Carcinosarcoma

Hi everyone,

My 64-year-old mother was advised to undergo a hysterectomy in January.
Analyses of the organ removed showed that there was a carcinosarcoma in it.
She then had a tomographic positron scanning from head to toe (I don't
know the exact name in English for that particular physical - sorry),
which showed no other apparent trace elsewhere, apart from a "dark spot"
in the area where she had been operated.
Her surgeon said he was sure that this spot was only a subsequent bruise
resulting from the operation. But he also added that my mother was to
have chemotherapy as is always the case after hysterectomy.
Yet he certainly **never** mentioned what a carcinosarcoma (I believe
it's a carcinoma & a sarcoma together = 2 cancers in one, a rare form of
cancer).
She was left into the false belief that her cancer had gone and that
chemotherapy, which was only a precaution measure in her case, was going
to be quite light (since nothing was found afterwards).
So it wasn't until she met her chemotherapist that we all started to
realize what it was... 3 months after the first diagnostic (December).
and 2 months after they found out about that killer tumor.
My question is : considering my mother's age and the size of the tumor
remover (less than an inch), what is statistically the survival rate
after one year, 5 years and 10 years ?

Many, many thanks in advance for your honset and helpful help. As far as
I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for my
mum it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the speed at
which this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just don't care about
elderly patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or both.
What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2 radiologists, 1 GP,
1 surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5 **never** bothered to
explain what a carcinosarcoma was.

Thierry

"T Lariviere" <""t-l-a-r-i-v-i-e-r-e\"@,nordnet.,f,r"> wrote in message
news:460798c4$0$25922$ba4acef3@news.orange.fr...
> Hi everyone,
>
> My 64-year-old mother was advised to undergo a hysterectomy in January.
> Analyses of the organ removed showed that there was a carcinosarcoma in
> it.
> She then had a tomographic positron scanning from head to toe (I don't
> know the exact name in English for that particular physical - sorry),
> which showed no other apparent trace elsewhere, apart from a "dark spot"
> in the area where she had been operated.
> Her surgeon said he was sure that this spot was only a subsequent bruise
> resulting from the operation. But he also added that my mother was to have
> chemotherapy as is always the case after hysterectomy.
> Yet he certainly **never** mentioned what a carcinosarcoma (I believe it's
> a carcinoma & a sarcoma together = 2 cancers in one, a rare form of
> cancer).
> She was left into the false belief that her cancer had gone and that
> chemotherapy, which was only a precaution measure in her case, was going
> to be quite light (since nothing was found afterwards).
> So it wasn't until she met her chemotherapist that we all started to
> realize what it was... 3 months after the first diagnostic (December). and
> 2 months after they found out about that killer tumor.
> My question is : considering my mother's age and the size of the tumor
> remover (less than an inch), what is statistically the survival rate after
> one year, 5 years and 10 years ?
>
> Many, many thanks in advance for your honset and helpful help. As far as
> I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for my mum
> it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the speed at which
> this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just don't care about elderly
> patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or both.
> What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2 radiologists, 1 GP, 1
> surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5 **never** bothered to
> explain what a carcinosarcoma was.
>
> Thierry

Did anyone actually ask them?

Steph a écrit :

>>
>> Many, many thanks in advance for your honest and helpful help. As far as
>> I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for my mum
>> it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the speed at which
>> this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just don't care about elderly
>> patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or both.
>> What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2 radiologists, 1 GP, 1
>> surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5 **never** bothered to
>> explain what a carcinosarcoma was.
>>
>> Thierry
>
> Did anyone actually ask them?
>
>

Two doctors gave a "definition" of these two cancers grouped together
and which attack tissues as well as hard or soft organs.
To anyone who knows nothing or very little about medicine (that is most
of the population), this sort of definition means nothing.
But to answer you question more accurately : no, neither my mother nor
my father asked the difference between a carcinosarcoma and other more
common forms of cancers simply because they just didn't know this cancer
was different. What's more, I don't think a patient has the right
questions in mind at the right time, because he often is not a
physician. Shouldn't cancerologists know what questions their patients
might want to ask ? They're the ones who see cancer every day after all.
Because my parents were disoriented, they just were never told about the
rarity of this cancer, about how quickly it could spread anywhere
through the body and about the possible prognosis. So that between the
operation (January) and last week, they had started to make projects for
the next 10 months. All of which now are reduced to nothing.
Only one of the doctors did **explain** to them what having a
carcinosarcoma meant : the chemotherapist - maybe because he was going
to be in charge of the "aftersales service" for 6 months and because he
knew my mother'd soon realize this treatment was heavier than the ones
which her friends, who had other cancers, had been going through.
Correct me if I'm wrong : to me a "definition" will never replace an
"explanation", even if it's expressed in layman's terms.
I DO think that a lot of doctors really need to learn about psychology
and human understanding.

