Uterine Cancer Support Group

I was staged 3c grade 3 .. I also had the peritoneal wash. When my oncologist read me the pathology report he did not comment on the wash biopsy. I guess I never thought to ask... I wonder if this means the contents of the wash were never biopsied or that they were and not malignant cells were found? They did however, find a lymph node that tested positive. I have an appointment on the 17th Nov. I am going ask my oncologist about the wash. Don't let fear get to you... God did not give us the spirit of fear. He says, "Fear not.."
Take care,
Blessings,
Dodi

Thank you Dodi..for remindng me that "God did not give us the spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind." My Dr said my case was unusual..I should have asked him if he had other patients with positive washing. the cancer was in the lymphatic vessels..heading to the lymph nodes but didn't make it..lymph nodes were clean. Thank goodnesss they got that out! I just finished my second chemo treatment...did you have a lot of pain after your chemo? After the first treatment it was so debilitating. How are you today?
Blesing to you as well,
Carolyn

Dear Carolyn..... yes I did have pain, particularly in my legs. I had to call the hospital on the third day after my first chemo and get a pain medication (opiate) the tylenol and advil were not helping. For me, the first three chemo treatments were the toughest.... it seems like the last three were easier. Odd eh? I tolerated the chemo and radiation well with the help of our Great Physician am feeling well today. I find the memories of those "tough" days are fading and think of this time as my "bump on the path"..... I like to tease folks that the path is not only narrow and sometimes hard to find, it also has a few curves and bumps... hehehehehe
Nice to run into woman like you Carolyn on the same journey.
Keep in touch
Dodi

I had positive washings with a grade 1 cancer. It is unusual but if you research this you will find many studies have shown it not to be significant.Usually the wash is done before the uterus is taken out to prevent spread. Dr says it could also have escaped through tubes but many times cells are not able to metastisize and will not survive. Guidelines at different cancer centers for treatment after hysterectomy say that positive washings with no other spread can be observed. But I think that is just with grade 1 cells. Finding cells in the wash raised us to a stage 3a from a 1b but many studies say the survival rate does not change. Dodi - if the dr didn't mention the wash, it was probably normal. Did you get a copy of the report? You really should ask for it.

Hi Katherine
I did get a copy. At the time I did not have a very good understanding of what was going on with me. Since then, I have learned so much more. I have only started now asking questions I should have asked then. I had sooooo much paperwork as a result of this cancer that I tossed most of it out after the chemo/radiation.
I did not intend to toss the pathology report however, I have not been able to find it. I see the oncologist again on the 17th November.. I intend to ask for another copy.
Thank you for your sharing... I have to agree with you.. I do not remember any comments about the outcome of my wash.. this probably means that it was clear.

Pain storm..that's what I call them because tha'ts what it feels like..a storm ravaging through my lower extermities. Glad it's finally easing up. Yes, I would be curious to know about the positive washing too..and I think it was negative so your Dr. didn't mention it. How many chemo treatments did you have? Katherinez had an interesting comment about the cells not being able to mets elsewhere and could not survive...but I wonder if that is true for grade 3 cells too? I'm just troubled because my Dr. said it could've been there before surgery or it could've come from the surgery itself. He couldn't be 100% certain. Ugh...I hate that. I hope you are having a good day today. Stay well. God Bless

I'm not sure on grade 3 cells but the chemo should take care of that. it has been two years sinse my surgery & dr says if there was any metastisis, I would know it & probably would have happened by now. However, I have read about cells lying dormant for years and something like HRT reactivating them. Did you have a hysterscope or d&c before surgery? There is some research that that will spread the cells too.

Hi Dodi...I was thinking about you yesterday and wondered how your appt went on Wed. How many chemo treatments did you have and did you have a CT scan afterwards? I understand there isn't a blood test such as CA125 used for uterine cancer. I do try to stay positive and exercising does help...especially with the fatigue..besides I seem to be gaining weight even while watching my calories! Very frustrating! Are you taking Megastrol? Hope you are having a good day...it's cold in and rainy (of course) in Seattle.
Take care. Stay well. God Bless,
Carolyn