Dr has really scared me - Cancer: Uterine Message Board

pat52 · 04-05-2006, 10:51 AM

Been through menopause for about 1 1/2 years. Noticed I started to have spot bleeding-about 3-4 months ago. Went to doctor-she said might be just a "burst" of hormones and to let her know if it happened again. I dont really know how long this bleeding has been going on. Doesnt require a pad-not blood in the stool-use notice it on tissue after using the restroom. Reason I really noticed it one day was I got up in the morning with a little cramping-like I was going to start my period and noticed blood on the tissue.
Have noticed the few times it has happened it appears bright red blood or blackish color.
Went back to doctor-sent me to a gyn. He after examing me he basically said-I needed an ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis asap. Also scheduled following week for a biospy. He kept drawing a picture of was what appeared to be my uterus, tubes, ovaries. When asked what he thought-he basically in a matter of fact tone-"You're overweight, your age (53), postmenopausal bleeding, highblood pressure makes you very high risk for uterine cancer-only other factor missing was being diabetic. We'll see what the test reports are and them decide on a treatment options."
I am really scared that he knows I have cancer and just wants to confirm it with test. I had a pap several months ago-it came back fine, my doctor said everything looked fine, during the pelvic exam she said everything felt fine.
Now this.
Need any encouragement anyone can give me. Last two years have been a struggle-lost my job of 22 yrs due to unrelated illness, had polyps removed from my colon and really fighting depression. Was due to graduate from college in May now afraid that will have to wait too.

JellyBeanQueen · 04-06-2006, 11:45 AM

Hi! I went through somewhat a similar circumstance and had to wait 2 weeks to get biopsy and then 2 weeks to get results. You're right - it does make your nerves a little on end. There is so much that can be done nowadays. I assume the worse and then it turned out to be okay. I wish I wouldn't have spent so much energy on worrying. Easy to say now that I know. But try staying positive.
Find someone to talk to when you get the jitters and remember God is watching over you.

Marise5 · 05-01-2006, 07:15 PM

Hi Pat52,
Your doctor seems very outspoken, but there is no way he can 'know" without the test results. So I would take him at his word. I know it is hard to wait and you can't help thinking the worst. But it ain't necessarily so! Best wishes to you and keep us posted.
Marise.

Purple Hugs · 05-29-2006, 06:05 AM

I hope you have gotten a negative and things are less scary/worrying.

I was also a little shocked by my GP's seriousness when I went last friday about prolonged bleeding. I'm 34 and expected him to say it's normal not to worry.. instead he made me go to hospital for blood test (as bloods would be tested quicker as lab there), and is referring me for internals, ultrasound etc.

I know having been through the fear over a breast lump that turned out to be benign that I need to kepe my worry under control.. but it's hard.. My mum had a hysterectomy young and followed by breast cancer. She died at 59 from follow ups, and now I wonder why she had the hysterectomy... but don't know.

good luck and remember we women are strong!

MariaPal · 10-31-2006, 01:45 PM

I don't blame you for being scared. I wish I had gone to my gyno sooner when I had heavy, prolonged periods. I was 46 and thought that this was a normal part of perimenopause. I had read that your periods change when your body transitions to menopause. So when my periods became longer and heavier I thought this was normal. When I went for my Pap and pelvic exam the doctor felt something on the right side of the pelvis. She gave me a prescription for a pelvic ultrasound which I had in February. The radiologist then suggested a CT scan which I had 10 days after the ultrasound. There was a large growth on my right ovary and another mass in the lining of my uterus. A CT scan cannot determine if a tumor is malignant though. I had a CA125 blood test which was 144 (normal is less than 35). I was referred to a gynecologic oncologist who, thankfully, recognized the seriousness of the situation and wanted to perform surgery as soon as possible. Two other doctors had told me that they were very sure, based on their experiences, that I most likely didn't have cancer. I went into surgery on April 3rd believing this, and received the shock of my life the next day when my surgeon told me that I had 2 different types of cancer - ovarian and uterine. I have had 6 treatments of chemotherapy (Carboplatin and Taxol). Your doctor may have scared you with his sense of urgency, but the possibility of cancer is nothing to take lightly. Be thankful you have a good doctor who isn't taking anything for granted. I hope you receive good news!