New with questions - Update

Star3 · New User Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 3

Hi -

I ran across this forum as I was searching online for some answers and guidance. I am hoping maybe some of you can give me some insight. I am 37 yrs. old and have three children. In early August I had a spiral CT scan done for kidney stones. This scan found "a high density mass in the region of the funus projecting into the enometrial canal". Dr. told me to take the films to OB/GYN. Thankfully I had my annual scheduled already for the next week so I didn't have to wait. GYN ordered an ultrasound to get a better look and while doing my PAP he took a quick scrapping of the uterus to put my mind at ease - grandmother died at 39 yrs. from gyn. cancer. I received a call that PAP and biopsy were fine. I went for the ultrasound & transvaginal ultrasound. Report reads - "1cm mass along the posterior fundus, additional mass seen along the posterior aspect measuring 1.8 x 1.7 cm. A mass is seen within the superior endometrium measuring 2 x 1.5 x 2.2 cm that also demonstrates arterial flow on color examination. The endometrial strip is also thickend at 2.1 cm. Left ovary contains a 1.6 x 1.6 cm cyst."

First day of my period was Sept. 1st, ultrasound was done on Sept. 13th.

My periods have been every 6-8 weeks but lately have been coming every 4-5 weeks. They have been extremely heavy (going through super plus tampon every 1-2 hrs. - afraid to leave the house), enormous clots, and very painful to the point of me crying because my pelvic bone aches so bad and I am so crampy. Now I will begin my period heavy, it will stop and than wham back to full blown gushing mess. Sometimes it will lighten up with a dark brownish color than go to bright red and then to very heavy again.

Most of the time sex is a bit painful. I have been having mild lower back pain (could be the kidney stones?, but urologist ignored that complaint). These are probably my main complaints because not sure if anything else is revelant or I overlook it thinking it is basically normal or I don't want to complain about EVERYTHING.

So, what do I make sure my doctor does next? The thickened endometrial stripe is worriesome because from what I read that is too thick for when I should have my period (range is 1 - 15mm) mine is 21mm. Could the quick scrapping during the PAP not be enough to test? Has anyone heard of a false negative endometrial biopsy?

I know this is long so I will stop here, I think I got the basics out.

Thanks!!!

In · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:34 am Post subject: Re: New with questions - Update

Hi Star 3.

I'm sorry and sadden about your health concerns. It's so unfair that us women have to go the usual monthlys- let alone what you have to go through. I don't know if i can help/advise, but i will try.

As, you'll see below in my signature- 'my story'. I had Cervical Cancer, so simular in some slight ways to the pain etc, you are going through.

* -First of all- are you happy with the Dr. you are with? Is he a specialist OB/GYN. Do you feel comfotable with this Dr? (it seems silly- but so important)
*- Keep a list of ALL complaints even the small silly ones, because sometimes this can be the pieces of a big puzzle. A note book is handy for any questions you might have. And easier to remeber.
*- Ask again and again, if you don't understand anything, ask for simple words or to explain a procedure again. This is their job and duty to make sure you are comfortable and know what is going on.
*- Always remember you know your body best. Complain and winge if you have to, to make yourself heard.

Sex should never be painful, and this normally means there is some sort of underlying problem. Weither mental or physical. ( i found alot of pain after opp. due to mental- i was so worried and tense.) Even thinking of it hurting or worried, and stress will make you tense up.

I'm not sure what the procedure is in your case- but i'm guessing they will want to go in and check everything out. Key-hole or now days Vaginally, is less pain and recovery time.

It is a worry about the masses you have- but could be something simple and b9 as, fibroids or clots. Don't jump to anything till they have a though look and biopsy.

If it was me- i'd be asking the steps and treatments for what they can do-biopsy, and treatment etc. And go from there.

I found that a warm compress- hot bottle or heat pack was good for pain. But does thin the blood, so be careful of leaking, and heaviness.

Sometimes a warm bath helps- i could never get over the 'ick' factor with that one, but have had many cancer friends, who found this worked.

The other thing i wanted to ask- Would you concider a Hysterectomy? Since you have three beautiful children.? This could be an option for you to think about.

Please keep in contact- and feel free to Pm me or post here as much as you want. Smile

Thinking of you- Inica
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

Star3 · New User Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 3

Hi Inica,

Thank you so much for your response.

My OB/GYN is not specialized. I guess I would say I am comfortable with him, I have been going to him for 10+ years now. I have yet to hear his thoughts on the ultrasound report. I went and picked up a copy of it a few days afterward. I assume by now he has a copy and hope to hear from him quickly as I am anxious.

