Uterine Cancer Survivor
I'd been put back on the pill in 2000 to control my heavy periods and cramps after I gave up trying to get pregnant again at the age of 40. In 2005 I had been diagnosed with two small fibroids and the doctor assumed they contributed to causing the monthly problems I was having and the pills would help. By 2007 the cramps kept getting worse each month and although I didn't think about it at the time I was experiencing extremely light bleeding/discharge even when I wasn't on my period. I finally went to my doctor who sent me to a GYN. I hadn't had a pap in two years since everything had been fine on my previous exam. I walked into the GYN's office told my story and he assumed it was "just peri-menopause" although he did decide to do an exam. Well, I was full of fibroids, including what he called "prolapsed fibroids" which had come through my cervix.
He was able to remove one the size of a silver dollar and send it in for a biopsy, while still presuming it would be fine. He did however plan on a d & c and cauterizing my uterus to prevent further fibroids. Flash forward about a week later right before Thanksgiving 2007 to that phone call "you have Adenosarcoma and need a hysterectomy". I reacted exactly like Fran in her book. Then I got down to business and said take out any parts I'm not using. Fortunately it hadn't spread anywhere else yet and was Stage 1 so no chemo or radiation.
I had the complete abdominal hysterectomy, along with the ovaries and tubes being removed. Two and a half years later I still feel like I'm trying to recover from the whole menopause deal but so far no sign of cancer. I take things one day at a time and one foot in front of the other. Fran thanks for the book I really enjoyed and related to it! It's so important to listen to your body and be your own advocate!
Comments
Peritoneal Cancer
Hi,
First I would ilike to mention that I am a huge fan!
I was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer (cancer of the abdominal lining) as a result of routine gall bladder surgery this past August.
This is a spontaneous cancer that mimics ovarian cancer and shows no symptoms until it is terminal. It is extremely aggressive and
spreads quickly. I had exploratory surgery on September 21st and the cancer was stage 3. It was on the surface of my ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus,
omentum, abdominal lining, and colon. My colon and to be resectioned in two places. The surgery was a success and all the tumors and 16 lymph nodes
were removed. I have some residual cells remaining and they will be destroyed by intense chemo treatments.
Unfortunately, there is no screening for this rare cancer and very often I think about how awful this is for those of us who are diagnosed with this awful disease.
A CT is the only test that will show any tumor growth prior to a patient having symptons. There is no awareness about this cancer and without screening these
individuals who have this disease are in a bad position. I was lucky to have the gall bladder surgery. It saved my life. I am now going through six cycles of very
intense chemo in my veins and in my abdomen. My prognosis is good with treatment. I want to raise awareness about this cancer so other indivduals can be saved.
In addition, awareness should be raised for cancer fashion. Many of us loose our body hair during treaments. However, there are many fashions that can make us
feel beautiful. There are nice wigs, head scarves, hats, turbans, ect. I love to get dressed and feel good during this tough time. It really helps. I am also going to
get a small music group together to serenade the patients who are being treated with me in the hospital. I will do this during the holiday season. Music therapy is
the best...for my fellow patients and for me!
Thanks for reading my story.
Lucille