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
“Enchanting” - Peach flower on teal background—the colors of gynecologic cancers Two weeks is long enough to wait for lab results—in fact, it’s too long. When I saw my regular gynecologist on February 18, the first time since my hysterectomy, we discussed my ongoing vaginal discharge. He took cultures for bacteria and yeast and did yet another… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Positively Peachy
On Valentine’s Day 2014, I finished my vaginal radiation treatments (brachytherapy) for uterine cancer. My total robotic hysterectomy was performed on December 13, 2013—which turned out to be a lucky Friday. Although my endometrial adenocarcinoma was stage 1b, grade 3 (stage 1a, grade 1 would have been better), all lymph nodes and peritoneal fluids were negative for cancer… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Post-Valentine Anniversary
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
Some Post-Thanksgiving Gratitude Three weeks ago, on 11/11, I had my second repeat Pap test since getting an abnormal report in the summer. In the past, it has taken two weeks to get the results. Today marked three weeks with no phone call. . . . As I was making turkey soup today with the… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: When Negative Is Positive
Photo Copyright 2003, Nelson Soucasaux In the July 10, 2014 post, I explained why I underwent a colposcopy and biopsy on July 9. It took two weeks minus one day to get the results, which I received by way of a phone call from an assistant in the doctor's office at noon today. I don’t know why it… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Biopsy & Re-reviewed Pap Results
As I reported in the July 2, 2014 post, my gynecologic oncologist (surgeon) performed a Pap (Papanicolaou) test during my six-month post-hysterectomy pelvic exam on June 19. The results showed “Epithelial Cell Abnormality; Atypical Glandular Cells of Undetermined Significance (AGUS).” This was unwelcome news. So, yesterday I had a colposcopy (from the Greek word kolpos, referring to the vagina and/or womb, + -scopy, examination with a… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Post-Colposcopy Report
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
This diploma is my Valentine's Day gift. This and 21 shades of Gray. As I mentioned in the February 12, 2014 post, my final vaginal radiation (brachytherapy) treatment had to be rescheduled from what I thought was a lucky date--02/13/2014, the two-month anniversary of my hysterectomy--to Valentine's Day, which has even better numerology: 02/14/2014. Mother… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: 21 Shades of Gray for Valentine’s Day
The Patient Path 