Metastatic Stage 4 Endometrial Cancer

Hi

I was diagnosed in April 2023 with endometrial cancer, stage 1 grade 3 with P53 mutation.  I had a full hysterectomy and was successfully treated, I did have an allergic reaction to Paclitaxel and was really quite ill as a result.  My 2 x 6 monthly ch3ck ups were clear.

Fast forward to November 2024 and what I thought was a chest infection turned into lung cancer.  The appointments with the  consultant were difficult for me as I was angry, this has since improved greatly. 

My treatment plan was 6 x  cycles of chemo and then possibly immunotherapy, unfortunately just after the 3rd cycle I developed  a chest infection and a blood clot on the right side of my chest.  During a barrage of tests it was discovered that the chemo wasn't working and the complete left  lung is encapsulated in cancer which is still thickening.

The amount of drugs that I have been given is huge and I also have Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia which don't help,with pain levels but this is controlled very well.

My main concerns are how do I cope with not being able to undertake or complete some of the most basic tasks?  

I've always been very independent and I'm struggling with the effort it takes to get washed and dressed, never mind other household  chores.  I managed to make a drink for myself and felt quite proud of managing that.  

Please can anyone relate to me and have any advice on how to face this scary journey?

  • Hello Scottishpiglet, so sorry to hear of what you are going through.  I am also stage 4 (breast cancer that has spread to my lungs, lymphatic system and bones).  Like you, I am also struggling with basic tasks.  At the moment I am still able to shower and dress myself, but it is becoming more and more difficult.  Do you have palliative care?  Your MacMillan nurse will be able to offer you some help with regards to the things that you are finding increasingly difficult to do.  If you are not receiving palliative care, then please speak to your GP.  At stage 4 you should definitely be getting some help.  You asked for some advice on how to face this scary journey, and the only thing I can say is that I take each day at a time.  I know it sounds like a cliche, but in all honesty, that is the only thing you can do.  You will get good days and bad days.  Do you have family and friends that you can talk to?  If not, this is something that MacMillan can help you with.  They can put you in touch with others who are going through the same thing as you.  If there is anything else you need to ask, please feel free to do so.  

  • Blue-girl thank you so much for your response.  My CNS did mention Macmillan nurses coming in and it is palliative care I am under. My GP have been nothing but useless so far and are more than content to leave me to myself

    I'm lucky in I have very good friends and family but this has started so quickly, I could manage until about 2 weeks ago and now find i can hardly do anything.  The loss of independence is difficult to accept and being reliant on others is alien to me.

    Taking every day a step at a time is the only way forward, I have all these good ideas on things I could or should do but reality steps in and says no, not happening.

    Hopefully there will be someone that I can talk to going through the same things as this would be beneficial to me as a coping strategy.  I will ask the cns about it.

    I wish you well and hope that you continue to be as good as you can be.

  • Thank you.  On this cancer journey I have discovered that very often, you have to push really hard to get the help you need, but don't give up.   Here is a MacMillan phone number that you might find useful:  0808-808-0000.  They can give you lots of useful information and they will also tell you how to connect with others that are going through the same thing.  Like you, I dread the thought that I am rapidly losing my independence, but like I said, take one day at a time and cross every bridge when you get to it.  Good luck.  xx