Any advice welcome

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed with uterine cancer last week.  The consultant said he's looking to carry out a radical hysterectomy within the next four weeks.  I'm in shock and terrified, does anyone have any advice or comments that they think could help.  Many thanks x

  • Hi there

     

    oh so sorry to hear your diagnosis. You will be in shock and going through a number of scenarios in your head.  It will seem very scary and the fear of the unknown is worse than going through any operation or treatment in my opinion and am sure many others would agree.   I too had this diagnosis. I had never been in hospital befote (except childbirth) and had never had a general anaesthetic, let alone sn operation.  But in hindsight I wish I hadn't have worried about it do much. The staff explained everything and were ever so nice and really put me at ease.   I was expecting to be "in bed" for weeks but literally took it very easy for first 10-14 days. Really was astounded at how good I felt so quickly. But believe me I did sit down / lie down a lot but it was not nearly as bad as I had expected. Worrying is completely normal but you will manage it. You will. Do you have some help/support after your op? 

  • Just seen your post about your hysterectomy, I was told today that I'm  having one next week and I'm in bits and terrified of the op and anaesthesia. My recent biopsy came back with no malignancy showing but there was a second opinion and further investigation of the biopsy. A couple of things showed up on the scans I had done and they had an MDT meeting this morning and decided I needed it done. I was so sure it was going to be okay but now in total shock and so scared. Any reassurance and advice would be welcome.

  • Hi there, so sorry to hear that you are frightened and worried.  I was as well!  But if the medics indicate that a hysterectomy will be the best course of action, then put your trust in them.  It's really not as bad as you will think... and you will attend a pre-op appointment very soon so take this opportunity to ask any questions you might have. I am happy to answer any you might have. X

  • Hi Wiccanwoman,

    I was where you are now, in January of this year.

    You are still in shock and  your mind will take time to process the unexpected news!

    I was really scared and overwhelmed for about 10 days, couldn't think straight at all.

    I had a total hysterectomy on May 18 th and have started back at work today.

    My advice, having gone through the same, is to let your feelings out, don't try to cover them up.

    Take it one step at a time, and get support from friends and people closest to you.

    In a few days, the news will have sunk in and you will cope better.

    The surgery is pretty straightforward, I was only in hospital for one night.

    It's taken me a few weeks to recover, but getting there.

    It's a tough journey, but you'll get there!

    Take it step by step,

    Just a day at a time.

    You don t have too long to wait for surgery.

    Most uterine cancers are early stage, so the chances are good.

    It can be treated, the success rate is high.

    Waiting for the biopsy results was hard, but  just take one step at a time.

    I was lucky, It was an early stage, slow growing cancer, so I needed no further treatment.

    I hope it will be like  that for you too.

    Keep busy, focus on eating well and staying positive in the lead up to surgery.

    I was fitted with the mirena coil to help to protect my womb.

    Maybe you could ask then about this treatnent.

    I know exactly how you feel Wiccanwoman, it's a journey and you will feel so relieved after your hysterectomy.

    Small steps, be kind to yourself and gather your support network and I'm sure they will be there for you.

    I've made it through and it's hard, but you can do it too.

    Wishing you well and I will be thinking of you.

     

    X

     

     

     

  • Thanks for replying.  Your words did bring me comfort.  I felt calmer and felt more able to put things into perspective.  I surprised myself with my reaction to the news because I do not usually panicc.  Your words made me think about how many people fight this disease and come through the other side.  That's exactly what I intend to do.  Thanks again.

  • Hi Patricia67

    Thanks for replying.  I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through the same thing.  I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.  Have a look at the replies I received.  I found them very helpful.

     

  • Thank you  cardholders for your comments and advkce, which I found very helpful.

  • Daisymae, I found your comments and advice very useful,, thank you.  Good luck with your return to work.