How has your diagnosis impacted your social life?

[Nefa-Tari_SHARE]

In receiving a diagnosis of uterine/endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma, what impact did it have on your loved ones? (spouse, partner, family, friends etc...)

[Kathy_SHARE Moderator Ambassador]

I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer at an early stage and the initial report was that they " got it all" during the surgery. However, while the cancer was confined to the endometrium, my pathology report indicated Grade 3 serous, so my oncologist recommended chemo and radiation to prevent a recurrence.

It was difficult telling my family, especially my daughter.

I have a large family and with that comes many opinions!!! Every one of them was supportive of whatever decision I would make and made sure I was taken care of. 3 of my sisters are nurses and my husband is a pharmacist so they all are well aware of the drugs and their side effects. Some thought I shouldn't have chemo for the obvious reasons, especially since the cancer had been removed. But in the end the decision was mine and I had chemo and radiation.

I didn't tell my friends right away, but when I did they were more than supportive. I think the benefit of talking to family and friends is that it gives them an opportunity to take stock of their own lives and pay more attention to their health. Women should be aware of this disease and be vigilant about signs and symptoms.

My daughter was initially very upset about the diagnosis but felt reassured by my doctor. She and my husband took care of me after the surgery. While I was still in the hospital after the hysterectomy, she did some research and found the Foundation for Women's Cancer. We signed up for their annual run/walk in Washington DC and have been doing so ever since.

The diagnosis of endometrial cancer was a shock and very scary, but I was very appreciative of supportive family and friends.