Stage 3a mixed edometrioid & mucinous adenocrcinoma

Neo · New User Joined: 17 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Ohio

April 24th I had a complete hysterectomy. My doctor wants to have me do chemo and radiation starting next week.

I am really confused about how to treat my cancer, as well as, finding reliable survival rates.

I am 37, married, with two young children; 4 and 6 years old.

I am scared out of my mind that I am going to die. This entire thing is such a nightmare to me. I live in constant fear of dying from this disease.

I've read so many things in the past few weeks, but many contradict the other. I'm totally confused and very upset.

I have read survival rates as good as 86% down to 30%. The ACS claims the survival rate is 60%.

If anyone could give encouraging advice, I would deeply appreciate it. Any sites that give promising info would be great.

Neo

rmaureen · Experienced user Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 96

Hi Neo,

I am so sorry to hear this, and understand too well what you are saying. I was diagnosed with Stage III-C Endometrial Adenocarcinoma last September. At first my twin sister and I scoured the internet hunting statistics and survival rates, and continously came up with conflicting numbers and reports. I have turned this whole mess over to God, and I am just believing Him to bring me through. I also decided if I start believing I am going to die; then I would resign myself and not fight as hard as I should. Instead, I have purposed in my heart to beat this thing.

I was talking with a psychologist who said many studies show how a person's attitude toward a disease can greatly impact the prognosis of that person. I know how scary this is, and at times I feel fearful still. This is a very hard road to travel on. I continue to research information about the disease, but I no longer look up information on survival rates. I too have seen it go from as little as 30% to up to 85% according to my oncologist. I am believing for the best however. Its almost tormenting to look at these figures, and if you believe the worst, I beleive it can effect how you address this.

I empathize with what you are going through. I know of a woman diagnosed with uterine cancer; who has been cancer free for 32 years. This is a winnable, and beatable disease. I agree, it is downright confusing--- the disparity on the survival rates. Its very hard to do this, but I would not focus on those statistics if I were you. Look to God if you believe, to medicine, to research, to diet...but dont focus on these numbers. Neo, you will be in my prayers, Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

Take care,

Rhonda

Neo · New User Joined: 17 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Ohio

Thank you for your reply Smile

I do have a strong faith in God, but I think I'm still in shock.

Did you receive chemo and radiation? What types of treatments did/or are you have?

rmaureen · Experienced user Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 96

Hi Neo

I understand too well the shock of it. I still can hardly believe my diagnosis myself . The first two months I felt numb, as if in some nightmare, and it is so hard to deal with the emotions you have. Additionally, it is so hard on your family, and I tried to be strong for them. Its terrible dealing with thoughts you are going to die, but I began to REFUSE to entertain those thoughts. And that is tough to do. I cried out "Lord help me to look at you, how much bigger you are than this". But Neo, it will take time to process some of this. All of this is like being in a battlefied with bullets flying around you: the diagnosis, the doctors, bills, treatments, your family...and thoughts about death. I still have not processed it all.

Since I had no insurance, and could not get an oncologist for some months, my radiaiton oncologist took me under her wing, and started treatment. I had 30 rounds of radiaiton, and I must say, if you have radiation to your abdomen and pelivic region; you may feel sick for a couple of weeks. I could hold very little food in for the first two weeks, after I started taking ginger it went away. The whole process each day (5 days a week) lasted typically 3 minutes--its quick. A couple of times it lasted about 20 minutes, this occurred when the "remarked" me. If you have the radiation, they will draw diagrams on your body to pinpint how to direct the radiation beam. Then they start the treatments.

When I got to see an oncologist in January (I was diagnosed in September) he said he would had done a "vaginal cup" which is a form of chemotherapy. This would had been placed near the area, and left there; for what amount of time, I am not sure. He said he would had done one week of radiaiton for my abdomen, as cancer was found in my periarotic lymph node. Forgive my spelling, I am sure I got mistakes here.

Also in Janurary, the radiation oncologist put a radiation implant in me. This is a simple surgerical procedure, but requires about two days in the hospital. A device is implanted in the vaginal area, and then the doctor injects radiation into the device after you get out of surgery. I must say, it is very uncomfortable and hurts if you move the wrong way. You have to stay flat on your back the whole time until they remove the implant.

Another thing, even just having a hysterectomy tires you out for some months. Our experiences are really similar, they discovered cancer during my hysterectomy too. When you put the stress these treatments and surgeries have on your body, you may have little strength. Its been since September, and I still have little strength, but I also had a spinal fluid condition come on me in November, and that required 2 more surgeries. In time, however, you will regain strength, but you will no doubt need help from friends and family to get things done around the house, ...

Very Happy

Neo, please write and let me know how things are going. I would be interested to know their treatment plan for you. I will keep you in my prayers, and your family too.

Rhonda

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Uterine and endometrial Cancer Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others