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Cancer of the Vagina

KerryLJ
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Hello.  I am 8 months since my full hysterectomy (ovaries etc. taken), and post-op they found cancer, endometrial cancer early stages.  I required no further treatment.  

I have been having issues with my bowels (changes to how frequently I pass a stool, to constipation, bloating, nausea), something I have nver had problems with.  Gastro did a gastroscopy and an x-ray and have reported in a letter that I have gastritis and erosions and also an impacted bowel (both sides) and I have been discharged to the care of my gp, with no other follow-up from Gastro Consultant. 

I have been spotting bright red blood for 3 days.  Not an excessive amount, not requiring pad changes.

I am worried not just because I am bleeding but also due to my other symptoms, i.e. bloating, constipation, change in bowel habits, nausea, excessive fatigue.

I am very worried that a cancer has returned.  Is it possible for a new gynae cancer to grow even though I have had a total hysterectomy?

Any help/advice is very much appreciated.  

  • Hi KerryLJ and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn that you recently needed to have a full hysterectomy and that endometrial cancer was found. This must be a difficult time.

    It sounds like you have been through a lot, especially finding out that as well as cancer, you have gastritis and constipation which can also cause a lot of symptoms including, nausea and bloating. I can understand all of this and the bleeding you have now noticed is causing you a lot of concern.

    It is worth mentioning the bleeding to the team at the hospital, I don't know if you have a gynaecological nurse specialist (CNS) you could contact or perhaps your GP as they will be able to examine you and advise you further. There can be several reasons for the bleeding, for example, this can be caused by scar tissue.

    The important thing to remember is that the cancer cells found were at an early stage, had not spread outside of the endometrium (womb), have all been removed and that no further treatment is necessary.  This means the risk of the cancer coming back is low. So I think it is unlikely the symptoms you are having are being caused by the cancer. However do have a chat with your doctors or nurse, as they know your situation they can give you further advice and reassurance. 

    I hope this helps a little, you would be welcome to contact our nurses on the helpline if you need more information or support. The freephone helpline number is 0808 800 4040 and is available between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care KerryLJ, all the best,

    Jemma

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    Thank you so much Nurse Jemma,

    I emailed the secretary of the doctor I am under at the hospital and are now waiting on their reply.

    I have calmed a little now, and I am reassured by your message and the information you have provided, particularly as you say it may be scar tissue.

    I think the combination of not feeling quite myself, re. gastritis, constipation and then to start bleeding naturally made me panic a little.

    Hopefully I will hear back from the doctor at the hospital soon.

    Thank you again x 

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