Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Six Years Later

Posted on December 13, 2019December 18, 2019 by Pamela M. Bond Contractor

See the updated post of 12/17/19: Uterine (Endometrial Cancer: Six-Year Post-Hysterectomy Exam

This year, the American Cancer Society estimated that 61,880 new cases of uterine cancer would be diagnosed and that 12,160 women—20 percent—would die from it.

On December 13, 2013 (also a Friday), I underwent a total robotic hysterectomy for uterine cancer—type 1, stage 1B, grade 3 endometrial adenocarcinoma—at which time the estimates were 49,560 and 8,190, respectively. (Endometrial cancer, which arises from the lining of the womb, is the most common type of uterine cancer.)

My next checkup is scheduled for next week, and I am optimistic that all will be well. Although I have had secondary effects from my internal vaginal radiation (brachytherapy), I have had no other problems since that other Friday the 13th, which I now consider a lucky day.

And to commemorate my six-year anniversary, I am inspired to update patient education about this most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer, fourth most common cancer, and sixth most common cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Stay tuned.*

One of the most important parts of the upcoming discussion will be about uterine cancer risk factors. In this age of the explosion of data from internet sources and genetic testing, we can arm ourselves with an abundance of information and knowledge to help us take charge of our health.

As a start, you can view this one-minute video from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about common symptoms of gynecologic cancer—my only symptom was postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.

* In the meantime, you can read more about my personal experience here: Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer – My Story & More and Radiation Therapy for Uterine Cancer – My Story & More. I will also be updating the links in the Resources, so please check back soon.

5 thoughts on “Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Six Years Later”

Pamela M. Bond Contractor December 14, 201910:22 AM Reply

Reblogged this on THE PATIENT PATH . BLOG and commented:

POSTED ON ‘THE PATIENT PATH’ WEBSITE 12/13/19.

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plmusso1 December 16, 20196:14 AM Reply

Hi Pam, I have been enjoying your posts since early 2014 when I was diagnosed with uterine cancer Stage 1B grade 2. Thank you for very informative posts. I am curious to hear what your checkup will involve. For me I’ve had vaginal exam and Pap smear only, now once a year starting at my 5th anniversary.
Thank you,
Patricia

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1. Pamela M. Bond Contractor December 16, 20199:49 AM Reply
  
  Dear Patricia,
  
  Thanks so much for your nice message. And congratulations on reaching your five-year milestone.
  
  My appointment is tomorrow morning, 12/17/19, and I will be updating the blog about my exam and the latest available information on uterine cancer risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, and resources very soon.
  
  I see our pathology results were quite similar and am wondering whether you underwent radio- or chemotherapy. If you’d like to get in touch privately, my email is pmbond5901@gmail.com.
  
  Best of health and happiness for 2020.
  
  Pamela
  
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Anonymous January 8, 202311:26 AM Reply

Hi Pamela, I recently saw your response to my note on Patient Path. Glad to hear your gyn exams have given you favorable results. In 2014 I had a radical robotic hysterectomy followed by 4 brachytherapy treatments. I was able to persuade my new gynecologist oncologist to do a CT abd years 2 and 3. That’s a long story.The results all showed no evidence of disease. I am now 8 years out and my gynecologist is still doing Pap smears and will continue through year 10. She also does a digital rectal exam and palpates my abd. I have had no unusual effects after surgery and brachytherapy. I recently retired at the age of 63 after 40 years as a cardiology RN. Life is beautiful. Thank you for your informative writings.
Patricia

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1. Pamela M. Bond Contractor January 30, 20239:27 AM Reply
  
  Hi again, Patricia. It sounds as if you have taken back your life in the most positive way! I am in my 10th year now and still doing well. My only glitch was that about a year-and-a-half ago I had some urinary tract issues that were apparently related to my brachytherapy, but they were transient. Occasionally, I get what feels like a UTI but isn’t an infection, just irritation of the urethra and bladder. So happy to hear from a fellow survivor who is loving life after a long career in healthcare helping others. Best wishes, Pamela
  
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