Diagnosed with Uterine Cancer a week ago

[Xyber]

I was diagnosed with Uterine Cancer a week ago and am still in shock. Thankfully the CT scan shows it is stage 1 and I am already booked to have a hysterectomy next Thursday so all moving fast. But because it is do fast I have had very little time to absorb and have been given very little information about what is happening. I know I have cancer and it has to be done but I will go through the menopause suddenly and that is also scary. The operation itself is of course also scary and I have no idea in reality how long it will take me to recover, stories online differ wildly. Basically any advice from people who have been in my situation would be most welcome

Thank you! Xx

[BillyBobb]

I was diagnosed with uterine cancer in July and had a full hysterectomy the following week - so all very quick. It was Stage 1 too. I am a Yoga teacher and was extremely fit and well beforehand and recovered very quickly. I did very gentle Yoga (in bed) every day for the first couple of weeks and slowly built my practice up. I walked every single day (just round the garden initially) and by 5 weeks could walk 5 miles! My scar is still a little tender (more internal than external). I started teaching Yoga again by 3 weeks (only 1 class a week initially and more verbal instruction than physical at first). I have been teaching my regular classes (3 classses per week) as normal since 6 weeks and now go to the gym (even Zumba!) since 8 weeks. I know everyone is different and you need to listen to your body very carefully and take it slowly if that's what you need to do. I read a lot of horror stories too but you just need to remember that you are in control of your recovery.

The whole experience has been very surreal.

I am 59 so had already gone through the menopause with no problems and I still think I am shock as I have led a very healthy lifestyle. At times I feel angry but try not to dwell on this and think positively about the future. I also try not to worry about recurrence as I think there is very little I can do about it except for getting regular check ups and catching anything early if it happens.

I hope your menopause symptoms are not too severe but try to get as much support as you can. I recommend Dr Marilyn Glenville's books about Menopause.

Good luck with your recovery. X

[cbtwith in reply to BillyBobb]

Hi, I had the same diagnosis and a similar journey to yours. I'm fit, strong, healthy and train regularly. I'm a psychotherapist and went back to work after 3 weeks and working full time after 6 weeks. I listened my body, did gentle yoga/exercise, walking and was very mindful of not putting pressure on my pelvic floor. I gradually increased exercise, safely and slowly. Unfortunately I've just been diagnosed with a prolapse bowel and although I've been very careful, believe my speedy recovery and exercise may have contributed to this. I would recommend working with a physiotherapist, who specialises in pelvic floor, to prevent or minimises this happening, when commencing exercise x

[AskEveTeam]

Hi there,

We're so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Womb Cancer Support UK have a list of their monthly support groups around the UK, which you can find here: wombcancersupportuk.weebly....

Are you on Facebook? If so, we'd be happy to post your message on The Eve Appeal's Facebook page and put a call out for fellow women who have/have had womb cancer to get in touch with you if they have advice? Send us a private message on our Facebook page if you would like us to do this.

In terms of recovering from a hysterectomy - you're quite right that it can vary wildly from person to person, depending on their age, general health/fitness and so on. Most women find that they can resume a fair amount of their 'normal' activities after 4-6 weeks, e.g. gentle exercise, food shopping, housework. You should take the first 4 weeks after your surgery very slowly and make sure that you don't try to do too much.

Wishing you all the best,

The Ask Eve Team x