The first sign was unusual bleeding three weeks after my periods ended. I dismissed it. Women experience spotting, right? But this wasn’t normal, and how I knew I had uterine cancer started with these small warnings my body sent month after month.
I never imagined ignoring persistent bleeding would lead to a stage 3 diagnosis. Uterine cancer affects about 1 in 40 women over a lifetime, and any unusual bleeding or vaginal bleeding after menopause should trigger immediate concern, something I didn’t understand then.
My story could have been different with earlier diagnosis of my uterine cancer, also called endometrial cancer. If you’re experiencing similar symptoms, please don’t rationalize them away like I did. Talk to a doctor today.
It Started With Unexpected Bleeding
I was in my late 40s. I’d started spotting between periods. Some days I’d bleed for two weeks straight, then have nothing for a month. I thought it was just perimenopause. I had mood swings, hot flashes, and weird sleep patterns that seemed to confirm this.
My OB told me this could go on for years before menopause hits. So I didn’t panic. But I had a nagging feeling that maybe this wasn’t normal. Still, I brushed it off. Life was busy. And what was I gonna do—run to the ER every time I had an extra day of bleeding?
Warning Signs of Uterine Cancer I Ignored
By the time I listened to my gut and got checked out, it had already reached stage 3. Now when I look back, I know these were the earliest signs of uterine cancer which I was brushing. There were no big scary moments. Just small changes that snuck in gradually. Like:
- Spotting between periods – irregular bleeding that didn’t match my usual cycle
- Longer periods – not just a day or two more, but almost two weeks some months
- Pelvic discomfort – not stabbing pain, but persistent pressure and a dull ache
- Watery discharge – more than usual, sometimes with an odd smell
- Bleeding after intercourse – something I’d never experienced before
- Fatigue – the kind where you wake up tired and go to bed exhausted
- Unexplained weight loss – without trying to diet or exercise more
None of these felt emergency-level. I told myself it was all part of “the change.”
Worsening Symptoms: When Uterine Cancer Progresses
Months went by. It wasn’t just spotting anymore. The abnormal uterine bleeding became heavy. Like, change-my-clothes-during-the-day heavy. I started bringing extra pads to work. I noticed my anemia symptoms getting worse; feeling cold all the time and having no energy.
I told myself I needed to get checked. But between work, home chores, and just being exhausted, I kept pushing it to next week. And then next week again. What I didn’t understand was how endometrial cancer progression works – each month of delay allowed the cancer cells to grow and potentially spread beyond my uterus.
When Uterine Cancer Becomes an Emergency
One morning I woke up and felt lightheaded and weak, like I hadn’t eaten in days, even though I had. That was the first time I got scared. Maybe I was losing too much blood from what I now know was advanced uterine cancer bleeding.
One thing I knew for sure: I couldn’t ignore it anymore. The severe fatigue and dizziness were warning signs that something was seriously wrong. I finally decided to seek emergency care. Women experiencing sudden heavy vaginal bleeding with dizziness should always get immediate medical attention.
My Stage 3 Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis
When I sat down with the doctor, I talked about the months of irregular bleeding, the constant exhaustion, and the watery discharge—everything. The way he carefully listened to my concerns was such a huge relief. Here’s what my uterine cancer diagnosis process looked like:
Transvaginal Ultrasound
They did a pelvic exam and sent me for a transvaginal ultrasound. They were looking for:
- Thickness of the uterine lining (called the endometrium)
- Any unusual shapes, masses, or irregularities
- Signs of endometrial hyperplasia, which can sometimes precede cancer
Mine showed a thickened lining and a “suspicious area” they couldn’t identify clearly.
The Biopsy
To confirm, they took a sample of the lining; this is called an endometrial biopsy. It was quick (maybe 10 minutes). They sent the tissue to the lab, and I was told to expect results in about a week.
The Results
A few days later, I got the call. “We found cancer cells in the biopsy. It’s uterine adenocarcinoma, the most common type of endometrial cancer.
Further Tests
After the diagnosis, I underwent further tests to confirm my determine my cancer stage and grade:
- CT scans and MRIs to check if the cancer had spread beyond the uterus
- Bloodwork to look at overall health and check for tumor markers
- Chest X-ray to check for lung metastasis
I had been ignoring my uterine cancer symptoms for over a year. And that is what the tests showed. It had already spread outside my uterus to nearby tissues. The diagnosis was Stage 3 endometrial cancer. (But I’m still grateful that it hadn’t spread to distant organs).
