Step By Step

Monday, along with my fabulous sister Denice, I met with Dr. H a gynecologic oncologist from Brigham and Women's and Dana Farber.  I was armed with a long list of questions and copies of the pathology report from Milford Hospital.  I immediately felt at ease talking with him.  I didn't really need my long list of questions because he explained things in easy to understand terms and in such detail that most of my questions were answered before I even asked them.  One thing that was super handy and I would recommend to anyone else going through this was to record the meeting with your smart phone.  There was so much discussed and the ability to go back after the fact and listen to the Dr H has been invaluable.  Kudos to my sister for putting that in motion.

So here is the scoop.   The good news is that the tumor that was detected suggests that I have stage 1A endometrial cancer.  That is because it invaded less than 1/2 of the lining of my uterus and probably gone no where else.  If that was the end of the story then the treatment would be radiation, no chemo and the prognosis is very good with a 95% 5 year survival rate.  The kicker is that pesky lymphovascular invasion I referenced in my last post and the grade of the tumor.  Lymphovascular invasion means is that there is evidence that the cancer cells are in my blood stream which increases the likelihood that my lymph nodes (or worse) are involved.  The tumor was a grade 2 on a scale of 1 to 3.  One would be the least angry (as Dr H put it) and 3 being the most angry.  My tumor was moderately pissed.  I am unique because the majority of tumors are 1 or 3.  I knew I was special!  

So I could still opt for radiation and probably be okay with that or I could have another surgery  to test my lymph nodes and know for sure what stage cancer I have.  I am opting for the latter.  My surgery is scheduled for mid August at B&W. Once we know for sure what we're dealing with then we will decided on the next step.  

The Other Shoe Dropped

One week ago today I got the news. I was at my doctor for a follow up after having a hysterectomy.  Everything was fine, the mood was light, my husband Bob was with me, there was lots of chit chat when Dr. Jeng said "I have a bit of bad news to tell you.  The pathologist called me this morning and found a tumor that we didn't see during the surgery.   You have cancer."  


Endometrial adenocarcinoma to be exact.  That's uterine cancer for all of us regular folks.  Having cancer...that's the bad news.  The good news is that I don't have ovarian cancer AND this type of cancer is very treatable if caught early.  If caught early....there in lies the rub.  We don't yet know what stage cancer I have because my lymph nodes nor the peritoneal fluid (aka the wash) was tested.  I'm not exactly sure why these things weren't done. especially considering that the very reason I was having a hysterectomy was because of symptoms associated with uterine cancer.   I'm a little bit peeved about that.  I have an appointment next Monday with the gynocological oncologist that assisted with the surgery to discuss treatment options and that question will be one of my first.  What I do know right now is that it was a grade 2 or 3 tumor and that lymphovascular invasion was present.  How the hell they know that without testing my lymph nodes is beyond me but I intend to find out.  Right now I am researching all I can about this and trying to find an additional doctor for a second opinion.  I am not going to just sit back and take a passive role in my health care plan.  I am going to do everything within my power to get the best care possible.  I am lucky that I live close to some of the best hospitals on earth.  I intend to take advantage of that.  Dana Farber  and MGH here I come.


I found great comfort blogging during the long wait to become Grace's mom.  Even though I am not the most prolific writer, I found writing to be very therapeutic and the support I received carried me through some difficult days. Not to mention all of the lovely friends that I made during that time.   I came.  I blogged.  I conquered!   


Cancer you don't stand a chance.