I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I do not have uterine cancer but I do have a blood cancer and was diagnosed in 2003. I just had a hysterectomy 3 weeks ago due to abnormal cells. I was able to get a laproscopic/vaginal hysterectomy so my healing was quicker (so they say) then an abdominal hysterectomy. I am headed back to work next week (at 4 weeks).

Try not to get too far ahead of yourself. There are many different stages of cancer. While it is all scary, it is very possible that it didn't advance yet and you will be just fine after surgery. Even if you have to have further treatment such as chemo or radiation, you can take it a step at a time and work through the emotions of it. Cancer is not a death sentence anymore. So take a deep breath and dig deep to find your strength. Don't jump ahead until you know what you are working with. The Oncologist can tell you more and help you develop a plan that you are comfortable with.

I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. That probably makes it very raw news.

Having a serious health situation can be very similar to the grieving process. Everyone is different but I am guessing you will find the mad and brave stage along the journey.

As far as people asking you questions, you can share what you are comfortable with. It could be as simple as "I'm waiting to hear further news from the doctors about my medical path. Thanks for asking." Don't be afraid to tell them you aren't prepared to talk about it yet but will be sure to let them know once you have a firm plan in place.

I am sorry you are faced with this!

Are you sure you have cancer and not just abnormal / pre-cancerous cells (hyperplasia). Hyperplasia is almost always curable with medication. Have you obtained a copy of the pathology report from the biopsy of your endometrium (uterine lining)?

My organs were unnecessarily removed after my gynecologist and an oncologist used ovarian cancer scare tactics and rushed me into surgery. They removed my ovaries, tubes, and uterus even though the frozen section done while I was under anesthesia showed that the ovarian cyst was benign (non-cancerous). I am suffering the effects of this over-treatment.

Only 2% of hysterectomies and 2% of ovary removals are done for confirmed cancer. Women with normal risk factors have a very low lifetime risk of getting either of these cancers (risk is less than 3% for endometrial and less than 2% for ovarian). Women have to advocate for themselves to prevent falling into the unnecessary hysterectomy statistics.

Of course if proper testing does show or has shown that you have cancer, then a hysterectomy would be appropriate.

Best of luck to you!

With all do respect, I was glad to get a hysterectomy even though I didn't have cancer. With a history of cancer and 20 years of reproductive organ issues, I was glad to have it gone. My doctor (a gynecology oncologist) explained to me that there was about a 10% chance my pre-cancerous cells would turn to cancer but that was 10% I didn't want to risk. He also explained that after you are post-menopausal, the uterus and organs are no longer necessary. I have not been able to confirm the information I was provided on this site that your ovaries are needed for their hormones well into your 80s. I had a test performed before my hysterectomy that showed I was no longer producing estrogen (because I was post-menopause).

I can understand if you have not gone through menopause, the impact of a hysterectomy would be an adjustment. But after menopause, you've already experienced the symptoms you get post hysterectomy. I haven't noticed anything negative that I hadn't already gone through.

If you have been told you have cancer, I imagine it is a result from a uterine biopsy. Is that correct? I think you can trust that opinion. I know they also did a blood test, CA125 that is a cancer diagnostic tool too. You might have had that as well.

I know some people suffer after their hysterectomies but when dealing with cancer, you have to have it done and be glad it is gone! I know I am glad I had mine. I'm feeling much better even 3 weeks out then I did before surgery.

That's great to hear, Lexisgirl. You have the right attitude and I agree with your comments. No one on this site should be questioning anyone's decision or what they were told by their doctor. Never presume to know something when you don't have all the information! There are some who want you to believe that a hysterectomy is the worst thing in the world. No one wants major surgery, but if it necessary, than you get it done!

Unfortunately, the alarming overuse of hysterectomy and oophorectomy should cause every woman to question the necessity of these surgeries that, per medical studies, do more harm than good when done unnecessarily.

It would be somewhat easier to "accept" the rapid aging and all the other issues if my surgery was necessary or I believed it was necessary. But my medical records clearly show otherwise.

Due to the many non-reproductive functions of the uterus and ovaries, I cannot in good conscience encourage women to have this surgery. That is why I suggest that any woman who is told she needs one or should have one needs to advocate for herself before going into the operating room. Granted, some do need it especially the 2% who have cancer that is confirmed by biopsy.

I'm sorry you regret your hysterectomy Fighting. I'm appreciate your feeling the need to warn women of other options as a result.

For me, my doctor has to follow a strict protocol for the hysterectomy and my insurance also made sure it was medically necessary before it was even scheduled. I do have friends who had a hysterectomy "to stop their periods" so there are doctors that will do it but I would like to think those are few and far between.

Over the years, I found it very difficult to get a hysterectomy until we followed all protocols and preventative measures and process. I felt very comfortable with my conversation with my doctor and our decision for a hysterectomy. I think having a good doctor you can trust is important.

