]

27. Healing blessings to you

and thanks for the warning!
:)

[Greybnk48]

35. Thanks LE

[lala_rawraw]

28. Hang in there sweetie...

You can fight this. And understand that despite mainstream views, your own body can fight its own diseases. I have Lupus (MCTD) going on over a decade now. If I listened to my doctors, who said I would be in a wheelchair now or would be dead as a result of kidney failure by now, then that is where I would be: in a wheelchair or dead. Cancer is an autoimmune disease first, before it is anything else. If you understand that allergies are the same type of reaction, different trigger mechanism of course and process of course, then you understand that cancer must be understood as an overreaction of the body. I spent years going through my surroundings and eliminating anything that was not organic, checking my stress levels, eating only organic food, and working with various alternative programs. I did do some of the mainstream treatments, but I had all of my medical team working together with all of my alternative team to put together a holistic program that addressed the immune system as a whole, not just the Lupus. I am not healthy nor am I cured by any measure. But I am alive and I am not in a wheelchair. It is hard work, but you will be fine. Especially since you were diagnosed early. My prayers are with you:)

[Greybnk48]

32. Thanks lala-rawraw

I know you are right. I'm aware of your illness and I hope you're doing well. I was tested for Lupus 10 years ago (discoid) and have had psoriasis like auto-immune skin issues for a while. So I know what you mean about the auto-immune connection since I read about it then. I also react to many foods (hives) especially from fast food places (I include TGI Fridays and Chilies in this group). I'm going to alter my diet even more.

[lala_rawraw]

113. just remember this...

you must sleep in order to boost your immune system, you must sleep well and for 8 hours a night. you must clean your house of all chemical products, because they put a strain on your immune system. use organic cleaners and detergents. if you are developing allergies, then your immune system is showing you that it is ill. stay away from things that you are sensitive to. above all, limit stress, as that is the worst. those things MUST be your priority. i have done the chemo when one of my flares was horrible and my thoughts are with you my friend. you will get through it, but it won't be fun. this, however, will help your body reign in its defensive mechanism which has set its target on you, confusing you with an intruder, if you will. so kill the cancer cells you now have and moving forward, do what you can to keep your immune system in check. you will find that symptoms you thought before were unrelated, are part of the same illness, including your skin problems. i was having seizures and I could not figure out why, until I research seizures and MCTD with presenting Scleroderma/Lupus overlap. and remember, just because someone has an M.D after their name, that does not mean they are an expert or a good doctor. trust your gut. ask questions if you need to and make suggestions to your doctor. a doctor who cannot handle being asked questions or working together with their patients is not a doctor you want.

[dddem]

29. One of these days, during your recovery, when you ask yourself (or God) why are you going through th

remember this. You are quite posssibly saving a few (or more) lives by posting this today. Thank you, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Greybnk48]

34. That's my greatest hope

but dog-gone it dddem, you made me cry.

[DemReadingDU]

31. Thank you for sharing

Bookmarking this thread

Best of luck to you!

[asjr]

36. I had cervical cancer in my 30s. Surgery

removed all of it. I had a hysterectomy at 42 but I still have my ovaries. So far so good. You will come through this with flying colors. You are in my prayers.

[Greybnk48]

39. Thanks asjr

You sure have had more than your share. I'll be thinking of you too. Good luck. Hearing from all of you survivors really helps.

[Terri S]

37. prayers and healing light to you and your family

and bless you for sharing such important information! You appear to be in the best of hands and surrounded with an awesome support system, so I'm very confident you will come out the other side of this wonderfully. And we'll be cheering you on from here!!

And now.. I'm off to spread your message to my friends.

:pals:

[Greybnk48]

40. Tell everyone you know!! And thanks.

[City Lights]

38. Thanks for sharing your story.

And best wishes for a speedy recovery. :hug:

FWIW, I've also heard that pants that seem tighter w/o an obvious weight gain was a sign of ovarian cancer.

[Greybnk48]

43. Raven mentioned a symptom I neglected to mention

I had a dull pain in my right side that wrapped around and went down the back of my leg. THAT'S what got me to the Dr. because it was so aggravating. It turns out that a benign fibroid tumor may have saved my life (picked up on an internal ultrasound).

