What Recovery Really Looks Like After Endometrial Cancer Treatment

The first thing to know about recovery from endometrial cancer treatment is that no two cancer recoveries or people are alike. While learning what to expect in the days, weeks, months, and years after treatment is helpful, your recovery will depend on your treatment plan, cancer stage, and overall health. Still, here is a rough timeline of what your endometrial cancer recovery may look like.

Treatment for endometrial cancer most often includes a total hysterectomy to remove your uterus and cervix. But your recovery will depend on what type of surgery you had and the approach your surgeon used. After a more extensive open surgery, you may stay in the hospital for up to a week. If you had laparoscopic, robotic, or vaginal surgery, you may be able to go home the same day.

While you'll be able to go home soon after surgery, it's important not to try to do too much too soon. Talk to your doctor about specific restrictions. Your surgical team should provide instructions on caring for your incision(the cut made during surgery) and any worrisome signs to watch for. You should expect your physical recovery from surgery to take anywhere from three to six weeks.

While your surgical care team will offer pain medications after surgery, let your doctor know if you have excessive pain during your recovery. But keep in mind that pain medication may come with side effects. For example, it may affect your thinking or energy levels. Also, ask your doctor about any things to avoid while you're taking pain medications, such as driving or drinking alcohol.

While you'll need to take it easy after treatment, including surgery, it's best to start getting up out of bed and moving around as soon as your surgeon says it's OK. That's because surgery can come with more risk for blood clots as your body heals. Ask if you should wear special stockings or use other devices to keep your blood moving.

Physical activity is a good way to feel better and improve your quality of life after treatment for endometrial cancer ends. Cancer survivors should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, like brisk walking, each week. At least twice a week, your routine should include exercises that build muscle. Exercise has been shown to improve physical functioning while reducing fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

You might have expected life to get back to normal after endometrial cancer treatment, but your feelings are more complex. Give yourself time to process your emotions about all you've been through. While you might have a sense of relief, many people report difficult or intense emotions, including:

• Anger
• Sadness
• Grief
• Shock
• Fear of recurrence

If you're struggling emotionally, ask your care team for a referral to a therapist, support group, or other resources that can help.

If your treatment for endometrial cancer includes radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or other medications, you may have other side effects. Talk to your doctor about common side effects of your treatments and any changes that might cause concern. Reach out to your care team right away if you have:

• Bleeding
• Loss of interest in eating
• Weight loss you can't explain
• Pain
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in your legs or belly

Endometrial cancer and its treatment can affect your fertility, sex life, and relationships. For example, if you've had a hysterectomy to treat endometrial cancer before menopause, removal of your ovaries could put you into menopause afterward. Don't hesitate to raise any concerns with your care team and ask for help in managing these side effects.

Even if you've completed treatment, your care team is there to answer questions and address concerns. Keep track of how you're feeling and jot down any questions you have so you can ask them at your next visit. While your doctor will keep a close eye on you to watch for signs of a recurrence or treatment side effects, share any changes or symptoms you've personally noticed. Ask who you can contact if you have questions.

It's normal to worry if your endometrial cancer will come back after treatment ends. Your risk of a recurrence will depend on your cancer's stage, treatment, and other things. While there is no foolproof way to keep your cancer from returning after treatment, it helps to take care of yourself by:

• Exercising
• Eating well
• Not smoking
• Sticking to a healthy weight
• Managing any other health conditions you have

Remember that each journey with endometrial cancer is different, and recovery is unique to you and nonlinear. Above all, recover at your own pace. To help you live your best life after endometrial cancer treatment, talk with your oncology care team about your survivorship plan. Your plan may include:

• A timeline for follow-up appointments and tests
• Lists of side effects to watch out for now or in the future
• Recommendations for caring for your physical, mental, and sexual health
• Details of your diagnosis and treatment you can share with other doctors
• Names and contact information for key members of your care team