So now we're left with our ignorance and fears. My mum's chemotherapy
begins on Thursday.


Thanks to anyone who can help with more information on the subject, or
with their personal account of similar experience or with just sympathy.

Thierry

On Mar 26, 5:04 pm, T Lariviere <""t-l-a-r-i-v-i-e-r-e
\"@,nordnet.,f,r"> wrote:
> Steph a écrit :
>
>
>
> >> Many, many thanks in advance for your honest and helpful help. As far as
> >> I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for my mum
> >> it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the speed at which
> >> this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just don't care about elderly
> >> patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or both.
> >> What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2 radiologists, 1 GP, 1
> >> surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5 **never** bothered to
> >> explain what a carcinosarcoma was.
>
> >> Thierry
>
> > Did anyone actually ask them?
>
> Two doctors gave a "definition" of these two cancers grouped together
> and which attack tissues as well as hard or soft organs.
> To anyone who knows nothing or very little about medicine (that is most
> of the population), this sort of definition means nothing.
> But to answer you question more accurately : no, neither my mother nor
> my father asked the difference between a carcinosarcoma and other more
> common forms of cancers simply because they just didn't know this cancer
> was different. What's more, I don't think a patient has the right
> questions in mind at the right time, because he often is not a
> physician. Shouldn't cancerologists know what questions their patients
> might want to ask ? They're the ones who see cancer every day after all.
> Because my parents were disoriented, they just were never told about the
> rarity of this cancer, about how quickly it could spread anywhere
> through the body and about the possible prognosis. So that between the
> operation (January) and last week, they had started to make projects for
> the next 10 months. All of which now are reduced to nothing.
> Only one of the doctors did **explain** to them what having a
> carcinosarcoma meant : the chemotherapist - maybe because he was going
> to be in charge of the "aftersales service" for 6 months and because he
> knew my mother'd soon realize this treatment was heavier than the ones
> which her friends, who had other cancers, had been going through.
> Correct me if I'm wrong : to me a "definition" will never replace an
> "explanation", even if it's expressed in layman's terms.
> I DO think that a lot of doctors really need to learn about psychology
> and human understanding.
>
> So now we're left with our ignorance and fears. My mum's chemotherapy
> begins on Thursday.
>
> Thanks to anyone who can help with more information on the subject, or
> with their personal account of similar experience or with just sympathy.
>
> Thierry

Thierry,

Welcome to alt.support.cancer. I am sorry to read of your mother's
problems. I wish I had something more to offer than good wishes &
empathy. This cancer is a new one on me (I am not a medical
professional). Watch for J. if there is good information out there,
she'll find it. She sometimes posts such in a new thread, so look for
that too.

Some docs are better at bedside manner than others. It's always
fortunate when you find one whose advice you trust who can also
explain well, but those skills don't always reside in the same
person. Often the oncology nurses know a lot & will take more time to
explain.

Before beginning any treatment & especially one as demanding as your
mother's. it's good for everyone to be clear about what the doctor is
wanting to achieve throught he treatment, the chance of them acheiving
that & the expected risks/discomfort.

Unless cure is a possibility, making the patient feel better is about
the only reason to have the treatment. So first - do they think they
can cure her &, if not, is she in pain?

Those are important issues to clarify. Maybe you already know the
answers.

Is there a reason to withhold information from your mother?

I wish both of you well. Maybe others who know more about this
particular cancer will respond.

