Poorly differentiated endometrial cancer with bowel and nodal involvement

[tiger9]

Hi- my first real post. Mom (age 80) has poorly differentiated high grade endometrial cancer diagnosed in August 2018 with several lymph nodes involved. 3 cycles of CarboTaxol later, we find the uterine mass and lymph nodes have reduced by 50% or more. Got surgery done in November 2018 for laparoscopic hysterectomy but they had to abort since the tumor has protruded from the uterus and is stuck to the large intestine. They could have done an open incision surgery but decided against it given the long recovery period could cause the cancer to spread. They are going with the other option we were presented while we discussed surgery - getting more CarboTaxol chemo (doing it low dose weekly instead of high dose every 3 weeks since she felt terrible days 3 through day 12 with severe myalgia and dehydration). They will add Avastin with the chemo going forward.

I do not believe she has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

Any advice or suggestions? Anyone who has gone through something similar? I am feeling very helpless.

[Lindaura]

Dear Tiger,

I am so sorry you are faced with this dilemma.

Your mother’s age makes surgery always very risky.

I think you should go with what the Oncologist suggests. Shrink the cancer down as much as possible and perhaps later a clean up surgery will be possible.

It’s awful, I know, and weekly infusions are time consuming.

Your mother is lucky to have you.

Keep up the good support.

Best wishes,

Laura

[tiger9 in reply to Lindaura]

Thanks Laura. I appreciate your kind words and advice. Good wishes for good health to you as well.

[topeka]

I would say her age is for sure an issue. I also assume they explained everything to her since the cancer involed lymph system and the type she has.

Going myself through sliced open surgery to be sure the hysterectomy was complete and then rounds of two chemos and internal radiation I do know how it feels to face cancer.

I am four years fine. I’d say her Dr.’s sound like their doing all they can. You should watch her carefully due to her age to be sure she’s ok in handling everything they do.

Good luck.