Does anyone have much knowledge on cancer?

[Helenemjay]

My aunt has been diagnosed with cancer of the womb last thursday - she is 60, so far basic tests have shown its not anywhere else, but that the Dr said she has 'a' cancer which has formed from cancerous cells therefore they must have been around a while, but she is still having tests at the moment, BUT for the last few months she has become very forgetful and vague about things, she is usually more organised and tidy than Anthea! but has recently apologised for missing neices birthday and not buying her a present when she did buy her a present and was even at her party!! this in my opinion doesnt seem right at all, is there any danger it has spread to her brain??

[Sugarmag]

My mum (she's about the same age has your aunt) had uterun (sp?) cancer last year. The first thing they did was a complete hysterectomy. It was major surgery but as she was already post-menopausal she was ok with having it done. Then they tested to see if there were any signs of it having spread outside the uterus. the tests were inconclusive so she had to undergo a course of radiation therapy focused on her abdominal area. She said the radiation made her tired and upset her stomach a bit but otherwise she didn't feel too bad. Tests after the radiation was finished showed no further signs of cancer. Within a few weeks of finishing the radiation she began to feel much better and a year and a half on she is completely healthy and cancer free.

Several extremely positive side effects have also occured as a result of all this. First of all, having the hysterectomy seems to have cured her of severe abdominal symptoms she'd been experiencing for many years which were probably the result of very large fibroids. (They can't have been due to the cancer because if the cancer had been aroudn for that many years she'd have been dead). The second, more indirect side effect is that since the op & the radiation she has improved her diet about 300% and started exercising regularly. As a result she has lost at least 4 stone is in better shape than she has been for about 20 years.

I don't want to just tell you not to worry because obviously every situation is different but I just want to say that cancer of the uterus can treated and if it hasn't spread she could have a complete recovery from it. Good luck with everything and I hope you get some positive news soon.

[suejonez]

Sorry only read the op, so apologies if I duplicate.

Very unlikely to have travelled to her brain if they donet think its spread. Cancer of uterus has generally very good prognosis though if I remember correctly it does require a hysterectomy, so fairly major surgery. Far more common in port menopausal women and I bleieve can often take a while to develop.

I doubt the confusion is linked, but cancer is very stressful and hopefully once its been treated she get a bit better.

[Mirage]

I'm sorry to hear about your aunt.Two of my relations have died from brain tumours & neither of them was forgetful at all.Nausea,blurred vision & unsteadiness were the main symptoms.

I hope your aunt gets good news.

[Helenemjay]

Oh thankyou for your help! im keeping my fingers tightly crossed for her, my mum is going to see her tommorow so she will no doubt get some more info off her as she has been to the hospital a few times in the lsat few days, hopefully she will start to get some results back in the next few days/weeks from all the tests she has had done!

[tribpot]

Sympathies. I think most cancers are formed from cancerous cells that have been around for a while so that may not have been what your doctor was trying to say.

A friend of mine was diagnosed with cervical cancer just after her wedding last year. It has been a very tough time but she is doing well and currently sunning herself in Italy on holiday.

I'd suggest you have a look at the \link{http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Home\CancerBACUP website} and maybe give them a call for some advice. Can you speak to her doctor and mention the vagueness?

All the best, hope your aunt is okay.

[imaginaryfriend]

How awful, so sad, I hope they (and you) remain strong. If it hasn't spread there's a good chance she'll make a good recovery although there may be a period of time when lots of hospital visits are necessary.

Keep us posted?

[Helenemjay]

Thanks imaginaryfriend! i guess stress can certainly bring on chaos to anyones mind! She is lovely and her and my uncle are such bright happy people and they have quickly become very quiet, and almost sick with worry they are both so tense and stressed, although they are trying to hide it well, you can feel the tension and worry in there house, he loves her sooo much and he is sooo worried he is going to loose her

[imaginaryfriend]

I know very little about cancer but I wouldn't think forgetfulness etc. was a sign of brain cancer perhaps so much as a sign of stress and anxiety about what's happening to her.

I hope she'll make a full recovery and that you get some good advice on here. Good luck, Helen,