sorry to hear your news. How are you feeling after your op? You will usually meet with your surgeon for histology results and may then be referred to an oncology consultant to discuss treatments - which would probably be chemo and/or radiotherapy/brachytherapy. They don't normally stage yiu until AFTER the op and it's more difinitive once the pathology results are in. From experience I can safely say that I put my trust in the NHS and treatments have come a long long way. In the meantime try to eat well and rest as much as you can. Hope your appointment goes well.
Thank you. It's been ups & downs. First 10 days or so were horrendous, very painful, but things have improved gradually, and I'm starting to feel more like myself. I'm now walking a couple of miles daily and no longer clutching my belly as I do so! I'm following orders, no housework etc, just my daily walks.
wound is healing nicely, bladder and bowel behaving themselves.
im getting very anxious about treatment.
surgeon told me two lymph nodes of the four he removed 'looked suspicious'. He did qualify that by saying 'of course, we won't know for sure until we get the histology', but I felt he was prepping me for the likelihood (rather than the possibility) of needing further treatment.
in particular, I am worried about radiotherapy and really don't want it. I don't want to be awkward or seem ungrateful, as I have obviously had top notch treatment so far, and it has probably saved my life. But ...
I know the staging is provisional until histology confirms, but on my GP letters & discharge summary, that's the diagnosis at the moment.
Hey, you sound like you're on the mend from what you have said so that's a good thing. Healing takes time but you're doing remarkably well. I was exactly the same as you and had decided not to have radiotherapy. But I only had one chemo so felt pressured to have the radiotherapy, and to be honest it's been ok so far. When you read about the side effects it's a lot to take in but everybody is different. I've been pretty fortunate and there is no reason to say that you wont be the same. Weighing up the pros and cons can do your head in but in my opinion I would take every treatment that's offered to give myself the best chance. Wait and see what they say at your appointment. And well done to you on your walking and exercise - that's brilliant.
Thank you. It's not easy to talk about it with friends & family who just assume you will take anything on offer and be glad of it! I feel I could probably cope with chemo, but knew someone who was badly damaged by radiotherapy and it's hard to set that image aside. I just feel it's a step too far for me.
I'm mid 60s with no dependents, so am not concerned about longevity, quality of life means much more at this stage.
Agreed. Sometimes it's much easier to talk to those who you're not close to, and this forum is brilliant for that. That's such a shame about your friend and no wonder it's on your mind. Quality of life IS what's important , and only you can make the decision about treatment, but best to wait and see what your team say. It might sound like an older cliche but positivity really is key! Wishing you all the best and here for a chat or to answer any questions you may have.
Been to clinic today for histology results, which were as expected.
I've been referred for chemo and radiotherapy. I have an appointment to discuss chemo next Wednesday, and I am told I will likely have 6 cycles. Not really sure what a cycle is, but I guess I will find out soon enough!
the good news is that Chemo can be done at my local hospital.
Radiotherapy would be done at the cancer unit (20 miles away) after chemo, so no need to make that decision yet.
How are you feeling after your appointment today? I agree that your suggested treatment sounds "standard" as expected. The chemo is usually given once every three weeks for 6 sessions (carboplatin/paclitaxel is the most common one. Then radiotherapy is usually daily for 3/5 weeks depending on your consultant. Sometimes writing a list of questions/concerns for your next appointment is a good idea. Hope all goes well next week.
I feel ok. Was a bit shocked he wanted to do a VE three weeks post op - I declined, as I'm still 'delicate', and didn't fancy being touched.
I feel there's not much option but to press on, at this stage. Will see what next week brings. Thank you for your support and knowledge. My friend had the same disease but at a lower stage, so although she's been my rock, and an enormous help up to this point, she's now out of her depth, as surgery was the extent of her treatment.
