"My story began early 2016 when I visited my Dr as I thought I was going through the menopause. Symptoms of hot flushes in the night, crying at cooking programmes etc. Bloods were taken. Results came back showing some abnormalities. I was sent to hospital for a scan and internal probe. At this point I was told the lining looked fine. So I wasn't worried. Had a biopsy booked. Told same again although I would have to wait for results, things looked "ok". They had found a mass of polyps though.
Had another appointment booked to remove these. Yet again I wasn't overly concerned. Arrived for this appointment and was told to take a seat, which I questioned as I should have been going into another area for my procedure. I began people watching at this point. Something wasn't feeling right to me. I saw nurses talk to one another then at me, perhaps it's me being paranoid. Nurses had told me I was here for results not a procedure. My turn came and nurse asked me if I was bringing my husband in. I laughed and said only if it's bad news. I continued into the consultants room to see at least 3 other people in there. I heard the consultant say can you fetch her husband.
I knew then.... the room was silent till my husband came in. I was told I had womb cancer and the polyps were also cancerous. I remember laughing. (That's how I deal with uncomfortable situations). I remember saying I didn't give him a black eye. (My husband had hit his eye on a car at work) I have no idea where that came from.
My consultant spoke but I could not tell you even to this day what he said. We were taken into another room where a cancer specialist spoke to us. Was arranged the following week for x-ray and to see consultant again.
Due to being very over weight I was told a hysterectomy wasn't an option. A coil would be fitted and hopefully that would break the lining down etc.
Followed was 3 more biopsies, all polyps couldn't be removed without damage to bladder.
I received a letter from Nottingham city hospital. Attended this and was told my cancer had gone up a grade and stage. Options were hysterectomy or hormone tablet to hopefully slow and contain the cancer but no guarantees.
My decision now was do I risk the operation after constantly being told my chances of survival are very slim. They wanted me to understand the consequences and risks.
It began to feel like my life was spiralling out of my control. I will never be able to fully explain what it was like making the decision to risk the operation.
Everything was put into place to minimise the risks. Had a fantastic anaethatist who talked me through each process. I was also diabetic which added more risks. My womb was found to be nearer the back making it more difficult.
My Consultant brought in other consultants to operate with him. It would be key hole. No other option.
I wrote my letters to husband; family , and friends. Every appointment we had were all about the risks and chances of not surviving. Outwardly I was trying to be as positive as I could. I do believe a positive attitude makes for better well being. However inside I didn't believe I was going to survive. In a odd way I wouldn't say accepted it but it was what it was. I had no control over it.
I had to go into hospital the day before my operation due to being diabetic so they could take control of this. It was arranged that a bed had to be free In critical care for my operation to go ahead .
My consultant asked if they could film the whole operation for research and teaching purposes as it was going to be a difficult op. Never hesitated to give my consent. Oops yes I did. I wanted to make sure no head shots lol. I certainly didn't want to be recognised.
Well I'm guessing you know the outcome as I wouldn't be sharing my story. Everything was removed. Even cervix which they weren't originally going to take. After a night in critical care I went to the ward and went home the same day. Everyone was amazed in how quick I was going home.
Me .... I was still numb. I continued to be numb mentally for a few days.
I'm now about 7 weeks post op. and recovering nicely.
I will all ways be grateful for my consultant and anaethatist for taking the risk. As my consultant said the morning after, you were prepared to die for it. And yes he was right I was.
Has cancer changed my life. In a very weird and strange way, cancer gave me life. Going through it all I found my self worth and how much I am loved. It was me that held myself back. I'm a lot stronger woman for it all. I know I'm early in my recovery but 1 thing I know is cancer won't define me as a person.
What could have taken my life, in fact gave me life.
Thank you for reading my story and I hope it can help someone somehow.
PS: I hope my recording of my operation helps teach others for the future. Xx""
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Kaz xx