Another comment that may be important. These people (the Doc, etc.) know me from the past and know I'm not a complainer--I minimize everything because I'm not comfortable in the spot light (genetic wall flower). So when I did complain, they kicked in like crazy--BECAUSE THEY KNEW ME. My Doc pushed me in to the ultra-sound lab the very same day. However, I do know that some women can be and are treated like complainers and whiners--I've seen it happen. My message is don't allow it. Demand an endometrial biopsy if you have any of these symptoms.

[frogcycle]

41. best wishes

you'll be fine. you caught it; they'll fix it, and that will be that.

[Ilsa]

42. Oh Grey, I am so sorry you have to go through this, and I am

grateful that it appears to be confined to your uterus.

Thank you so much for listing the signs and symptoms you had and that are typical of this awful disease. I will turn 49 this summer, and sometimes I wonder about what I should do with respect to my birth control pills, should I take HRT, etc, considering my family history (probably not).

Blessings to you as you undergo your surgery and possible radiation therapy.

[Greybnk48]

45. Some of the HRT's may be connected to this

so do some research before taking anything. I was a surg-tech in the past, so HRT's and their effects are out of my area of expertise.

[woodsprite]

44. Sorry to hear your diagnosis. I heard those exact same words 1 yr ago.

My doc said the same thing, that they were told in medical school if they had to pick a cancer for their Mom's to have - this one would be it. My regular OB/GYN did the surgery (TAH/BSO), with a GYN/ONCO standing right next to him waiting to do the biopsy and lymphandectomy, if needed. When I woke up, I was told that I had clear margings, the pelvic wash and the lymphatic vessels were clean and clear. That was April 2006.

I can truly say the hardest thing so far has been dealing with some of the surgical menopause symptoms. I've been trying to deal with them naturally since my GYN/ONCO said that he doesn't want me on any type of HRT until I'm at least 2 yrs out. Then he MIGHT consider a little something if I still felt I needed it. I've actually been doing very well, although about 3 months out from surgery, my joints (knees especially) started really bothering me. It seemed so sudden, I'm thinking it's more hormone/menopause related than just getting old. :) At that time my doc said "oh, surgical menopause has finally hit." UGH!

My pathology came back as Grade I/Stage IIa (superficial), so apparently I fell into a huge gray area where there's not alot of research or reports. My docs wanted me to research on my own and get a 2nd opinion before deciding, with them, the course of action we would take. I felt good that they wanted me to be active in the decision, rather than telling me what to do and expecting me to be OK with that. I also felt good to find out that one of the docs had been pres. of the Gynocological Oncology Group - who helps set the protocols for treatment. I opted not to do rads at this time and they are treating it like it's a Grade I/Stage I, except more vigilance in the checkups. I'm doing checkups every 3 months with vault smears for the first 2 years out, then it will change to every 6 months for 5 yrs.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers. If you need to talk, just PM me. I'm on DU most every day ;) BTW, the HysterSisters site that people have mentioned is totally awesome.

Edited to add: I put up a page - kindof a my story thing - when I was recovering and researching. If anybody wants to take a look at it (it's specific to Grade I/Stage 2A), it's at http://udel.edu/~raker/ecIIa.html

[Greybnk48]

47. WoodSprite

May I ask how old you are. Or better yet, had you started menopause? My bloodwork showed I was through menopause in 2001, but I still have flashes, so I guess I'm still considered peri-meno.

I will PM you when I know more--my grade/stage, etc. I am bookmarking your page as well. Although this is new to me, I know having experienced people to talk to is extremely helpful.

On Edit: The link to your page is not working for me.

[woodsprite]

54. Greybnk48

I fixed the link. It should work for you now.

My diagnosis came right before my 43rd birthday. The doc said that I hadn't started menopause yet. The only reason I knew what a hot flash felt like was that one of the drugs they give you during infertility treatment can cause them. I'm heavier so it took awhile for the excess estrogen in my body to be affected by the surgery. I understand some people feel symptoms as early as day or two after surgery. Since your bloodwork showed you were thru it, maybe the hormone swings won't be as drastic.

