Gynaecology Referral on 2 week pathway

[Pinkelephantisreal]

Have had a very bad week - went for a routine scan last Monday (ultrasound) as had some unusual bleeding and my iron levels are really low - think they are 7. Exhausted all the time too. All was fine until Wednesday when I got a text from GP saying results were abnormal and they would call me the next day…

Next day the doc explained that my uterine lining is severely thickened and looks “abnormal” on the scan and they are referring me on the 2 week (apparently now 28 day!) pathway.

Ive been referred for a biopsy and further ultrasound and today got a letter confirming my referral to Gynaecology Oncology department for suspected cancer.

I genuinely feel in shock as I didn’t expect this for a second (and was actually moaning what a waste of time the first scan was!)

I am completely terrified of the biopsy and the GP just told me to take some paracetamol as it can be a little painful. From what I’ve read online (know I shouldn’t have) that’s a bit of an understatement!

I don’t know what to think and didn’t ask the GP anything as was too shocked…not sure if they are just being cautious or if there is a real chance of it actually being cancer.

My iron levels have been low for around 18 months so concerned something could’ve been wrong all this time.

(Sorry if this should’ve been posted on woman’s health I couldn’t make my mind up!)

@Enigma54i hope you are doing ok.

How did you know to push for a MRI? I too have been told fibroids from previous ultrasounds and have accepted this without thinking. Should I be asking for a MRI?

@sunnydayswim after the biopsy, i wanted further tests. I wasn’t happy with knowing a single “ fibroid” was growing with no monitoring. That MRI showed the mass is all its glory and that was what raised alarm bells. I’m VERY unlucky with cancer, but that said, you just have to advocate for yourself if you think something isn’t right.

Have you had a biposy or not? If not I'd ask about getting a scan like a CT or MRI.

What treatment plan do you have for fibroids? Are you trying meds to shrink them? Plans for removal, myomectomy?

I had a biopsy a few weeks ago and was traumatised by it. I had broth a baby, and had a c section. The pain was awful and had to ask them to stop. I considered myself to be a strong woman with high pain tolerance but this was awful. I came home in tears and took most of the day for pain tolerance go. There is no way to know how you will be. I would take painkillers, hope it goes well and know if it is painful it’s quick. Hopefully your experience is better.
Hope you have positive results too

I was 46 when ultrasound showed a very thick endometrium. A thickened lining pre menopause cancer just be physiological and not sinister. In my case it was benign. Post menopause it’s a finding that’s much more predictive of possible cancer.

I had the hysteroscopy yesterday and was offered gas and air, which was great! I think it’s luck of the draw whether it is extremely painful or ok. Fortunately for me it went fine and was easier than a smear thanks to gas and air, however I am just as aware that it could have been excruciatingly painful and I’m sorry for everyone who has that experience.

@sunnydayswim glad yours went well thanks for sharing. Hope your results come through quickly and all is good.

Thank you too everyone who has posted/shared. My appt is less than a week away now and just want it over with.

How you doing OP?

I went for the biopsy but they couldn’t complete it due to my cervix being stenosised. So I was booked in for a GA one week later. Had this done last Friday (amazing service from NHS)

Ive had a hysteroscopy, multiple biopsies and a polyectomy completed. The surgeon said there were thickened areas rather then overall thickening so she could not rule out cancer and I am still on the 2 week pathway.

Will keep everyone updated x

Best wishes to you, it is good that they are being thorough and are getting on with things. If it’s malignant they will prioritise you and move into action very quickly, you have age on your side as well. I hope that the result is normal, however this is very much a treatable condition nowadays.