Kali's Journey with Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

I menstruated, without stopping, for over two years. During this time I went to the doctor six different times specifically for this problem. I was told over and over that I was just "peri-menopausal" and to quit worrying myself sick! I knew better, but was reared to never question your doctor. During the final visit I made to that doctor I got angry. I finally told him "I am sick. You are my doctor and it's your job to find out what is wrong with me." He decided to send me to a specialist, who found out within 48 hours that I had stage 3 endometrial cancer. The lesson I took away from this is to ALWAYS trust my inner voice. If you don't get the answers you believe get another opinion. I was frightened when I was diagnosed, but only for about 30 seconds. Once that 30 seconds passed a wave of peace and calm washed over me that was SO overwhelmingly powerful that I KNEW right then and there that I would be okay. I also knew that this was going to be a positive experience for which I would be thankful one day. I was absolutely right. I've VERY thankful for the experience.

I had no expectations because I had never had this experience, nor had I gone through it with anyone I knew. So, for me that turned out to be good! My recovery took a bit longer than I thought, but it wasn't horrid.

The radiation "cooked" my GI tract, bladder, intestines, bowel. Actually, my bladder and stomach have never returned to normal. I have to be extremely careful about what I eat or I can get terrible cramps and diarrhea in about one minute. Not fun if you are in a restaurant! Regardless of the side effects, I'M ALIVE, and life is good.

I lost my uterus and ovaries. So, menopause passed quickly for me! I wish I could have kept my ovaries. The chemical changes my body has gone through have not been pleasant.

I never had a specific celebration. Every day has been a celebration since my diagnosis.

The only part that was truly not much fun at all was the 6 weeks of radiation. It made me vomit every time I put food in my mouth, or even water for that matter! When I wasn't receiving treatment or vomitting I was sleeping. I actually slept about 18 to 20 hours a day. Sounds crazy doesn't it? But it was a blessing to sleep through it. The impact on my daily life was huge. I spent 15 months without working. Fortunately, even though my employer had given me sick leave, he fired me four weeks after I started my sick leave. That ended up being a gift as well because I was able to draw unemployment, so I didn't become homeless. LOL. (I'm single and pay all of my own bills, motrgage, etc.) For 12 of those 15 months family, friends and members of my church Care Ring brought me hot, organic, very healthy and delicious food. Enough for two days. Two days later another person would bring food. When the people brought food they would visit for a short while and ask what, if anything, they could do for me. I've never felt more loved and cared for in my life. Not one person had to bring food more than once. I had no idea how many people I knew; fine and loving people. How could anyone remain ill with that happening all around them?