6 Tips for Going Through Endometrial Cancer Treatment

Going through cancer treatment is never easy. There are so many new aspects of life to juggle, from difficult-to-understand terminology and your long list of questions to seemingly endless appointments and possible side effects.

Gynecologic surgical oncologist Robert DeBernardo, MD, shares some dos and don’ts for living with endometrial cancer.

Dos and don’ts

First things first: No two people’s experience with endometrial cancer looks the same.

“What I often tell my patients the first time I meet them is that they’re starting a journey,” Dr. DeBernardo says, “and everyone’s journey is going to be a little bit different.”

But no matter what your unique experience looks like, some basic guidance can help you navigate what you’re going through.

Do ask all of your questions

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, to say the least, and you probably have a lot of questions. Keep track of them in a running list that you bring to your oncology appointments.

“Cancer diagnosis and treatment involve a lot of minutia that can be hard to wrap your head around,” Dr. DeBernardo recognizes. “We’re here to help you understand it and to walk you through it.”

Not sure where to start? Here are seven questions to ask your oncologist about everything from second opinions and treatment goals to fertility preservation.

Don’t ignore what your body is telling you

When you’re going through cancer treatments, it’s extra important to listen to your body. Pay close attention to how you feel, and let your oncologist know if you experience new or worsening symptoms like:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Changes in your appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss

Cancer treatments can also bring unpleasant side effects of their own. Talk to your provider if you need help managing the effects of chemotherapy, radiation or other aspects of your treatment.

“Some people have a lot of symptoms, either from the endometrial cancer itself or from their treatment,” Dr. DeBernardo acknowledges. “Your care team includes a variety of specialists who can help you manage those symptoms as best as possible.”

Do focus on your overall health

Healthy lifestyle habits can help you keep up your strength and energy during cancer treatments.

• Follow a healthy, balanced diet. There’s no one “cancer diet,” but eating enough protein and a variety of fruits and vegetables helps fuel your immune system.
• Get lots of rest. When you’re living with cancer, rest is critical. Adapt your daily routine so you don’t overexert yourself. And focus on getting enough high-quality sleep, which supports your immune system.
• Stay hydrated. Getting enough water is always important, but especially when undergoing cancer treatment. Proper hydration carries nutrients throughout your body and can help reduce or even prevent side effects.
• Avoid alcohol and other substances. Drinking, smoking and using other substances can interact with chemo and other medications, make side effects worse and further weaken your immune system.
• Turn down risky foods. Cancer treatments lower your immune system and put you at higher risk for foodborne illnesses. Skip leftovers, buffets and raw or undercooked meat, seafood and eggs.

All of these habits can be easier said than done. For example, the side effects of some treatments may affect your appetite or make it hard to sleep. Talk to your provider about any issues you’re experiencing so they can help.

“It’s a lot to put your body through,” Dr. DeBernardo says. “But we’re here to guide and help you along the way.”

Don’t neglect your mental health

When you’re going through cancer treatment, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, like sadness, fear and even depression. So, it’s important to prioritize your mental health just as much as your physical health.

“It’s a lot to digest and process, and it’s a lot to put your body through, so it’s important to have people in your life on that journey with you,” Dr. DeBernardo states.

Your care team can help you find services and resources to support your mental health.

This may include therapists who specialize in working with people who have cancer or support groups for others going through this experience.

Do attend all of your appointments

When you’re not feeling well, it can be tempting to skip or reschedule doctor’s appointments. But it’s critical to see your cancer care team as scheduled.

“Oftentimes, the treatment plans for endometrial cancer require a lot of close follow-up,” Dr. DeBernardo says. Your care team will need to monitor your progress and can help you manage your side effects. Importantly, they also need the opportunity to adjust your treatment plan, if needed.

Don’t forget about post-treatment care

Your journey doesn’t end once you’ve completed treatment. Your gynecologic oncologist will share a schedule for follow-up appointments for the next few years.

Most uterine cancers that recur (come back) do so within three years of treatment, so your follow-up schedule may look something like this:

• For the first two to three years, you’ll have follow-ups every three to six months.
• From then until the five-year mark, follow-ups will take place every six months.
• After five years, follow-up appointments will become annual.

But even after the five-year mark, Dr. DeBernardo says that you should find a provider you feel comfortable going to with any concerns that arise between follow-up visits.

“It can be hard to find a provider out of the blue and be evaluated on short notice,” he points out. “So, when you’ve had uterine cancer, it’s always important to maintain a relationship with a provider who you can talk to about gynecologic concerns and see in a pinch, if you need to.”