I was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer this month

[meow2u3]

I'm scheduled to go into surgery--a total laparoscopic hysterectomy--for endometrial cancer this coming Monday. I'm a bit scared and not looking forward to being "spayed", my first major surgery. Fortunately, I made friends with some of my neighbors, who've offered me support, including a ride to and from the hospital. Surgery is expected to be same-day unless there are unforseen side effects.

I underwent all my pre-op tests and they came back withing the normal range, clearing me for surgery. The challenge facing me is the post-op; I'll be on light duty for about a month. I'll need help carrying my groceries, even if they're delivered to my house.

[Botany]

1. I wish you well

And if you were my neighbor I would cut your grass.

[Raster]

2. Very, very best to you...

...a positive attitude and outlook can do wonders. Envision yourself healthy, well and cancer free.

[True Dough]

3. I'm not a regular in this group

but whenever I notice someone revealing that they have been diagnosed with cancer, I want to extend my best wishes during their time of hardship. meow2u3, I hope your recovery is swift. I'm glad you have some neighbors to lean on.

Take care!

[Phoenix61]

4. Do you have time to get a carry on luggage

carrier? They have wheels and you would be able to wheel the groceries into the kitchen. Even a kids red rider wagon could work.

[Zoonart]

5. Best wishes for a quick recovery.

Be good to yourself...do everything your doctors reccomend and then some. Take care with your diet... excercise, if you can to stay strong.
I have experiencce with this. The one tip I cna give you reliably is this... the Oncologist at Solane Kettering in NYC told me if you change one thing it should be this...sugar is CRACK for cancer. If at all possible, reduce or eliminate your sugar intake.

Good luck

[tonyt53]

6. One of my younger sisters had this same thing last year. Your prognosis is very good.

BUT you will most definitely need some help. Please do not even attempt to lift anything. Swallow your pride and if an offer of help comes form someone, accept it graciously. It will likely be recommended that you have someone with you for the first 24 hours after surgery also. Someone will have to be at hospital during your procedure too.

I would wish you luck, but luck is not what you need. You need skilled care from the medical staff, and I'm sure you will have that. Speaking from personal experience here. You will do well - just follow their guidelines afterwards.

[cyclonefence]

7. Laparoscopic surgery is miraculous

in that you will be up and able to walk just about as soon as you get out of surgery. Your pain will be much less than it would be with regular cut-em-open surgery, and that's great.

BUT remember that no matter how "gentle" or "non-invasive" your surgery, the actual surgery, feels, you will still have had major surgery. Don't be seduced into doing more than you should by the fact that you won't have a big surgical wound to heal. Expect to feel tired, more tired than you think you will, and, frankly, getting your groceries into your house is the last thing you need to worry about.

Plan on spending a lot of time sitting and resting, napping if you can. No matter how untouched the outside of your body will look, inside it's just the same as if you'd had old-fashioned surgery, and treat yourself accordingly.

Before surgery, make sure you have enough clean underwear and socks for at least a week. If you have time, cook and freeze some easy-to-heat up meals, or buy a lot of cans of hearty soup or frozen entrees. Do you have enough toilet paper to last a week or two?

And don't rush yourself into doing more than you should, whether you feel like it or not. Be guided by your doctor about when to increase your activity level.

You really won't have recovered from this surgery for at least a month; don't be surprised if you have days--even when you've been feeling well--when you just don't want to get out of bed.

There is good news in your post--your cancer is stage 1, which is great (if you have to have cancer at all), and a hysterectomy will remove it all, and that's wonderful. You're going to have the most up-to-date kind of surgery, so much better and safer all around than you would have had even 10 years ago. You're going to be fine--in time.

I've had two kinds of cancer and a couple of laparoscopic surgeries (hysterectomy and nephrectomy), and I know you're going to do well.

[meow2u3]

9. I'm under no illusions of a swift recovery

It'll take me at least a month before I can start rehab. I can lift no more than 10-15 pounds while I'm recuperating, so thank God I have some assistance.

I can always order my groceries online, sparing the hassle of having to lug heavy bags.