Your idea about keeping a notebook is wonderful. I actually started that back in Feb. 06 because of some breast issues I have been having. But, I have just been keeping notes after tests and dr appts. with a few complaints being jotted down. I do think you are right about writing it all down no matter how minor and I am going to try and do that.

Through some online research it seems that a D&C and hysteroscopy are the route to take in order to get a better look and biopsy. I am hoping my dr suggests doing these even though he did a quick scrapping at the time of my PAP. I think if he doesn't I will insist, but I know I need to hear what steps he feels we need to take right now - if he feels any are warranted.

What really has my mind reeling over this is the thickened endometrial stripe. Because ever search I have found online refers to endometrial cancer as the cause for thickening. I was hoping to find someone out there that perhaps had the same issue.

I haven't really thought about a hysterectomy, I am not sure how I feel about that. We do not want anymore children though, my husband actually had a vasectomy after our 3rd child was born.

How are feeling and what is going on with your health?

Gratefully - Star3

In · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 6:03 am Post subject: Re: New with questions - Update

Hi,

I'm pretty good- as you can see in 'My Story' link below.

A hysterectomy is a good idea, If they are concerned about other or return problems. And may releive the other problems or you too. (pain, heavyness etc)
I's Perfect- IF you can keep your overies. As these help with your homones- and keep them balanced. With a cyst on one, might be a little bit of a problem, but should be ok, if the other is working fine. Therefore no medications or hormone replacment. (means no hot flushes for another 15yrs or so, lol)

So if your comfortable then good, but if worried get refered to a specialist- who knows more and up to date with it all.

The thickened endometrial stripe, is a worry. To be honest i haven't heard much about that, but i'll try to find something out. Best thing to do is ask...what does it mean? how/why? and tretmant, or what happens if you wait?? etc. Hopefuly someone with an experiance or more of an idea will post back.

When is your next visit? And have you heard from the Dr about the report?

Keep in contact-, good luck

Thinking of you. Inica
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

Star3 · New User Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 3

Heard from doctor today. Basically said I have three fibroids/masses that showed up (I knew this because I got a copy of the report). The two on the outside are most definite fibroids and aren't much concern. The one inside is of concern. The ultrasound can not definitely say that it is a fibroid or a polyp - only way to tell for certain would be to do a hysteroscope and if possible it can be removed depending on how much apart of the uterus it is. At the very least a sample will be taken to determine for certain what it is. He doesn't feel that it is anything serious because the small sample of lining he took (blindly) in the office didn't show anything suspicious. He also suggested doing is an endometrial ablation which removes the lining of the uterus. This will help with the heavy horrible periods. Only downfall is this doesn't promise any return fibroids/polyps/masses. The only thing to ensure that would be a hysterectomy and wouldn't suggest that route just yet. He said the endometrial thickening is from what is inside there even if it is just a fibroid that can cause it. The ovarian cyst isn't of concern because it could just be an egg - if it doesn't go away and gets bigger than it is of concern.

I didn't schedule anything yet. I wanted to read a bit and gather more information. So, anyone ever had these done? Thoughts and/or opinions?

Oh - and asked him about the mild low back pain I have everyday especially when sitting or on my feet for long periods of time - he doesn't think it is related because the fibroids/mass isn't that big. I also mentioned the low abdominal pain (can't quite describe this it is sort of crampy, tingly) again worse when I am sitting - he can't say if that is related or not either. See, this is why I feel like I am crazy and this stuff is in my head! It is mild pain but very annoying.
_________________
My Story -

http://cancerforums.net/about7221.html

In · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 3:22 am Post subject: Re: New with questions - Update

Hi Star- sorry i haven't replied. :opps:

Sounds good that it's a fibroid/mass. Then there is a chance of removing or thining it out. Here in Australia- they could do a currette- A spon like shape instrupment that scrapes the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Which removes small fibroids and loos masses. (i'm not sure about there??)

I'm glad you are looking into all possabilites etc.

Let us know how you go

Thinking of you-Inica
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

brainman · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:54 am Post subject: Re: New with questions - Update

Star3, you are not alone in feeling like you are going crazy or that "this stuff" is all in your head. Most of us who have had cancer are more aware of things going on in our bodies than the general public is. Sometimes that is very good because we tend to report things to our doctors more often whereas others might tend to ignore signs of serious problems. My advice is to continue to get treatments for the fibroids/mass and to work with your medical team to mind an explanation for the annoying pain in your back.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Uterine and endometrial Cancer Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others