Dare I say it, but with me, it's the libido that took the biggest hit - that and my joints. Hubby knows it's something we have to work thru, but I can't wait until I can use a tidge of something to bring that back. ;)

[Greybnk48]

59. I'll check the link again

I've already been struggling with the libido thing--my hubby has been a very good sport. My strategy has been to "fake it till you make it" when it comes to that--and most of the time it works. It just takes a little longer to become interested, if you know what I mean.

edit: link works, thanks.

[AnnInLa]

46. thank you for the post, good luck, and

PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED as you travel on this journey. I don't know what the proper forum would be, maybe you could prepare a newsletter and send it to those of us who are interested? Or, could you do one of the DU Journals, and let us know if you decide to prepare the journal? I, for one, would like to be able to offer support, and to gain information, about the whole process. Thanks!

[Greybnk48]

51. I may journal this if I feel well enough

and I sure will let you all know. I'm certainly going to have the time! I teach, so I now essentially have 6 months off of work. I can't remember the last time I didn't work for 6 full months.

[AnnInLa]

63. I just retired from teaching, so have a lot of time to read

your journal. I hope you are well enough and feel like writing! Don't even think about your job right now, just concentrate on healing your body.

[rasputin1952]

48. Excellent info to pass on and I thank you for posting this...

Far too often people think little of something that is just in passing, and presents no threat.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I share your sentiment that women, and men as well, (prostate problems often show up only when they cause blockage and other problems that prompts a Dr visit), should be aware of anything "different" to what they normally see/feel.

If I had not gone in for the prostate exam, and then surgery, i might not be here.....I've beaten CA twice so far, and the prognosis is excellent....strange, but I wonder what might come next...

[Greybnk48]

49. Wonderful news rasputin1952

hopefully nothing's next. My husband's father and grandfather both had prostate CA. My husband has been checked in the past few years, but guess where he is going in the next 2 weeks. Yup. I'm going to schedule a full work up for him. That's a sneaky cancer too, but we're on to it.

[rasputin1952]

58. My father died of colon cancer on 4Jul65, he suffered for 2 years....

got to the point where morphine was barely taking the edge off the pain. We upped the dosage on our own, (he was getting it deep IM), and the suffering went down. This was before dilaudid, fentanyl, oxycontin etc. It was horrid for me to watch, and I often wished I could take the pain for him. We went to his Primary physician, and he had the audacity to say we needed to cut back on the MS because he could be come addicted.

Being a somewhat pugnacious teen, I told the Doc to go f*** himself, for God's sake the man's dying! My mom and I gathered up his Med Records, much to the protest of the MD, and we went across the hall to an oncologist....long story short, he looked at the records for some 2 min's then called the pharmacy to tell them to have the MS ready, we'd bring in an Rx, but he wanted the MS in my dad ASAP. There are excellent physicians out there!...:D

My step-dad died of pancreatic cancer about 5 years ago, it had metastasized and the Hospice people, (I highly recommend hospice for those that terminal), used fentanyl patches, with po dilaudid and xanax as needed. He passed on pain free. While pancreatic cancer is essentially painless, to a point, once it metastasizes, a whole host of problems arise.

It is my firm belief, (I was a Medical Plt Sgt in the Army, and am currently in college for my RN) that pain should be dealt with aggressively and with whatever is necessary.

[Greybnk48]

85. The story of your father sounds familiar

my brother in law's mom was terminal and in excruciating pain. Her Doc was holding back morphine (in the 70's) because he worried about addiction. What an idiot. My BIL reacted like you did and got results--I think he threatened to sue. I know pain management has come a LONG way, which is a good thing.

[rasputin1952]

99. I can tell you some weird stories, and here in Nebraska, these MD's

are 10 years behind everyone else.

I fell off the roof a couple of years ago and had hairline fx's on my ulna. By the time I got to the ER, my L wrist looked like a football and it hurt like al get out. First comes the ice, fine, but no towel between the bag and my wrist, so I doubled up the sheet and put the ice bag on it. Doc comes in and looks at wrist, orders an X-ray, fine; I complain about pain, and tell him demerol just doesn't work on me, he orders IM toradol...now I'm pissed. I accept the toradol because I don't want to get the notion into his head that I am some kind of "drug abuser" when I really start complaining, which took some 15 minutes, more than enough time for toradol IM to work.

