Official diagnosis: Recurrent Endometrial Cancer (almost 15yrs to the day from initial diagnosis).

[woodsprite]

Just wanted to let you all know. Had the biopsy done last Thursday (4/8). Radiologist called my OB/GYN to discuss the results on Friday and the fact that they were both floored since it's been so many years. OB/GYN called his friend, the head of robotic/laprascopic GYN/Onco surgery at the Helen Graham Cancer Ctr to discuss my medical history, the biopsy results, and to pave the way and get the OK for me to call him at the HGCC and schedule an appointment. Neither GYN doc or my GP thinks that the nodule in my lung that also showed on the CT scan is related to cancer, but comes from a couple of bad cases of bronchitis and pneumonia I had over the past few years. Their initial impression from the scan and biopsy is that the mass could be excised locally and would follow up with hormone therapy (progesterone based med (megestrol) w/ possible tamoxifen every 4th wk).

I called Cadungog yesterday as soon as I left my OB/GYN's office, but his assistant said that he wasn't in the office yesterday afternoon and does not allow his staff to schedule appointments unless he is physically in the office. I did tell them that my OB/GYN had spoken with him about my case and he had agreed. SOoooo, I'm waiting for a call back today from their office to schedule an appointment.

I'm not surprised, just scared, especially after looking at so many studies 14 yrs ago (which I know is a LONG time in cancer research) and those more recent. I was originally treated with surgery only, no radiation or chemo. I'm trying to remind myself what my former GYN/Onco told me -- that no matter what I read, I am not a number, and those figures in those studies are rather small designed to fit a very specific profile, most also are only followed for the 3-5 yrs post initial diagnosis. Something I realized last night was that many studies from other countries that I was running across talk more about the patients - diagnosis, side effects, outcomes, etc. - more people/outcome oriented. A good number of the American studies I've read seem to be drug centered, what drug/combo they can try next, etc. I know I shouldn't be surprised since their funding probably came directly or indirectly from big pharma. Finding much of anything about recurrence AFTER 10-15 yrs is almost impossible. I'm trying to compile/write down questions so I know what I'm going to ask Cadungog when I see him.

What sucked the most about yesterday -- it was my birthday. Hell of a "present"