Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

[Guest guest]

a,

This is an important point. It is essential that if you have problems with

your period or have unexplained pain or bleeding, before or after menopause,

that you see a competent gynecologist for a thorough evaluation.

I was horrified to hear Fran Drescher's story on TV and in print about her

LONG struggle to get her diagnosis of uterine cancer. Because she didn't fit

the typical uterine cancer profile, doctor after doctor didn't even consider

it. Fortunately, she went with her gut feeling that something was quite

wrong and kept looking for someone to accurately diagnose her problem.

The following link will take you to an excerpt from Rosie's new magazine in

which she interviews Fran Drescher about her experiences ( " A Quiet Hell " ) in

trying to get a diagnosis for her pelvic cramping and mid-month bleeding. At

that site there are also good links about uterine, ovarian, and cervical

cancer - symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Bleeding between periods can

also be a sign of ovarian or cervical cancer. Here it is:

http://www.rosiemagazine.com/spotlight/index.jsp

The surgeon who operated on Fran after her uterine cancer was diagnosed said

that she believed that the cancer had been present for at least two years.

Damn!!!

Of course, Alecia, I'm not trying to scare you either, but I believe a

second opinion is in order as well. And, along with , I'm singing the

Mayo song again! This latest gynecological development along with your

undiagnosed rheumatic disease should be investigated by a good team.

----- Original Message -----

From: " a " <paula54@...>

< >

Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2001 10:12 AM

Subject: RE: [ ] Needing advice about a new drug

> Alecia,

> Here's a link to read about medroxyprogesterone. There are a number of

side effects that would concern me, but I don't see anything about

Plaquenil. I'm looking for other sites that may say what the problem is.

> http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/patgenrx/medrox-o_pat.htm

>

> I like 's idea of a second opinion. Did he take a biopsy?

> The most common presentation of cancer of the uterus is abnormal bleeding.

Although rare in younger women, those over 45 years of age are increasingly

more likely to be attacked by this potentially curable cancer. ALL WOMEN

with heavy, erratic bleeding in this age group MUST be evaluated with a

careful pelvic examination and a biopsy of the uterus. The tissue is usually

easily removed in the office by placing a small catheter through the cervix

and suctioning out the endometrial tissue (the glands that line the inside

of the uterus where the cancer is most likely to be located).

http://www.obgyn.net/women/med-chest/med40129.htm

> I don't want to scare you, but I do want to make sure that you were given

the proper exam. You are right to be concerned about taking something to

make you bleed when bleeding is already a problem. If you can get another

opinion, it may be a very good idea.

> hugs,

> a