So this guy comes back in and asks how I'm doing. I tell him I hurt like hell and want something for the pain...NOW. He doesn't blink an eye, and tells me a "bag of frozen peas is my best friend for this type of injury." I told him he was full of shit, and a cast w/some px meds were my best friends at this point. I then asked him if he'd put a bag of peas on his nose if slugged him and separated cartilage from bone.

3 min's later, I got IV dilaudid, 2mg, w/a 2mg bolus some 20 min's later.

I mention this because when I was a Med Plt Sgt, I had standing orders for all of my Medics, "Unless contraindicated, ie head wound, sucking chest wound, do a quick eval, stop arterial bleeding, then hit the soldier w/a syrette of MS." STOP the pain. you can move the wounded a lot easier w/o him being in pain, it calms the soldier, and above all, they will love you for it later. NO ONE is going to become an addict if narcs are used properly and for what they are designed for. There is no reason t "keep" someone in pain when we have the products that can stop agony.


OK....I'll get off my now...:D

[knitter4democracy]

50. I'm so glad they found it.

A quickly planned surgery with a cancer diagnosis is very hard to deal with, though. I'm still dealing with mine from last fall, though mine was very different.

Be gentle with yourself, and please know that we're all pulling for you. Let me know if you need a chemo cap and what color you'd like. :)

[Greybnk48]

55. Hey K4D

I'm one of the DU knitters, but if I need a chemo-cap I will let you know because I would rather have one from one of my fellow "yarn harlots" than to have to knit it myself. Chemo is not on the horizon right now, radiation maybe.

[knitter4democracy]

94. Then you'll need a shawl.

I've got one on the needles in a soft thick and thin wool that I could dig out. I forget what color it was, though. I'm thinking a grey-green. If you would like that color, let me know. A nice prayer/good vibes shawl will help through surgery recovery and radiation. Post-op, make sure the keep begging for the heated blankets as much as you can get them. :)

[Greybnk48]

100. oooh. That sounds lovely.

I would like that very much. That color would work for me since I'm blonde with blue/green eyes, depending on what I wear.

[knitter4democracy]

110. I'll pull it out then.

:)

[Error]

52. Greybnk48 - my friend had cancer

and had it taken out. He is cancer free now, still...
It can be beaten - go for it!

[Greybnk48]

56. I hope to post that very same news in 3 weeks--thanks!!

[Straight Shooter]

57. Amen for paying attention to pants that don't "fit right"

I've always had a flat belly but figured because of my age maybe I was just getting a little bit of a pot belly. So I exercised and exercised and finally got it sort of flat again. Big mistake! I was ignoring an ovarian cyst, a very aggressive one, which eventually landed me in the hospital because it began to grow very rapidly. The doctors were astonished at its size. If I were ever taken to court to prove I'm stupid, I'm sure the medical records of that cyst will be entered as Exhibit A.

I was lucky, very lucky. No cancer. But the doc told me if it had been cancer, I probably would not have survived because I waited so long.

Best of luck to you, and don't worry about the incision. The incision on my abdomen (vertical) was rather long, and it healed well. My operation was 4 years ago, and now it's just a thin line. Be sure to take lots of Omega3, check with you doctor on a good dosage of course, because Omega3 is so good for your skin and healing.

:hug:

[Greybnk48]

60. Omega3 has been added to the list

I'm concerned about the healing since my 2-piece days are over.:)

[Straight Shooter]

78. Lots of sexy one-piece suits out there

http://www.venus.com/products.aspx?BRANCH=24~97~&dept=One-piece+Suits

This is one of the more "modest" suits. You can still knock their socks off :)

[Greybnk48]

62. Thank you all

for the wishes and advice. I love DU.

My daughter just came in from out of town to help me start preparing our spare bedroom (my husband and I still have our waterbed from the 70's:rofl: and I won't be able to get in and out of that thing anytime soon after the surgery).

I will check back in later. Your experinces and advice is really helping me and again I thank you.

[LeftishBrit]

64. My very best thoughts and wishes to you!

[debbierlus]

66. Sorry to hear that - thanks for the warning...

Positive energy and thoughts!

[senseandsensibility]

67. It's amazing that you are thinking of others at a time like this

Thank you so much for the words of widsom, and best wishes.:loveya: Keep us posted on your progress; it sounds like you have everything under control. I was wondering about one of your "warning signs." The fact that you were not able to zip up your pants as easily meant that your uterus was enlarged? Am I interpreting that correctly?

