How was your experience with the healthcare system during treatment for endometrial cancer? Were you satisfied with your treatment team?

[Kathy_SHARE]

I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2015.. My gynecologist, who gave me the original diagnosis, immediately set me up with a team which included a surgical oncologist, radiologist oncologist and hematologist. They were all incredible professionals who were with me all the way through surgery, brachytherapy and chemotherapy and beyond.

While the treatment aspect was difficult, I had a great experience with these physicians and never had any concerns about the care I was given. They were the best.

[Kitty_SHARE Partner]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences Kathy!

[Nefa-Tari_SHARE Partner]

When diagnosed with uterine cancer I was not treated with the best or care to which I believe may have been surrounded by disparities. As a black woman I wasn't listened to or taken seriously when I explained to doctors my discomfort and symptoms which created within me mistrust that they would treat me as a patient with quality care. I decided to seek care and treatment at a different facility and now I am being cared for by an extraordinary oncology team that listens to me and I now feel I'm being given the best of care.

[Lifemission]

My entire treatment team provided me with excellent expert and compassionate care, came highly recommended, and worked together as a team. I felt very comfortable with their bedside manner, their direct communication, and their commitment to do whatever was needed to cure me of endometrial cancer.

I carefully research all my doctors. I have known my gynecologist for over 15 years. She was the doctor who first diagnosed me with endometrial cancer, and she very highly recommended my gynecologic oncologist. My gynecologic oncologist recommended both my medical oncologist and my radiation oncologist, and they communicated often during my treatment. What I have come to know is that great doctors work with great doctors; great doctors attract great staff; and great doctors are affiliated with great hospitals. I am very fortunate to have had a great gynecologist who promptly diagnosed my symptoms and arranged for treatment. I personally did not experience any racial disparities, to my knowledge, during my treatment, but all too often, that is not the case for Black women diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I believe, that because I have great doctors that I had thoroughly researched already in place, I was able to have a relatively great experience and a great outcome; and for that, I am so thankful!

[Kathy_SHARE Moderator Ambassador in reply to Lifemission]

Hi Lifemission,

Thanks for your response and I'm so happy to hear you had a good experience with compassionate doctors.

I was fortunate also to have a wonderful gynecologist that I knew for many years and I credit her with saving my life and arranging for seamless treatment for my endometrial cancer. Unfortunately, I have heard many stories about women who were much less fortunate in their experience, some feeling like they were abandoned by or getting less than expected medical care from their oncology team.

I think we are sometimes not assertive enough about our medical care and simply accept what doctors tell us. I am a great believer in patients being their own advocates, which it sounds like you are! We all need to ask questions, check out the doctors and get the information we need.

So happy you had a great experience and a good outcome.

Take care of yourself!

Kathy

[Lifemission in reply to Kathy_SHARE]

Thank you, I agree with you wholeheartedly! We have to advocate for ourselves, and we have to teach our doctors how to treat us. My doctors know that they are on my team, and if they cannot or will not help me get well, I replace them with someone who can.

[blondiec]

It’s so encouraging to hear your story! It gives me hope. Thank you for sharing.