Coping with Women's Cancers
Illuminating Enlightening Women about Uterine Cancer Central New Jersey-Area Residents: Please join me on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at 2:00 PM at the Hunterdon County Library Headquarters (Route 12) in Flemington for a conversation about uterine (endometrial) cancer—the 4th most common cancer in US women and the most common gynecologic cancer. (Registration information appears below.) Although… Continue reading Enlightening Women about Uterine Cancer: A Live Conversation
Yesterday, I posted a brief announcement that I remain cancer-free on the three-year anniversary of my total robotic hysterectomy for uterine (endometrial) cancer on December 13, 2013 (a lucky Friday). I said I would provide the full scoop today, and I have provided more information below. But this will need to be just a quick update as… Continue reading Quick Update – My Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer Story: Three Peach Roses on My Three-Year Anniversary
Still my favorite story of all time, A Christmas Carol was published 171 years ago, on December 19, 1843. Click the book to view the only existing manuscript version of the novella. See it in person at the (J. Pierpont) Morgan Library & Museum in New York. Do take a look—it’s a treasure. On that same date last… Continue reading Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Post Christmas 2014 Reflections on “Christmases Yet to Come”
On Friday, December 13th, 2013, I had a total robotic hysterectomy for what turned out to be Stage 1B, Grade 3 endometrial adenocarcinoma. One year later, after vaginal brachytherapy, colposcopies, and repeat Paps, I am . . . if not fancy free, cancer free. And I know how lucky I am. My journey with cancer has acquainted… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Year Two Starts Today
A beautiful bowl of summer cherries . . . Yesterday, as I was preparing to leave the house to visit my friend Pat R. for lunch, I saw that I had missed a call on my cell phone while I was upstairs getting ready. An assistant from my gynecologic oncologist’s office had called, something that… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: A Surprise Bowl of Summer Cherries
Six months have passed already since my total robotic hysterectomy—and four since my vaginal radiation treatments. Yesterday, I saw my gynecologic oncologist/surgeon, who took a peek and said I'm well healed with no evidence of recurrence. I do have some light vaginal discharge and need to wear a pantyliner all the time, so the… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Six-Month Checkup Yesterday
Cancer Awareness Ribbons - Foundation for Women's Cancer As I mentioned in the November 15, 2013 post, awareness ribbons are all over the web, although the color schemes may not yet be standardized (and ribbons and products related to causes have become very commercialized). I happened to wear a turquoise-aqua-tealish-color sweater (with matching socks!) to my medical appointments… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Three-Month Reviews, Views, & News
Glowing, Radiant Health RECAPPING MY STORY TO DATE AS I PREPARE TO START VAGINAL RADIATION THERAPY ONE WEEK FROM TODAY . . . Note: The blue-green highlighted terms in the text contain links to previous posts. Symptoms & Preliminary Diagnosis When I started this blog on November 9, 2013, it was with a warning for all… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Looking Back & Forging Ahead to Radiation
Example of a pelvic field for external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) after hysterectomy for stage I-II endometrial cancer. This treatment uses a low radiation dose and takes place over five to six weeks, five days a week. Surrounding structures, such as the bowel and bladder, also receive some radiation, which can result in gastrointestinal and urinary side… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Orange Pee & Radioactive Tampons
A Clean Slate . . . but with a Few Fingernail Scrapes Down the Chalkboard (Part 1 Here) I know I've indulged in quite a lot of detail. But as someone who appreciates finding information about the problems I face, I'm providing these stories for the benefit of anyone else going through similar situations. … Continue reading My Story – Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Scalp: Baby New Year 2014 Arrives with Baby Shampoo . . . & the Promise of a Fresh Start, Part 2
The Patient Path 