Sue’s Hysterectomy Story

Type of Hysterectomy: Radical hysterectomy followed by brachytherapy
Age at Hysterectomy: 59
Location: Winona Lake, IN

I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, Stage 1b, Grade 2.  I was post-menopausal and had started to experience spotting during the year prior to my diagnosis.  I ignored it, thinking it was nothing.  What I didn’t know at the time was that ANY bleeding after menopause is not normal.  One night I woke up bleeding profusely, which sent me to the ER of my local hospital.  They determined the bleeding was vaginal and advised me to see my gynecologist, which I did a week later.  An ultrasound revealed a growth and a biopsy indicated cancer. My gynecologist referred me to a gynecological oncologist, who advised a radical hysterectomy to remove the cancer.

My surgery wad DaVinci-assisted.  I was given an “amnesia” drug before I left pre-op, then a general anesthesia for the surgery. I was in the hospital a little over 24 hours.  As soon as I was able to walk and urinate, I was released home.

I had five small incisions, so recovery from them was quite easy.  And I experienced minimal pain.  Some discomfort, sure, and fatigue, definitely.  I was released after two weeks to drive, and after six weeks to return to work.  Once I had healed from the surgery I had three brachytherapy treatments to help prevent return of the cancer.  The biggest challenge was recovering my energy.  After major surgery and radiation, I remained fatigued for months.

My health is very good now.  I’m active, and I follow up with my doctors every six months.

Research and get the facts, but stay away from scaremongers on the internet.  Don’t believe everything you read on a message board or in a forum.  Talk to your healthcare providers.  Write down your questions as they come to mind so you have them when you visit your doctor.  Be your own advocate!