“So how has having endometrial cancer affected my life? That’s a big question and I’m still coming to terms with it.”
I was diagnosed when I was 31 and had been having period pain so extreme it would make me fall to my knees. I had to fight hard to get a diagnostic procedure done, and when the clinic sent me photos of my uterus and cervix, I knew things looked wrong. I’ve got a degree in health science.
That night I felt nerve-wrenching sick. I wanted to throw up. I had gone online and researched, and that was the first time I knew endometrial cancer even existed.After I was diagnosed, and told about treatment options, I chose to have a hysterectomy. I cried all day and kept questioning my decision. I chose to get rid of the cancer and try to make the most of my life, but I’d lose the option to have babies.
I wasn’t prepared for the grief.
Grief for the interruption to my life, grief because my choice about having children was taken away, grief on behalf of my parents who were really affected by the thought of not having grandchildren.
I remember being home, exhausted from the physical and emotional pain of it all, and turning on some music. It was dance party music and I thought, “I’m 31 – a perfect age for going out clubbing.”
Yes, when you’re young, endometrial cancer affects relationships even if you survive it. My partner at the time wanted children and I have no reproductive organs. It makes you question so much about being a woman.
So there was the time off work that wasn’t covered by sick leave, and financial costs not covered by insurance. There are friends and family who just don’t get it. And there’s the early menopause. I used to think menopause couldn’t possibly be that bad. It is.
I wish things were different.
I really wish this cancer was talked about more.
My cancer was possibly preventable because obesity is a known risk factor. I had put on lots of weight because of medication for another condition.
I’m lucky in lots of ways. I advocated for myself and my cancer was diagnosed early. I’ve heard that a lot of people confuse endometrial cancer symptoms and endometriosis – and just accept that bad period pain is normal.
There has to be a positive in this, and that’s why I’m doing things publicly to increase awareness and education about endometrial cancer.
I’m supporting ANZGOG | WomenCan because I know there are things we can do to get more awareness, more prevention, and more funding for research.
