A Dark Dark Day

Have you ever read Harry Porter? The characters always referred to the most evil wizard as "He who must not be named" because they were so frightened of him. In our modern day context, the word that no one wants to hear or say is CANCER.

Today is a dark dark day. We went to KK hospital with my mum to receive her biopsy results. My sister and I were mentally prepared because it was odd for the hospital to want to see us if it is benign. True enough, the word that we do not want to say or hear was uttered by the doctor.

"Auntie, yes it is cancer but do not worry. I have done this for many years. I will help you" were the first words the doctor uttered when he sat her down.

After the diagnosis, a dark cloud had decided to hang over my head and everything was tinted with black. Outwardly, we appeared strong for my mum but inwardly, I wanted to curse and swear. Once again, why us?

The doctor did not share much about the biopsy results. I was thinking it could be because he did not want to scare my trembling mum. He discussed with us what the plans were. When I reached home, I reread the results which I took with my phone -  Histology shows tumour which is largely necrotic composed of glands. There is very focal ER and Vimentin positively. The morphological features are those of Grade 2/3 Endometriod Adenocarcinoma.

Necrotic means death of cells
focal ER - Estrogen Receptor
vimentin -
Endometriod Adenocarcinoma - common type of womb cancer
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrialcancer/detailedguide/endometrial-uterine-cancer-what-is-endometrial-cancer

Explanation of grading
http://www.glowm.com/section_view/heading/Pathology%20of%20Endometrial%20Carcinoma/item/238

After some research, I am still unclear where I am heading. I am tired. Penning off.

Comments

  1. Anonymous3 October 2014 at 01:18

    Hi,
    I have been following your blog awhile as I am also ttc-ing, with no results. I am really sorry to hear about what happened to your mum. I hope that with such advancement in the medical scene, they will be able to help your mum. Jia you, ok! Wishing you and your family all the best and good health. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous12 October 2014 at 19:53

    Hi, I am very sorry about what is happening. Stay strong and positive not just for yourself but for your mum. Cancers do get cured. I have many examples around me. Let's all pray hard for the best. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous16 October 2014 at 08:08

    Hi, sorry to hear about your mum. My mum had breast cancer stage 2 almost 20 years ago and she survived. We are facing another crisis now as she was diagnosed with dementia. I don't know what else to say to you other than to be strong for her. She needs you more than ever.

    I chanced upon your blog not because I'm trying to conceive. I have a different set of problems. I have endometriosis and had 3 operations already to remove the cysts. Am looking for a good TCM to help me solve my problems.

    For now, just think of how to help your mum and care for her. God bless you !

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown27 October 2014 at 21:36

    Hi Readers! I feel much better today! Mum has also finally been discharged. She is also feeling better.

    I really really really really hope she does not need to do chemo. Results and review in two weeks time!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Unknown27 October 2014 at 21:39

    Hey Anonymous,

    Maybe we are all around that age whereby our parents who are older are having health issues. Such a tough stage. It is as if I received a new badge called "Caregiver". How did you know you have endometriosis? I went for a second opinion before and the Caucasian gynae suspected I have endometriosis but this was not picked by all the previous gynaes leh. The gyane wanted me to repeat tests so I ran away and never appear again.

    ReplyDelete

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