Hello, My name is Susan, I was just diagnosed with Endometrial Hyperplasia With Atypia on June 27th, 2010, I was told by my gynecologist that if a radical hysterectomy was not performed that I would only have a life expectancy of nine months. Needless to say, I opted for the radical hysterectomy. I am going to get it done on August 27th, 2010, 2 months to the day that I was diagnosed. I have a family history of gynecological cancers, my mother Phyllis had stage 3 Uterine Cancer, had a hysterectomy and thank God, survived. She suffered a lot more than myself, it took her a long time to find the right gynecologist to listen to her. She is still doing well today. My Aunt Mary wasn't so lucky, she died in 1979 at only age 42 (a year younger than I am now) of Ovarian Cancer, and i'm pretty sure there was no such thing as a Transvaginal Sonogram back then. She was my favorite Aunt and the impact of her death years later led me to read Gilda Radner's "It's Always Something", Gilda's account of her own battle with Ovarian Cancer, which taught me to ask my gynecologist for a CA-125 cancer blood test and to also ask for a Transvaginal Sonogram. Then came 2004, a Transvaginal Sonogram revealed tumors in my ovaries, thankfully, they were removed and classified as stage one cancer on my birthday. I wanted to celebrate my birthday by giving myself the gift of life. In 2005 I was diagnosed by an endocrinologist with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, I was producing too much Testosterone, a male hormone and was growing a slight mustache and had weird hairs growing out of my chin and both of my breasts, around the nipples. I was married twice and never used protection and never once got pregnant. I had read Fran Drescher's book "Cancer Schmancer" in 2006 and learned a lot about the symptoms (as well as my mom) of Uterine Cancer and wanted to educate myself further. I read that book in one sitting as soon as I learned of my most recent diagnosis to refresh my memory of what to expect. I learned to not be afraid of a hysterectomy and that women can live a long and happy life after one. Now, 6 years later in 2010, the Transvaginal Sonogram has once again saved my life by revealing a huge tumor on my uterus and along with a great gynecologist who has listened to me and did a D&C with Curettage when biopsied showed Endometrial Hyperplasia WITH Atypia. I have been experiencing excrutiating menstrual pain with a lot of bleeding as well as cramping in between periods. I have also been experiencing severe allergies before my periods, too. A lot of sneezing, wheezing and welts ranging from small to large on my arms and legs. It was as if I was allergic to my own hormones and monthly cycle. This was my body's latest cry for help, i'm glad I listened to it. My 22 year old neice Barbara was just diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and has thankfully learned early about taking a Transvaginal Sonogram, so far so good... Education, Prevention and Advocacy is passed on to her now. Many thanks to my mom and Fran Drescher for educating me about Uterine Cancer and what to expect emotionally and physically after a hysterectomy. Fran, I cannot express how thankful I am as i'm sure many women are for your candid account of your experiences, both good and bad from having Uterine Cancer and for educating and advocating people who are afflicted and whose family members are afflicted with gynecological cancers. I wrote a blog about my experience and how my Mother, Fran and Gilda had educated me as well as the emotional causes of cancer. Thank you, Ladies :) http://thegoodnewsishere.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/cancer-schmancer-i-say/