Uma*, 73 from Delhi, is an Endometrial Cancer survivor for almost 7 years. She believes in the need to follow treatment protocols but also to stay informed through credible sources. She wishes she was given proper advice to prevent long term complications. Read on to find out more.
Please tell us a bit about your condition. Can you describe it?
In September 2019, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B, Endometrial cancer that affected both my ovaries and uterus peritoneum.
What were the early symptoms? What made you go to a doctor?
There was once a little blood passed with urine in December 2018. Since it was a one time phenomenon, I kind of neglected that, or rather postponed it, as we were to travel for a family wedding to Bangkok and then US. Months later, I used to feel bloated even after eating a little and the feeling was very uncomfortable. I finally saw a Gastroenterologist who suggested some tests. I had been having a feeling of bloating for a long time, almost a year, which I assumed was because of severe acidity.
Incidentally I was getting my ultrasound abdomen done annually, and even the last one missed any anomaly. This really is a sore point, as I am surprised the lab results missed anything abnormal.
What tests were done? How did the diagnosis come about?
Blood test for blood marker CA 125 was performed. There was an ultrasound of the abdomen followed by a CT scan of the abdomen which revealed a large tumor in the ovary. At this point I was referred to a GynaeOncologist.
What was your reaction to the diagnosis? How and when did you break it to your family?
When I was diagnosed, fear gripped me and my lips turned dry, even as I refused to believe it had happened to me. I was always very healthy, it was hard to come to terms with the diagnosis.
What happened next? (specialist referral, course of treatment etc.)
An open total hysterectomy was performed followed by biopsy which took about a week. It confirmed malignancy of the tumor. Six, 3-weekly sessions of chemotherapy were prescribed.
Were there any complications or side-effects?
I developed an abdominal hernia at the site of incision and post surgery. My post operative care was not well advised, if I had been told to wear the stomach band, this hernia would not have developed.
Chemotherapy had its side effects. Nausea for almost a week following every chemo cycle along with weakness, and constipation. I also developed neuropathy and left leg lymphedema which I have to manage even now. This was a result of removal of lymph nodes.
Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or ayurveda? If yes, did it help?
After chemotherapy concluded, I took homeopathy as a preventive for recurrence. I would like to believe that it helped, but I am not sure.
What medications are currently on?
I am not on any medicines now. Last sept 2025, due to water contamination, I got severe diarrhea. I took antibiotics but the infection spread to my bladder and kidney. Tests showed it was acute pyelonephritis and I was admitted for 10 days, but it has affected my kidneys. Now I’m on BP meds.
What kind of specialists (including Physio/Occupational therapist/Psychiatrist etc.) do you consult and how often?
I consulted a physiotherapist for lymphedema initially. I learned from my friend (who is a cancer survivor) and also Youtube videos.
Do you have a family history of this condition? Is it an inherited disorder? Was genetic testing done?
My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 87 years. My sister died of lung cancer at the age of 79 years. I did the genetic test since I do have a daughter and found that it was not hereditary.
What changes have you made to your lifestyles because of this condition?
I have become more particular about exercising regularly and try to watch my diet, basically eat home cooked food. After my surgery, I used to wear compression stockings but the lymphedema increased after chemo started. I started wearing the stockings more regularly. Even now, I make sure to get movements, exercises like walking, manual lymphatic drainage in the right direction daily. I also use a compression pump for 30 minutes.
Did you see a counselor for support? Were you offered counseling by your doctor?
I did not meet any counselor for support.
How did you mentally/emotionally cope with it all?
When you get cancer, you don't have a choice. You don't know how strong you are, till you realize, there is no choice, but to be strong. Your perspective changes, you realise anything can happen to anyone.
How has your family supported you? Who has been your biggest support/companion through it all?
My husband has been my strength and my biggest supporter. My brother and his wife who live in Canada also gave me a lot of support. My children, my daughter, and my son worried so much, that I had to be strong for their sake. It helped to be surrounded and supported by a loving family.
When did you break the news to your friends and distant relatives? How did they take it?
I broke the news to my friends and distant relatives long after my chemotherapy sessions concluded. I was not ready to take calls or interact too much about my condition, while I was undergoing active treatment. I didn’t want to speak to anytime at that time, and wanted to be left alone. Now I am more open to talk about it.
What is your present condition?
At present I am cancer-free, but get myself tested regularly. Blood test every 3 months and ultrasound every 6 months.
What is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?
My advice to patients is to face it squarely and bravely, follow the doctor's advice, keep yourself informed about your condition by reading, following trends. There is a lot of content out there on Youtube, but you should be discerning and careful and follow only credible sources.
What are you worried about for the future?
I try to live in the present and don't worry about the future. Believe in God. Faith is a great healer.
Biggest challenge: Chemo complications were difficult to deal with, that entire period was hard. Then the apprehension about getting tested every follow-up visit and waiting for reports to come back.
* Name changed on request