My Uterine Cancer Treatment Journey
After diagnosis and initial care, I was quickly connected with a gynecologic oncologist who specialized in treating reproductive system cancers. My uterine cancer treatment plan included a total hysterectomy to remove my uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This was followed by targeted radiation and chemotherapy to address cancer cells that had spread beyond my uterus.
It wasn’t easy. There were hard days. Cancer treatment fatigue was real, along with hair loss and nausea. But slowly, I started to regain my strength. Today, I’m back to walking my dog, cooking dinner, and laughing with friends. I’m monitored regularly for any signs of endometrial cancer recurrence, but each day is a gift.
Recognizing Uterine Cancer Early: Lessons Learned
I know how easy it is to push your health to the bottom of the list; kids, spouse, work always seem more urgent. But if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else.
The reality is that uterine cancer survival rates dramatically improve with early detection. If caught in Stage 1, the five-year survival rate is over 90%. By Stage 3, like mine, those odds drop significantly.
Listen to your body when:
- Your periods change dramatically
- You experience bleeding between periods
- Post-menopausal bleeding occurs
- Pelvic pain persists
- Unusual discharge develops
Don’t wait for someone else to validate what you already feel deep down. Trust your instincts when something feels off, get the proper diagnostic tests, and find the peace of mind you deserve. The sooner endometrial cancer symptoms are evaluated, the better your outcomes can be.
Need Emergency Help? Spring Cypress ER Is Here for You
If you’re dealing with severe, sudden vaginal bleeding, extreme fatigue, or dizziness that might indicate significant blood loss, see us at the Spring Cypress ER immediately. No appointments needed!
We’re open 24/7, and we can start the diagnostic process right away with on-site imaging and lab work. While emergency care doesn’t provide complete cancer treatment, we offer crucial first steps in the diagnostic process and can connect you with the specialists you’ll need.
Let us help you feel safe, heard, and taken care of.
FAQs About Uterine Cancer
1. Is irregular bleeding always a sign of cancer?
Not always, but it’s worth investigating, especially if you’re past your 40s or approaching menopause. Any abnormal uterine bleeding pattern that persists beyond two cycles should be evaluated by a doctor.
2. What happens if uterine cancer is caught late?
If caught in the later stages, like stage 3, it may have spread beyond the uterus. Treatment can involve surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While treatment is still possible and can be life-saving, early detection guarantees a better and faster recovery.
3. I’m in my 40s—should I be worried about these symptoms?
Yes. While perimenopause causes menstrual changes, any bleeding that’s unusually heavy, occurs between periods, or persists for months needs medical evaluation. Premenopausal uterine cancer is often overlooked.
4. Does uterine cancer hurt?
Pain isn’t typically an early symptom. As cancer progresses, you might feel pelvic pressure or lower back discomfort. Advanced cases may cause pain during intercourse or bowel movements.
5. Does uterine cancer spread?
Yes. Without early detection, endometrial cancer spreads first to the cervix, then to pelvic lymph nodes, and eventually to distant organs like lungs or liver. High-grade tumors spread more quickly than low-grade ones.
6. Is endometrial cancer the same as uterine cancer?
Almost. Endometrial cancer (starting in the uterine lining) accounts for 95% of uterine cancers. Uterine sarcoma (starting in the muscular wall) represents the other 5%. The terms are often used interchangeably.
7. What are the first symptoms of uterine cancer?
The earliest signs include spotting between periods, unusually heavy periods, any bleeding after menopause, and watery or blood-tinged discharge. Less common early symptoms include pelvic pressure and unexplained weight loss.
8. What does stage 1 uterine cancer feel like?
Most women experience abnormal bleeding with few other symptoms. Physical discomfort is typically minimal. Stage 1 means cancer is confined to the uterus, not yet spreading to other tissues.
9. What are the stages of uterine cancer?
Stage 1: Confined to the uterus
Stage 2: Spread to the cervix
Stage 3: Spread to nearby tissues (vagina, ovaries, lymph nodes)
Stage 4: Spread to bladder, bowel, or distant organs
10. What’s worse cervical or uterine cancer?
The “worse” cancer is the one that goes undetected longest. Cervical cancer has screening tests and affects younger women. Uterine cancer lacks standard screening and is more common after menopause. Both are highly treatable when caught early.