[woodsprite]

8. Wishing you all the best - quick recovery, minimal invasion, and clear margins!

I'm 12 years out from a Grade I, Stage IIA endometrial cancer diagnosis. My OB/GYN said that if he was told his mother had to have cancer and he could choose what type, this is the kind he would choose. I know what he meant, but I wish he would have said it differently.

I wrote up a piece for HysterSisters.org that was solely my thought process, specific to Grade I, Stage IIA, and not meant as a recommendation or medical advice. I wrote it thinking it may help someone in figuring out what questions to ask. My research for myself was done in 2006 so I'm sure things have changed, advanced, and protocols have been updated since then, so just be sure to do your research. If you would like me to post the link to my write-up, just let me know.

I remember suddenly bursting into tears and feeling like a huge weight had been lifted on the day 5 years out from surgery when I opened the report from the doctor that said "No evidence of disease". I guess before that, I hadn't realized how stressed I was about the possible outcome.

Truthfully, the most difficult issue I had to deal with after healing from the surgery was being in immediate post-surgical menopause because I had them take everything - including the ovaries. One day I woke up and realized I was having joint pain in places I'd never had it before. I was walking like a 90+ yo lady. My dr. told me it was due to the estrogen depletion. I took care of the pain with Arthritis Strength Tylenol since I found that prescription arthritis drugs made my BP go way up. About 3-4 yrs out, I realized I was having to take the Tylenol less and less, so that's a good thing. I guess my body finally was adjusting.

Recently I've been diagnosed with Osteopenia (the precursor to Osteoporosis) and have been put on Vit. D supplements and told to do weight-bearing exercises. They also attribute changes in my breast tissue to the early and sudden menopause.

Another bit of advice: Buy a Chillow! If you have hot flashes at night, it will DEFINITELY help you sleep!

Sending all sorts of healing light, thoughts, and prayers your way. If you want to talk, you can pm me. I have a DU window open on my desktop pretty much all day, every day.

[meow2u3]

10. I'm already past menopause

So I won't have to deal with the hot flashes and night sweats anymore--unless the cancerous tumor was releasing hormones. So if that's the case, I'll end up going through menopause twice!

[woodsprite]

12. Oh my goodness!!! I certainly hope that's not the case.

I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. There were times I wish I could have just crawled into my refrigerator!

[vercetti2021]

11. Best wishes

Beat it down!

[Solly Mack]

13. Keep us posted. Rest and give yourself the time you need.

I'm sorry this is happening but this is a good group of people who can help along the way.

I was diagnosed in 2014 - had surgery, chemo and radiation.

[dameatball]

14. It is concerning, but it is good they found it at stage 1. Seven months ago I had laparoscopic

surgery for stage 1 colon cancer. Any time a person finds out they have cancer, it is scary. But your prognosis is very hopeful. I wish you the best and glad you have some support.

[safeinOhio]

15. Let me join about one million of your

DU Family in wishing you a great outcome. XXX

[meow2u3]

16. Thank you very much

Your support is very much appreciated.

[applegrove]

17. Yes a hysterectomy takes a long time to recover from vibes to you.

Last edited Wed Jun 13, 2018, 09:34 PM - Edit history (1)

Caught it early. And that is good. And as they say "when you are going through hell... KEEP GOING!"

[sinkingfeeling]

18. Hope you make a speedy recovery.

[alfredo]

19. When mom got her hysterectomy she said,

They took out the nursery, but left the playground. Let’s hope they leave your sense of humor intact.

Stay strong.

[meow2u3]

21. The doctor "spayed" me

Now I know how my cat Ruby feels being "cleaned out."

[alfredo]

23. Our cat never really forgave us.

She was all black until they shaved her leg for the IV. The fir grew back white.

[meow2u3]

20. I have good news re: biopsy results

Biopsy results: no metastatis. Yay!!

The doctor still wants to see me every 3 months just to be sure I remain cancer-free.

[PennyK]

22. Yahoo!

Now you can breathe...I remember when I got that news two years ago.

[alfredo]

24. Woo Hoo!