[Greybnk48]

87. Yes, the lining has thickened--hyperplasia

and it's enlarged. It doesn't take much to notice it. Thanks for the wishes.

[npincus]

68. wishing you all the best

you'll be well again, soon. My mom has been cancer-free since 1986.

Thanks for your important message.

[DarbyUSMC]

69. Good advice and information. Thank you and I hope you make a full recovery.

[Cerridwen]

70. Greybnk48, I'm checking in...

contributing to all the good thoughts and well wishes coming your way.

:hug:

I'm always amazed and humbled by those who, when going through a difficult time in their life (I'm sure difficult doesn't describe it but my words are failing me), take time out to warn and educate others that they may protect themselves from a similar outcome. Thank you! (more words which hardly fit). But, thank you!

And, for whatever it might be worth, another :hug:

[zulchzulu]

71. Take care of yourself...I'm sending out good vibes to you

Thanks for warning everyone as well.

But first and foremost, take care of yourself...
:hug:

[femrap]

72. Thank you for caring....

and good luck with your treatment. Please keep us updated, OK?

[GreenPartyVoter]

73. *hugs and prayers* May all go well and thanks for the advice,

[roguevalley]

74. bless you, sweetie. I am looking forward to hearing you are fine and dandy.

thank you for the information. Also, I just had a colonoscopy. Anyone over 50 needs to have one. You never know.

[Akoto]

75. I don't know if this will make you feel better, but ...

A close friend of mine in her 30's was diagnosed with uterine cancer, and it was also confined to that area. She had a hysterectomy, recovered quickly, and is doing just fine three years later.

[applegrove]

76. Thanks for the intel!

[Cleita]

77. My best wishes to you.

Good thing you caught this in time. Please keep us posted on future developments.

[graywarrior]

79. Thank you Greybnk48. I'll be thinking of you and sending good vibes your way.

:hug:

[Maestro]

80. As a cancer survivor, let me tell you that the doctors

would not have told you that your prognosis is excellent if it weren't. You will have tough times ahead, but the doctors nowadays, at least the ones with whom I dealt, were fantastic and really knew their cancer facts. Good thoughts and vibes sent your way. Stay strong and thanks for the info. I will pass it along to my wife.

[DeepModem Mom]

81. Thank you for this post; my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[KT2000]

82. Thanks for the info

and wishing you the best through all of this.

[Garbo 2004]

83. Thanks for posting and sharing. Valuable info and a reminder

to pay attention and check things out. You're doing a public service here with this thread.

Positive vibes to you. Sounds like you've got the best of medical care and support. Let us know how it goes.

:hug:

[Cobalt Violet]

84. Wow. I'm glad you found it in time.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

That's some scary info. Can they tell from interals ,or is it too late by then?

[malaise]

86. All the best sister

Get well soon. You're lucky you spotted this early.

[Cabcere]

88. Thoughts & prayers for you, Greybnk48!

:hug: My grandmother was diagnosed with uterine cancer a few months ago, but luckily it seemed to be one of the "better" kinds of cancer, as you said. She had surgery, which went fine, and now she's scheduled to undergo three chemo treatments, just to be on the safe side. I'm glad it doesn't seem to have spread, and that your prognosis is "excellent," although I'm sure it's still not very much fun for you! :hug: I'll be sending good vibes your way. :grouphug: :hi:

[freedomfries]

89. thanks so much for sharing

and best wishes for your recovery. It's good they caught it on time!

[windbreeze]

90. Good luck to you...

and I am sure no one has to tell you to take each day as it comes..wishing for wellness for you....
wb

[Hekate]

91. How scary. All best wishes for your recovery and health, and thanks for the heads up.

Now I know why my gyn was so exercised about some spotting I had a couple of years ago.

As for my pants not zipping so easily these days -- 'nuther story. ;-)

:hug: Take good care of yourself, and keep checking back in with us.

Hekate

[bobbolink]

92. best wishes to you.

As for your warning, PLEASE remember that not all of us can even get medical care inthis country.

Also, please remember that some of us are alone, couldn't survive a surgery and being shoved out when we aren't yet able to physically cope, and nobody to care for us.

