Stage 4b advanced uterine cancer

[Cass080]

Hi everyone,

It's my first time here. I was diagnosed with Stage 4b advanced uterine cancer, 2 years ago. I've had a full hysterectomy and in turn now have surgical menopause 😳 

When they did my hysterectomy, they nicked my bowel when stitching me up inside and consequently I have also had to have colostomy surgery and now have a colostomy bag (which was supposed to be for 6 months... I still have it). With this, I am very high risk of a hernia (which I have one at my belly button), and have a weight limit of 3kg... Basically a 3 litre milk is my limit. I can't lift our little dog, as he is 7kg 😔

My life has completely changed.

My husband and I have been through the wars over the past two years, trying to understand what is going on and to navigate through it all.

My husband has been so supportive and caring (even more so than usual) and trying to make my life my comfortable.

What I am having trouble with at the moment, is the surgical menopause. I seem to be so angry (probably everything that has happened on top of the menopause), I'm struggling to keep my emotions in check.

Does anyone have any advice? I can't take HRT as it will accelerate the cancer. 

I eat a balanced diet and have started slowly exercising (as I am able to now). 

Sorry for the long rant, I could go on and on, I just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this or knows some things I could do to help me vent the anger...

Thankyou so much for listening (well, reading!).

Cass.

[Maddi_CCNSW]

Hi Cass080

Welcome to Cancer Council's online community, I hope you find it to be supportive and informative.  

It sounds like you have been through a tough time over the past couple of years.  

Cancer Council NSW has some helpful information on their website; I've listed some links that may be relevant; 

Search results for Colostomy bag | Cancer Council NSW

Early Menopause | Overcoming Specific Challenges | Cancer Council NSW 

Tools for Coping | Emotions and cancer | Cancer Council NSW 

Common Reactions | Emotions & Cancer | Cancer Council NSW - these includes anger.

If you live in Australia you can also call our 13 11 20 Support line for information and support.

I hope our other community members will share their experiences with you.

Warm regards

Maddi

[Feebs74]

Hi Cass080

I am new here too, and my heart goes out to you. ❤️

I also had a radical hysterectomy as part of my cancer treatment back in Feb 2025. (I have stage 4 bowel cancer, which had spread to my ovaries).

So I too am experiencing instant menopause on top of the cancer stuff, and my emotions are definitely all over the place.

I am able to get around better now that I have recovered from a couple of major surgeries, and have been able to reintroduce exercise into my care regimen.

 I really am looking forward to the cooler weather so I can get out into the bush/forest which I find really good for the soul.
I also don’t mind letting out a big old scream of frustration occasionally.  (Hopefully not scaring the hell out of fellow hikers or critters too much). 😂

I’m sorry I don’t have any specific advice to help you right now,  but I am in a similar situation trying to navigate it as best I can and would be happy to chat more if you would like.

Feebs 😊🤞

[Cass080]

Hi Maddie,

Thankyou so much for the tools.i will endeavour to work through them.

Cass 😀

[Cass080]

Hi Feebs,

Thank you so much for sharing your story and your advice.

I'm sorry to hear that you have been through a similar experience.

It is so hard to, not only navigate my feelings and emotions, but also try to do the normal day to day things, without getting frustrated or irritated... I am working on it and have a psychologist booked in to help me navigate.

Yes, I think the screaming will be very therapeutic! I will need to drive out of town for that, as I don't want to alarm the neighbours! 

Happy to chat more with you too.

Best of luck 🤞🏻 

Cass 😀 

[Feebs74]

Hi again Cass

I have also been known to rip out a scream (the longer and more forceful the better) in the car on a quiet, deserted road.  So as to not freak out innocent bystanders.  
What ever gets us through I say. ❤️