How to prepare for Hysterectomy Any Tips?

[HelenBeee]

Hi Everyone

Just a bit of background Ive just been recently diagnosed with Stage 2 Endometrial cancer. I have been told that I will definitely have a hysterectomy and there is a possibility of followup treatment of chemo/radiation depending on the pathology post op. My first appointment with my gyn/onc drs is in a fortnight and I will probably find out then the type of cancer and when the hysterectomy is going to be scheduled. I would really like to prepare myself for the op and post treatment are there any tips for preparing for a hysterectomy that you think might be helpful to me? I would be grateful to hear if anyone discovered something worked for them that they could share with me and other readers. 🙂HelenBeee xxx

[maveson2]

I have just had a stage 2 endometrial cancer and had a hysterectomy two weeks ago. I was given a choice of chemotherapy or radiation. I chose radiation. I am trying to take all this a day at a time.
I wish you well and keep in touch.

[HelenBeee]

Hi Maveson2
Thanks for replying hope you are doing well and yes it is certainly about taking a day at a time.
🙂

[trobbo67]

Hi there, I had a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy 6 yrs ago for endometrial cancer, thankfully I didn't need any chemo or radio afterwards, just regular checkups. I guess the best advice I can give pre op is just try to be as fit as you can, but it will take awhile to get back to any sort of regular exercise other than slow walking! I didn't really have any complications post-op other than pain, and opening my bowels which created complications. Mine was done through an abdominal incision, not keyhole. The pain was quite intense for a few days but did subside in due course, definitely don't try to do too much too soon. I had to self administer Clexane injections for about 6 weeks after, that was fun! As my ovaries were also taken I went into instant full-on menopause which was an ordeal in itself. With the type of cancer I had I was able to go onto HRT which was a godsend! However, just be aware that endometrial cancer can return, even if you don't have a uterus! Mine has returned into my lungs and is incurable. The return of the cancer has not been any way linked to the HRT however I would suggest you take the advice of your specialists in regard to this. Hopefully if you need chemo/radio post-surgery this may prevent this happening. I was really not aware that it could return so have been a bit blindsided, make sure you gather as much info as you can! Good luck with it all!

[maveson2]

Thank you for sharing your experience with me, trobbo. I will be having radiation treatment, with the hope that will reduce my risk of recurrence. 
My thoughts and prayers are with you. 
maveson2

[HelenBeee]

Hi Trobbo67
Im really sorry to hear that your cancer returned. Thats terrible news thanks for telling me your story and giving me the advice. I will certainly be upping my exercise levels (just walking distance wise) but I think I might throw some weight work in as well. I have changed my diet too and have lost weight and intend to continue. Its hard to know what to say to make you feel better I think we both know I cant. All I can say is I hope you have a lot of love and support around you. I dont know where my journey will end up but I have been researching (as much as my anxiety will allow me to) and even though this cancer has good prognosis the reality is a good chunk of us will have the cancer return. One has to accept that it is part of this experience and Im really sorry its a part of yours. Sending you the biggest hug and love xxx

[HelenBeee]

Hi
From what Ive researched it appears to make a real difference. Was wondering what influenced your decision to go with radiation over chemo if you dont mind me asking you dont have to reply to this question 🙂 Hope things are going well with you. If they offer me the chemo and radiation Im taking it I had already made my decision on that based on my research.

[maveson2]

I decided based on the side effects of both chemotherapy and radiation. I felt that my body could better cope with radiation. I didn’t want to feel sick, nauseous and vomiting, on a regular basis.
Maveson2

[HelenBeee]

ow things ramped up quickly ....my surgery is this coming Tuesday had my preop on the Thursday just gone was not expecting this so soon. I went to my first appt last Monday they told me it (the total hysterectomy and Sentinel node biopsy) would happen within 2-3 weeks. So I felt like I would have some time to prepare the following day I got a call to say I was booked for following Tuesday and my preop on the Thursday. Took it of course and its been such a whirlwind full of anxiety and up and down emotions (my poor husband ☹️).

I am really scared it has been a gradual realisation that the diagnosis of cancer is a looooooooooong drawn out process and really the surgery is actually part of the diagnostic process (if your lucky it can be the treatment and end there) its just harvesting all the cancer ridden tissue/organs so they can send it to pathology (this can take up to 2-3 weeks!!!!) where it is  determined the type and grade of your cancer and THEN they will decide the treatment based on that.  I ve been lucky I know that my process has been accelerated due to persistence circumstance and timing.

All I know is the surgery cannot come too soon for me I want it gone I have started to feel really unwell in these last couple of weeks tired drained and achey. I have been having to have big sleeps in the day. Any way another major milestone is looming a particularly horrific one for me as I have major anxiety around surgery of any kind (due to a previous bad experience). All I want to say is that my cancer treating team have been so helpful to me they have been kind and understanding and supportive when I have felt out of control and anxious. My husband and family have been really supportive too. I know it has not come easy to my partner but he has stepped up and I dont feel like I have to divorce him now (joke of course  humour really helps me to cope) 😂😁

I have been exercising when I can nothing too crazy lots of walking and youtube  exercise (such a great resource for exercise, yoga, meditation, sleep music)

So thats the update I hope everyone else is doing ok 

Sending good vibes to everyone thanks for reading it helps to get it out Keep Safe! 👋❤️