THAT IS THE REALITY FOR MANY OF US.

[Shine]

93. Wow, thanks for sharing your testimonial, Greybnk48

I wish you all the best with your surgery and recovery. :hug: I'm sorry you're having to go through this, but I'm glad you discovered it early enough.

I'm definitely peimenopausal at this stage in life, almost 43, so I'll keep what you shared in mind.

:hi: Be well.

[mnhtnbb]

95. Best wishes to you for a full recovery. Two C-Sections and

hysterectomy here at age 42(anemia from extended, heavy bleeding). Decided to have a tummy tuck at the same time as the hysterectomy. (I'd gained a lot of weight confined to bed with last pregnancy--from 17-36 weeks.) They used the same incision line so no new scarring. The nurses told me they were all jealous of the tummy tuck! I did go on HRT and stayed on it for almost 8 years before deciding several years ago that didn't seem normal. Glad I gave it up.

So I wasn't dealing with cancer--but I have to tell you I did not miss
going through menopause.

Hope all goes well.

[Madspirit]

96. The very best to you

...and thanks for sharing and reminding all women to see their doctors.
Lee

[Irishonly]

97. God Bless

I am a six year stage 4 breast cancer survivor. A candle will be lit nightly for you. We light a few candles every night, say prayers and send positive thought.

[Greybnk48]

98. I appreciate that Irishonly

thank you so much. You survivors are making a world of difference in my outlook, which was already positive.

[AZBlue]

101. First, best wishes to you - keep those positive thoughts!! Secondly, thank you & a ?:

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and posting this!

Is it just something that affects post-menopausal women? I'm pre-menopausal (turning 41 in April) but I have those feelings of bloatedness and fullness. I'm also overweight and just figured it was related to that, but sometimes I wonder and your post made me wonder even more.

[Greybnk48]

105. Well, on Web MD it said usually 50 and over

but I wouldn't ignore anything, especially unusual periods or spotting. Other people on this thread have talked about ovarian cysts and tumors which can cause your symptoms too by infringing on your bowel, causing bloating. On the other hand, it could be something with digestion. Just pay attention--don't ignore anything.

[AZBlue]

112. Good advice - thank you!

And thank you again for the post.

My good thoughts and prayers are with you!!

[halobeam]

102. It's such a tricky thing, these symptoms...

they mimick so many other things. For example, I have fullness in my stomach. I have a cystic ovary, I have sporatic sciatica, painful periods.. I even had post coital bleeding (which I had checked out at Sloan Kettering..and was "trauma" injury.. just laymans terms, sensitive cervix when having sex)..

I still feel/experience these things off an on. I wouldn't know the difference it seems with having these symptoms from other things. I think many ppl attribute fullness to bloating, better said, symptoms that can be caused by normal things, painful periods, etc..

I think this is where the danger lies even more so... I still get post coital bleeding, so should I be checked by Sloan all the time? I don't and I don't see how it's reasonable let alone affordable to do and that makes it scary because if it is one day the big C... I'll not have known very early.
I would like to think I'd feel something "different" if there was a problem, but with me, I never feel great.. I think many people are in this position.

I am so glad your prognosis is excellent.. I too, know some people who've fully recoverd from similar cancers caught early and that is key.

Thanks for sharing, it must not be easy to do and certainly very difficult to go through. I'll light a candle for you, with wishes of a great health.

It's important to get people talking about these things.. another reason why I love DU.

[fortyfeetunder]

106. Thank you and wishing you a safe recovery

Glad you posted this, excellent information - we have to listen to our bodies! -- and I hope you get the best of care and healing.
:hug:

[Triana]

107. THANKS Greybnk48!!

I'm about at that age, pre-menopausal. I will certainly note this.

BEST OF LUCK with your surgery. I know it must be scary but you WILL be fine. All us DUers will be pullin for ya!

:hug:

[Nikki Stone1]

108. Thank you for passing this along. I would never have thought of such mild symptoms as

being so dangerous.

Bless you for this and I wish you the best success possible in your fight against this thing.

Nikki

[Morgana LaFey]

109. Powerful, empowering post. Thank you

And best wishes for the very best of everything as you move thru this challenge with what I'm sure, judging from this post, will be enormous grace and dignity. Thanks for sharing your story.