If you are diagnosed with cancer, knowing the facts about what lies ahead will help you make decisions about your treatment.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cervical and uterine cancer ofte go ignored because women don't know what to look for. An unusual menstruation is usually the first sign. Prolonged bleeding, or bleeding between periods, is a sign something is wrong. Some women will notice blood in their vaginal discharge. Lesser-known signs include discomfort during sex or urination. All of these may also be symptoms of other problems, so see a doctor if you notice anything.
Dealing with the Diagnosis
If an abnormal pap smear comes back to your doctor's office, she will run you through a number of tests to find out what caused it. Your results will be given to you in a closed-door office, and the doctor will explain exactly what he found and how far it has progressed. This is your chance to ask questions. Ask anything you can possibly think of, even if it sounds stupid, because you will wish you had. You can schedule a follow-up visit for more information.
The feelings that come after a diagnosis are different for every woman. Once you have gone through the spectrum of emotions, which include depression and denial in some people, start thinking positive. Psych Central says patients with any disease have an optimistic view have better recovery rates than those who give up.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a set of chemicals that are meant to kill cancer cells, and it is given through an IV or pills. The side effects are strong because the medicine needed to fight cancer is strong. Most patients will experience nausea or extreme fatigue. Hair loss isn't inevitable; many patients just experience a thinning of their hair. You may be advised to take off from work during your treatment. Chemo treatment plans are different for every patient, but they usually happen in cycles. You could recevie treatments two times a week for a few months and then the doctors will give your body a rest period. Usually, a treatment schedule lasts from three to six months.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is usually used in conjunction with chemotherapy. In most situations you will be asked to lie down and a machine is put over the area of the cancer. Radiation is then shot directly at the tumor for 10 minutes to an hour. If the treatment is successful, your tumor will shrink and eventually go away. Side effects of radiation are exactly like those of chemotherapy, including the nausea and fatigue.
Surgery
If your cancer has not spread significantly, most doctors will recommend a hysterectomy. There are three kinds: Radical, partial and complete. A radical hysterectomy removes the entire uterus and cervix, along with parts of the vagina and tissue. Partial hysterectomies remove just the upper part of the uterus. The most common type, the complete hysterectomy, removes the cervix and the uterus.
A hysterectomy is the one of the most common surgeries done on women. You will usually have a small scar on your abdomen afterward. While the hospital stay is usually only four days, recovery time ranges anywhere from two to eight weeks.
A hysterectomy can lead to hormonal effects much like those of menopause. You may experience hot flashes, insomnia and weight gain. Other effects include vaginal dryness, low sex drive and depression. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these.
Tags: different every, doctors will, hysterectomy removes, like those, most common, women will, your doctor