Ignored symptoms

[gaila]

Hi there, I am new to this - I mean new to having cancer (uterus) - diagnosed nearly two weeks ago and off for hysterectomy tomorrow. I had symptoms for a long time which I ignored and so I am convinced that it has spread everywhere, I am just so angry at myself for doing this to my family.

[gn21]

This is so sad, but please don't blame yourself. There is enough to cope with, without adding blame to the mix. Have they done scans to see if it has spread? Diagnostic techniques are very accurate and should be able to give you more information. Gail

[gaila]

yes, I had scans on Monday, I guess the doctor will give me the good news after the operation tomorrow, thank you so much for replying, it's so hard and you feel just so alone.

[little_stitcher]

Hi Gail, I remember waiting to get my husbands scan results- harrowing is the only word which comes to mind. I feel for you, and wish you all the luck in the world. Keep in touch, Emily

[gn21]

Keen to hear results as soon as you are able to post! Lots of people will be thinking of you. I hope the surgery goes as well as can be expected. Surgery and recovering techniques have improved enormously over the years, and whilst I am sure it will be tough there will be a way through. Hold your nerve. Gail

[bev]

Hello Gaila, Don't feel that you are alone, you are now part of our group, and while you are a part of us you will always have someone to talk to that can understand what you are going through. Hope that your procedure went well.

[The_Rowan]

Hello Gaila, I hope your surgery goes well. I had mine in August 2011, with good results so I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Once you are back on deck and feeling a little more like your 'usual self', I hope you will join our 'Gynocological Cancer' group. We have an online chat once per month that can be very informative (the doctors don't know everything) and extremely supportive when you need it too. There is also an American site called 'Hyster Sisters' that is full of information and people's experiences which I found helpful after my surgery. Take care, Leah

[gaila]

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your contact, it means heaps. The surgery went well and I am feeling fantastic (day 5 post op) - I have little or no pain and wander around the house trying to find things I can do, folding washing seems OK, washing the dishes, no floors or heavy stuff but I can still dust and post blogs!! I get the results today or tomorrow from pathology so will then know what next. Hope all of you are doing OK, you seem to be an amazing bunch of people. Gail

[The_Rowan]

Hi Gail, I've been keeping an eye out to see how your results went. I am hoping that they were good for your sake. Regards, Leah

[misskim108]

hope ur results are. good. don't beat ur self up. things just happen.

[misskim108]

hope ur results are. good. don't beat ur self up. things just happen.

[gaila]

Hi everyone, hope you are all feeling Ok tonight. I am so lucky to have been given the all clear following my surgery on the 28th Feb, the dr called last night to say that there was no evidence of any spread into the lymph channels or other organs and although the tumor was large it was internal to the uterus and hadn't gone into the muscle wall very much. I am one lucky girl. thank you all so much for your comments and encouragement, we really do need to lean on one another. regards Gail

[little_stitcher]

Fantastic to hear your results!!!! I'm so glad for you. Rest up and have a good post-op recovery. love Emily

[The_Rowan]

That's great news Gail. I am so happy to hear your results were so good (almost identical to mine). I know how much of a relief you are feeling right now, but be prepared for your mind to kick into overdrive and second guess everything.....I know mine did. People call it 'survivors guilt', but I found myself thinking that surely I couldn't have gotten away from it all that easily. Are they sure that I didn't need just a short burst of chemo or radiation just to make sure it was all gone? The answer is, yes, you did and no, you don't. If any further measures were needed, your Oncologist would have made the arrangements for it to happen. For now, all you have to do is turn up for you monthly check-up with your Gynocological Oncologist and have your Pap smear and other checks. These will gradually move to every 2 months, 6 months, 12 months until you get told everything is all god and they don't need to see you anymore. Once again, congratulations on your results. Now get out there and enjoy life!!! Leah

[gaila]

OMG Leah you are exactly right and not only have I been asking all those questions I have also fallen into a heap emotionally which I have absolutely no justification for!!!!!!! all I want to do now is try to help others somehow thanks again Gail

[The_Rowan]

I felt a bit like that myself. Now I volunteer to help on the Caner Council stalls on Pink Ribbon Day, etc and help the local committee with the admin for Relay for Life. It's my way of giving back and helping where I can. You may also consider a couple of visits to a Councellor to help you process everything in your own mind. The Cancer Council gave me the name and contact details for one in my local area who was experienced with helping cancer patients. If you do decide to have a few sessions, ask your GP for a Mental Health Plan. This will allow you to claim most of the cost back from Medicare (every little bit helps). Good luck with it all. And if you have any questions that you think I may be able to help you with, please send me a private message. Leah