Serous carcinoma of endometrium

[twsgm2011]

I’m new to site as well. Diagnosed with papillary serous carcinoma. Completed six cycles of chemo, PET normal after chemo, no radiation currently. Would love to hear from others and their treatment plan.

Rose

[Nidan]

I was diagnosed with serous carcinoma, sage 3C Endometrial cancer. I have just done my fifth chemo. fourth was harder but I am surviving them OK at this point. I had a full hysterectomy before we started the chemo. I am struggling with radiation they are encouraging. I am surprised that you did not have that. Why didn't they recommend it. they say a PET scan won't show anything probably because the it would be so small but I need the radiation to increase my chance of not having a recurrence. I am 76. any info you have would be appreciated.

[twsgm2011 in reply to Nidan]

Thank you for your response Nidan . I am 63 now, was diagnosed august of last year…stage 3C2, had a total laparoscopic hysterectomy in September. Started this journey believing radiation was the next step after chemo(6 cycles ofcarboplatin and taxol)but after my normal PET my oncologist did not recommend radiation. I have to say the whole cancer Diagnosis was so overwhelming I did not read on topic as I should. But, when I heard no radiation at this time I ran with it. Her2 tested positive. Herceptin is ordered as maintenance but denied by my insurance, still working on this.

[Nidan in reply to twsgm2011]

Where are you? what hospital are you working with. Just curious because this is different than the regimen prescribed for me. Looking for a second opinion right now. I'm in Oregon, southern Oregon, and asking for second opinion from the big hospital OHSU in Portland. anyleaads are much appreciate.

[twsgm2011 in reply to Nidan]

Hello Nidan,I hope this finds you well. I’m in Orlando Florida. I had my surgery at Advent Health Orlando, where my gyn/oncologist Dr James Kendrick is located.

Did you start radiation yet? Did you get a PET scan anyway? So sorry if I’m overwhelming you with questions.

[Nidan in reply to twsgm2011]

No not overwhelming. We kind of decided a PET scan wasn’t worth it because it’s likely nothing would show up because the little bit they did see was very very small after my surgery, just two millimeters. So even if they can’t see anything they want to do it. I just don’t know what to do. I am 76 and the side effects of radiation are pretty intense. So looking at quality of life post treatment. I’ve done five chemos and I’m surviving fairly well although the neuropathy is getting worse this time.

[twsgm2011 in reply to Nidan]

I understand the feeling of not knowing what to do. I did not seek a second opinion, once the biopsy result came in, I had my hysterectomy within three weeks. I am a pre/op nurse at the same hospital but different campus. My regular gyn who I trusted along with a couple others recommended dr Kendrick. I was scared about the chemo but was in a way more scared about the radiation. My PET scan was done a month after my last chemo cycle, not after surgery. Maybe its naivety but I was looking forward to getting the PET scan. I knew the regular CT scan would not be adequate but did not feel the same about the PET scan. How many cycles of chemo did your oncologist recommended and what are the names? I also have some issues with neuropathy despite using the ice glove for my hands and feet during treatments. Praying for clarity and strength for you as you continue on.

[twsgm2011 in reply to Nidan]

P.S. Additional items I take daily to help neuropathy: super B complex, vit D, zinc, fish oil, l-glutamine.

[Nidan in reply to twsgm2011]

Thx for recommendation on its. I am doing all those. I will probably sign up for radiation but the exact procedures need to be decided. It won't be until July as I still have more chemotherapy to do. Luckily I have ben dong fairly well with the chemo. although I was dong super, last two days have not been very good, so not sure what to expect. Just glad only one more. I think the Papillary diagnosis that you have is different than mine and maybe why you didn't need to do radiation. Mine is a big unknown, with no way of seeing if cancer is lurking. I'm just trying to go with the flow! Grateful for friends and family.

[blondiec in reply to twsgm2011]

I also suffer from neuropathy due to the taxol. Nothing has seemed to help including natural supplements. I had to stop all of my natural supplements due to chemotherapy and radiation. I resumed all of my supplements a week later. Now once again I will probably have to stop all natural supplements for next round of treatments!

[ReenieRhino in reply to Nidan]

I had so side effects with radiation. Do it!

[Kathy_SHARE Moderator Ambassador]

Hi, I am a uterine cancer survivor and was diagnosed with Stage 1A, Grade 3 serous endometrial cancer in June 2015. I was 67 at the time of diagnosis and just turned 74.

I am also a volunteer on the SHARE helpline talking to women dealing with a uterine cancer diagnosis.

I had a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with removal of tubes and ovaries about 2 weeks after diagnosis. My oncologist recommended 6 rounds of chemo ((carbo/taxol) plus 5 treatments of brachytherapy (internal radiation). The stage of the cancer was early but the grade 3 serous was what caused the doctor to recommend treatment. My treatment lasted 4 months and then followed by CT scans first every 6 months and then once a year for about 3 years. I never had a PET scan. Since that time I have been followed by my gynecologist for annual check ups and have been blessed and fortunate to not have had any recurrence, although the possibility does creep into my mind once in a while. I did and still have a little neuropathy in my toes, but it has been tolerable. No pain, but some numbness and I never sought treatment for it. My hair grew back very curly and while they say it takes time for it to return to normal, it never did, so now I have what they call "chemo curls" but I'm okay with it. I try to eat a healthy diet and exercise by doing yoga and walking.

We are all warriors regardless of where we are in our journey and I wish you all the best!!!

[twsgm2011 in reply to Kathy_SHARE]

Thank you for sharing you experience. Treatment plan is simular with exception of radiation and PET. About a month after chemo I had my PET scan. The decision to not do radiation was based on my normal PET result. Was so terrified of radiation, I did not question further, was just grateful to hear no radiation for now. Hope and pray that was the right decision.

[blondiec in reply to Kathy_SHARE]

My hair fell out after the first treatments 12 days later. It started growing back mostly gray and curly after treatments were finished. I cannot wait to have enough hair to visit my hairdresser for a color lol!

[ReenieRhino in reply to Kathy_SHARE]

Thanks for posting this!