In September 2023 during my annual well woman exam, a concern by my gynecologist led to a biopsy. The results indicated high risk factors for hyperplasia, or pre-cancer. I was advised that if I took progesterone hormones, I would not need any further treatment or surgery. Obviously, I took the hormones diligently for the next year.

Fast forward to this past February. Due to scheduling issues I was not able to have another well woman exam until February of this year and, further concerns led to a hysteroscopy. I knew something was wrong because normally lab results are posted with a few days, but it was not until a follow-up appointment two weeks later that I learned why the results were not posting. On March 5 I was diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma, and I referred to oncology.

I was able to see an oncologist on March 12 and a total hysterectomy was recommended. I was advised that during the surgery, the uterus would be examined to determine if further testing was needed which was conducted on March 21, 2025. Unfortunately, the dissection of the uterus revealed that lymph nodes would need to be collected. As for the procedure itself, medical advances have made the surgery less invasive as it used to be. It was a robotic assisted laparoscopic minimally invasive procedure with only five small incisions. I was observed overnight and discharged the next morning with minimal pain and numbness from the lymph node removal.

Then the waiting for the results began. Mid-morning on March 25 the pathology report posted to the patient portal. I saw things in the report that were very concerning to say the least and I contacted the oncologist’s office for answers, but was told only the doctor, who was out of town teaching, could give me the answers, but a virtual visit was scheduled for the next day. There was only one conclusion we could come to: it was bad and had to go through the traumatizing experience of waiting for twenty-four hours until we would know exactly how bad.

The diagnosis was ENDOMETRIOID ENDOMETRIAL ADENOCARCINOMA (8 CM), FIGO GRADE 1, INVADING INTO DEEP MYOMETRIUM FIGO STAGE: IIIC2. For those like me with very little knowledge or experience with cancer and staging, etc., what that means is I have been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. The surgeon removed an 8cm tumor (that I have “fondly” named Buford) that was growing inside my uterus with 90% invasion into the uterine wall and surrounding lymph nodes of the pelvic area. Metastatic cancer was found in 5 lymph nodes. And Micrometastasis in one other lymph node. Which is why they want to start the chemo. Fortunately, no malignancy was found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix.

On April 3, it was discovered that an abscess had formed at the surgical site resulting in a severe infection. I was admitted to the hospital and placed on broad spectrum antibiotics with a procedure performed the following day to remove the abscess. I remained in the hospital to ensure the infection was under control and a subclavian port (that I have named “Jack”) was placed on April 8. I was discharged the next day.

I begin chemotherapy on April 15 for six, three-week cycles and immunotherapy for the following two years.

Fortunately, I have good insurance through my husband’s employer that is covering the major expected expenses so far but need assistance with the incidentals such as gas for the many appointments, possible lodging (the drive to the appointments can take up to two hours depending on time of day and most of the appointments are early morning during rush hour. Staying at a hotel the night before that is located close to the Cancer Institute could be beneficial), and I will also benefit from special food items to support me during treatment. I am also required to purchase special supplements and items such as ice socks and mittens that are not covered by insurance. My husband has had to miss a lot of work, and the loss of wages has resulted in extreme financial hardship. It has become very difficult to keep up with mortgage, auto payments and auto insurance throughout this time. We can keep the lights on but have fallen two months behind on the mortgage, both car payments and auto insurance.

I have an awesome support system of family and friends and an incredible oncological team. My doctor is an innovator in the gynecological oncology field, conducting research, clinical trials and teaching the next generation of healers. We are in good hands and optimistic that this is going to be knocked out, but there will be pains and struggles along the way. Our support system will handle the emotional aspect. Our oncological team is handling the medical part. But the financial burden has been and is going to be difficult. That’s where you come in. I never dreamed I would ever have to go through this, but who does? It isn’t really something one can plan for. And having to ask for help from complete strangers is not my style. But I know there are kind, caring and compassionate people out there that have the means and are willing to help. Anything you can provide is greatly appreciated, no matter how small. Even prayers are welcome. Thank you for reading our story and providing any support you can manage. God bless.