Research Studies

Earlier this month, I had put up a blog post about the differences between endometrial cancer and uterine cancer.  Once I was diagnosed, I wanted to know what kind of research is being done on gynecologic cancers?

If you are like me, you want to read all of the research out there on your type of cancer.  That includes studies, clinical trials, even Western treatment methods versus Eastern treatment methods.  I have gone down the rabbit hole more times than I can count.  

I am a life long learner-without a doubt.  What did I do after the shock of diagnosis wore off? I  researched! I felt better mentally knowing what was going on physically with my body.  

I have attached links below from the National Cancer Institute: 

https://www.cancer.gov/types/uterine/research   (the website talks about endometrial cancer in this link)

https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/research

https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/research

https://www.cancer.gov/types/vulvar/research

https://www.cancer.gov/types/vaginal/research

I hope that these help you in some way!

What is the Difference Between Endometrial Cancer and Uterine Cancer? Risk Factors? Genetics?

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I was frequently asked what kind of cancer I had.  Obviously, I would respond with "Endometrial Cancer".  Sometimes, people would look puzzled and other times, people would  respond with "Where is that?"

Let's take a look at this image from www.freepik.com:

As you can see in the image, the endometrium is the lining of the uterus.  According to www.cancer.gov, endometrial cancer is disease in which malignant cancer cells in the endometrium start to grow uncontrollably.  That is where my cancer started. 

When I was first diagnosed, I thought I would feel better having someone or something to place blame on. The following are risk factors for endometrial cancer:

                    -Taking estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy after menopause

                    -Taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer

                    -Obesity

                    -Having a metabolic syndrome

                    -Having Type 2 diabetes 

                    -Exposure of endometrial tissue to estrogen made by the body

                    -Lynch Syndrome

Let's talk about Lynch Syndrome for a second.  When I was researching my kind of cancer, this syndrome came up a lot.  This is a genetic condition that makes a person more susceptible to getting endometrial cancer (as well as colon cancer). I thought for SURE this was why I had gotten endometrial cancer right before I turned 40.  Before I started treatment, I was asked by my oncologist to consider genetic testing,  I had thought about it, but didn't want to because I was afraid that I would receive bad news.  While discussing this with her, she said that if anything, I could find out if my genes were mutated in any way-and I could take preventative measures if needed.  Once she put it that way, I went for it.  After going through genetic testing, I learned that I had zero risk factors.  

Birthdays Rock!

I am just putting this out there.  Once you are faced with a health crisis, you (hopefully) realize how lucky you are to wake up every day. 

Last Thursday,  I turned 45!  Woot! Birthdays are big after being ill.  In 2018, the day before I turned 40 sucked big time.  I was at my staging appointment with the oncologist (scared, not knowing if I would be around next year, much less FIVE years from now).  I have had SO MANY opportunities to share my story since then. Am I sad that cancer is a part of my story? Hell, yes. BUT.  Without that diagnosis, I would not be where I am today.  I am not sure if there is a reason for everything, but I'm here and will make a difference while I am able to.  

 That's me in my 2018 glory. Now, I am 45.  It was a great birthday.    

Target Parking Lot

You may be wondering what happened after I found out that I had cancer.  I was numb.  I had my husband meet my Mom and I at the doctors.  I heard snippets of the conversation...that they "think they caught it early".  Little did I know... no one knows what stage you are until the surgeon opens you up.  The drive home from the doctor was a blur.  I remember hearing my Dad tell his work that he wouldn't be coming back; that his daughter was sick. I thought "Wow.  This must be shitty if Dad isn't going to work".   My Mom got medical leave..they dropped everything to help my husband keep the house running like a machine. And I focused on my health.

I will be FOREVER GRATEFUL for parents like mine. They are the best. 

HI! You have cancer...

My name is Nicky.   I was at work when I got the phone call that divided my life in half.  Before Cancer and After Cancer.   

Blissfully unaware and hyperaware (is that even a word?) of every move, every ache.  

I can tell you that I literally turned around in my classroom to look behind me-because I thought my doctor was talking to the wrong patient.  I can tell you that I heard church bells ringing in my head, and my body went numb.  

My preschool students walked into the classroom where I was the Teaching Assistant.  Smiles on their faces; back from holiday.  And that is how I remember everything changed.