I have talked to many women in person who have had a hysterectomy. None of them have regretted that decision. I think that is because they are prudent women who made that educated decision. And their symptoms that lead to a hysterectomy were just that bad. They each felt a huge sense of relief of pain and problems after. Each have said they feel better than before and have had limited or no long term effects from it.

Cymiga indicated she was given a diagnosis of cancer. Given that, I find it difficult to suggest she skip the hysterectomy or further prolong her decision. I know first hand, having been told you have cancer is devastating. Seeking helpful support is an important step in moving forward.

Hello Cymiga, Welcome to the group.

I'm so sorry about your situation.

Thank goodness that it's in a location that can be removed before it spreads to other parts of your body. Please don't be afraid of the hysterectomy surgery. Be thankful that we have doctors who can preform it and get rid of the malignancy in the area!

Lexisgirl As I previously said, if a woman has cancer then hysterectomy would make sense. Of course, the failure of all conservative options for benign conditions may also warrant removal of sex organ(s). And if a woman has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, then she may opt to have her ovaries removed. Angelina Jolie had her ovaries removed but kept her uterus since she does not have an increased risk for endometrial cancer just the average 2.7% risk.

Unfortunately, many women are given misinformation as you were after you are post-menopausal, the uterus and ovaries are no longer necessary. The uterus and its ligaments are essential for pelvic anatomical and skeletal integrity. They keep the bladder and bowel in their proper positions and keep the spine, hips, and rib cage properly aligned. The widening of the hip bones and descent of the rib cage explain why womens figures change after hysterectomy to the short, thick midsection, loss of curve in the lower back and back and hip pain years down the road.

As far as the vital post-menopausal functions of the ovaries, these studies are helpful:
- http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2005/08000/Ovarian_Conservation_at_the_Time_of_Hysterectomy.4.aspx Postmenopausal ovaries continue to make small amounts of estrogen for years, and significant levels of ovarian testosterone and androstenedione have been documented in the eighth decade.

- http://journals.lww.com/obgynsurvey/Abstract/2000/07000/Hysterectomy,_Oophorectomy,_and_Endogenous_Sex.20.aspx Androstenedione levels were about 10 percent lower in women who had undergone hysterectomy than in intact women, regardless of the state of the ovaries. Levels of total and bioavailable testosterone were reduced by 29 percent in women who had hysterectomy alone and by 40 percent after bilateral oophorectomy. Testosterone levels increased with advancing age in intact women and reached premenopausal levels at age 70 to 79 years.

This study shows the absurdity of pre- and post-menopausal prophylactic ovary removal due to the many increased health risks http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19702455
At present, bilateral oophorectomy is performed in 78% of women aged between 45 and 64 years having a hysterectomy, and a total of approximately 300,000 prophylactic oophorectomies are performed in the USA every year. Estrogen deficiency resulting from pre- and post-menopausal oophorectomies has been associated with higher risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, hip fracture, Parkinsonism, dementia, cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety in many studies. While ovarian cancer accounts for 14,800 deaths per year in the USA, coronary heart disease accounts for 350,000 deaths per year. In addition, 100,000 cases of dementia may be attributable annually to prior bilateral oophorectomy.

I hope this information helps you in monitoring your health going forward as well as informing women who are considering hysterectomy and/or ovary removal.

Thank you for all your information. I'm no longer going to discuss this with you. My point is this is a support group and scaring people isn't very supportive. I understand your point and I've done my own research as well.

I wish you well with peace and health.

Cymiga,

I am so sorry that you have been faced with your diagnosis and are being told that the procedure that will rid you body of the malignancy is going to harm you.

My Mother had a hysterectomy in 1974 she is now 83 and doing fine.

My Aunt ( My Mother's sister) had everything removed and is 90 years old and again, doing well.

concentrate on ridding your body of disease and live one day at a time after that!

Again, best wishes and positive thoughts!

To Lexisgirl.... You sound like a really positive person. Thank you for joining our group!

Thank you for your positive replies. I had a D&C and they biopsied what was removed. It did cone back as Cancer so I'm meeting with a gyno oncologist next week. I will be having a hysterectomy because I want the Cancer to be gone. I'm doing a little better now that it's had time to sunk in...either that or I've put off panicing anymore until I talk to the oncologist.

Cymiga - I am sorry that cancer has been confirmed. It is good that an oncologist is doing your surgery. I wish you the best in your recovery.

Glad to hear you are doing a little better. Take it one step at a time. To Fighting's point, do ask if keeping your ovaries (even one) is an option. If it is, that is great but if not, you will know and can work through any hormone deficiencies you might encounter after. Most important is to get rid of the cancer.

Please keep us updated on how you are doing.