Early uterine cancer

[spanieleyes]

I was phoned to say that the biopsy taken whilst having endometrial polyps removed showed “early cancer” and I’m booked in for scans and x rays next Wednesday. I was a little taken aback so didn’t ask any questions at the time but wondered if anyone else had had similar and what to expect going forward.

My biopsies after hysteroscopy showed "high grade dysplasia" which can be the precurser to cancer. I had a hysterectomy with ovaries and tubes removed (I was early 50s). After the surgery the histology showed definitely no cancer. Did they tell you exactly what the histology report said? If it's early it will almost certainly be confined to the uterus.

No, I did the very British thing of, when asked if I had any questions, I just said “ No, thank you very much” and put the phone down! I will phone back in the morning and ask for a few more details!

I hope the scans give positive news. Meantime I know you will be anxious and imagining worst case scenarios, but remind yourself there is absolutely no point in that! You need to adopt an approach of one step at a time, so the scans are your next step and don't think beyond that.

I really hope you get positive news and your treatment goes very well. You made me laugh about your British response.

Thank you all for the replies. I’m generally a positive, look on the bright side, not to worry if there’s nothing I can do about it, type of person but just the word is enough to scare the pants of you! I shall wait and see what the scans and x rays show and then start to worry☺️if need be!

If you do ask questions, at this stage I would ask if your case has been reviewed at MDT (multidisciplinary team) meeting yet, and when you will receive an appointment after the scans.

The waiting and uncertainty can be the worst part if you don't even know how long you're going to have to wait, so if possible try and get clarity on timescales for now.

Once you have an appointment date to plan for that's when I'd start preparing any questions about possible diagnosis and treatment.

Macmillan have some advice on questions to ask during the test process.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnosis/cancer-tests-and-waiting-for-results

And also some advice dedicated to asking questions.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/your-treatment-options/questions-to-ask-your-healthcare-team

Unfortunately the MDT meetings are held on Mondays but the Monday after my scan is a Bank Holiday, so no meetings 😥I will ask if I have to wait until the Monday after for a review.

I'm sorry to hear that @spanieleyes. It's reassuring that they seem to have caught it early.

I'm currently on a 2-week pathway waiting for a biopsy after the ultrasound was inconclusive...apparently my endometrium is slightly thicker than it should be.

So I am currently waiting for an appointment for the biopsy. No idea what to expect or how things will turn out, but like you, I'm trying to stay positive.

Fingers crossed for your scans.

And you🤞

I was diagnosed with EC after a hysteroscopy last summer. I had an MRI then a total hysterectomy. Biopsy to surgery was 5weeks, so very quick.
Histology confirmed the cancer was contained to my uterus, so no further treatment required. EC is a very treatable/curable cancer.
I was 50 and found the hysterectomy (robotic) to be pretty easy. I was nauseous and vomited that evening, but didn’t need any pain relief. My biggest problem was the gastric discomfort and constipation, which lasted about a week.
I took 8 weeks off of work, mainly because I felt a bit ‘fragile’ and had been unwell and needing blood and iron transfusions for a few months before diagnosis.

@OpenupThanks, that’s good to know. 🤞I have the same trajectory- although I’m older and a bit doddery so might need a little longer😊 to recover!