Intro

winterswolf · New User Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 7 Location: USA

Hello, although I have been lurking for a few months, I am a new member of the forum and wanted to take a few moments to introduce myself.

I was diagnosed with stage IIIb cancer in June. It's listed as 'cervical' cancer on my chart, but it actually didn't start there. It started in the endometrium, spread to the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and was in the vagina when diagnosed. In July I learned that it had also spread to the abdominal lymph nodes.

There were very few symptoms to go by. I experienced occasional cramping, but never anything serious. In February I started having some serious pain and bleeding. I saw a doctor and was told it was kidney stones. When the 'kidney stone' hadn't passed by April, I made another appointment and had a CAT scan. Incredibly, the cancer didn't show up then, either. I was told I might be passing a gall stone. When the bleeding and pain continued into late May, my doctor made a June appointment with a gynecologist. The tumor she discovered was so large that it was almost completely blocking the cervix.

I was sent to an oncologist who performed a hysteroscopy and D&C. While doing the procedures, he debulked the tumor as much as he could but it was the largest he had every seen and he could not get it all.

At the time, I was told the cancer was inoperable and my prospects of survival were pretty guarded.

In August I began radiation treatments and chemo. I've finished both, though I will probably need further chemo because of the cancer in the lymph nodes. The first barrage of treatmetns have shrunk them, but they are not cancer-free yet.

In late August I started brachytherapy. Although I dislike these treatments, they have not been painful I am happy to receive them in any case because at first the radiologist wouldn't do them because he felt it was of no use. But the tumor has been shrinking so quickly that he has changed his mind. Smile

Last week I received some really great news - my oncologist said the cancer is now operable. He is opting for more treatments before surgery, but I feel I can see a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.

In know I still have a long way to go, but I think I'll make it. In fact, I plan on it! Very Happy

cardoso · Guest

Glad to know.

Please keep posting, I don´t know why but people never post the good stories, only the bad news. I´m sure a lot of patients would love to know about cases like yours.

winterswolf · New User Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 7 Location: USA

I know. I guess with a lot of people, getting better keeps you so happy you forget to post! Very Happy

Anyway, I was horribly scared at the beginning and couldn't find any information that really comforted me (especially about brachytherapy), but as I began treatments with radiation, chemo, and the brachy, I've discovered that, like the closet monster, it's reputation is the scariest part.

Everybody's situation is different, but if anybody is scared about upcoming radiation, chemo, or brachytherapy treatments, don't be shy about posting it. I can only tell you what it's been like for me, but I'm still here & getting better, so it's manageable.

I have my last brachy treatment next Thursday; after that it may chemo again before surgery, but at least I know I'm getting there.

sunnybnny · Regular Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 12

Hi Winterswolf,

It seems that you're responding really well to treatment ... that is SO great! Very Happy

How wonderful for you that your tumor is becoming operable and that you can feel more hopeful of recovery now. The mindset is SO important in fighting cancer!

I'll be sending good thoughts your way for complete recovery! Please post an update when you can.

Best wishes...
Valerie

winterswolf · New User Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 7 Location: USA

I saw my oncologist this Monday, and it was good news/bad news time. The good news is that the tumor has responded "beyond expectations" to treatments and I am 100% improved. Bad news is that he is not sure my lymph nodes are cancer-free yet, though they have returned to normal size. He also saw some bladder damage caused by the radiation treatments. He won't operate unless he is sure the lymph nodes are clear. He also said he thought he would need to remove my bladder during a hysterectomy.

Right now my two radiologists and chemotherapist are urging him to perform immediate surgery while the tumor is under control, but he won't operate, although he agrees it is operable at this point. I understand his reasoning, though I am (obviously) unhappy by this turn of events.

I spent Monday evening and part of Tuesday frustrated and crying over the unfairness of this, but life's not fair and I'm not a person who gives up easily, so by Tuesday evening I was looking into alternatives, from a second opinion by another surgeon to pushing for further tests or treatments to be sure the lymph nodes are clear.

I still feel blessed by the progress I've made. I was so very close to terminal cancer in June. Not every path is easy, even when it seems the road is clear of stumbling stones, but giving up is not an option. Smile

sunnybnny · Regular Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 12

Hi Winterswolf,

The update on your progress is amazing and wonderful! I'm with you on the second opinion, different surgeon, and further testing. You'll probably save some sleepless nights wondering if you're with the right doctor if you have someone else look at your case. Who knows, they might even have a different approach to the bladder situation. Good luck on that and congratulations on the response to treatment, I'm very happy for you! Smile

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