Fig

"T Lariviere" <""t-l-a-r-i-v-i-e-r-e\"@,nordnet.,f,r"> wrote in message
news:46085170$0$27381$ba4acef3@news.orange.fr...
> Steph a écrit :
>
>>>
>>> Many, many thanks in advance for your honest and helpful help. As far as
>>> I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for my
>>> mum it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the speed at
>>> which this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just don't care about
>>> elderly patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or both.
>>> What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2 radiologists, 1 GP,
>>> 1 surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5 **never** bothered to
>>> explain what a carcinosarcoma was.
>>>
>>> Thierry
>>
>> Did anyone actually ask them?
>
> Two doctors gave a "definition" of these two cancers grouped together and
> which attack tissues as well as hard or soft organs.
> To anyone who knows nothing or very little about medicine (that is most of
> the population), this sort of definition means nothing.
> But to answer you question more accurately : no, neither my mother nor my
> father asked the difference between a carcinosarcoma and other more common
> forms of cancers simply because they just didn't know this cancer was
> different. What's more, I don't think a patient has the right questions in
> mind at the right time, because he often is not a physician. Shouldn't
> cancerologists know what questions their patients might want to ask ?
> They're the ones who see cancer every day after all.
> Because my parents were disoriented, they just were never told about the
> rarity of this cancer, about how quickly it could spread anywhere through
> the body and about the possible prognosis. So that between the operation
> (January) and last week, they had started to make projects for the next 10
> months. All of which now are reduced to nothing.
> Only one of the doctors did **explain** to them what having a
> carcinosarcoma meant : the chemotherapist - maybe because he was going to
> be in charge of the "aftersales service" for 6 months and because he knew
> my mother'd soon realize this treatment was heavier than the ones which
> her friends, who had other cancers, had been going through.
> Correct me if I'm wrong : to me a "definition" will never replace an
> "explanation", even if it's expressed in layman's terms.
> I DO think that a lot of doctors really need to learn about psychology and
> human understanding.
>
> So now we're left with our ignorance and fears. My mum's chemotherapy
> begins on Thursday.
>
>
> Thanks to anyone who can help with more information on the subject, or
> with their personal account of similar experience or with just sympathy.
>
> Thierry

Thierry,
you need to ask your mum's oncologist. They will give you as much detail as
you want. But they aren't mindreaders

T, Lariviere, > wrote:

> Steph a écrit :
>
> >> Many, many thanks in advance for your honest and helpful help. As far as
> >> I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for my mum
> >> it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the speed at which
> >> this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just don't care about elderly
> >> patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or both.
> >> What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2 radiologists, 1 GP, 1
> >> surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5 **never** bothered to
> >> explain what a carcinosarcoma was.
> >>
> >> Thierry
> >
> > Did anyone actually ask them?
> >
> >
> Two doctors gave a "definition" of these two cancers grouped together
> and which attack tissues as well as hard or soft organs.
> To anyone who knows nothing or very little about medicine (that is most
> of the population), this sort of definition means nothing.
> But to answer you question more accurately : no, neither my mother nor
> my father asked the difference between a carcinosarcoma and other more
> common forms of cancers simply because they just didn't know this cancer
> was different. What's more, I don't think a patient has the right
> questions in mind at the right time, because he often is not a
> physician. Shouldn't cancerologists know what questions their patients
> might want to ask ? They're the ones who see cancer every day after all.
> Because my parents were disoriented, they just were never told about the
> rarity of this cancer, about how quickly it could spread anywhere
> through the body and about the possible prognosis. So that between the
> operation (January) and last week, they had started to make projects for
> the next 10 months. All of which now are reduced to nothing.
> Only one of the doctors did **explain** to them what having a
> carcinosarcoma meant : the chemotherapist - maybe because he was going
> to be in charge of the "aftersales service" for 6 months and because he
> knew my mother'd soon realize this treatment was heavier than the ones
> which her friends, who had other cancers, had been going through.
> Correct me if I'm wrong : to me a "definition" will never replace an
> "explanation", even if it's expressed in layman's terms.
> I DO think that a lot of doctors really need to learn about psychology
> and human understanding.
>
> So now we're left with our ignorance and fears. My mum's chemotherapy
> begins on Thursday.
>
> Thanks to anyone who can help with more information on the subject, or
> with their personal account of similar experience or with just sympathy.
>
> Thierry

Hello Thierry,
I'm sorry to hear about your mother.
Why would she start treatment in ignorance?

There are around 50 types of sarcomas, some more common, some very rare.
For many, the primary curative treatment is surgery, sometimes followed by
radiation therapy if residual malignant tissue remains.

One type sometimes responds to antiestrogen, not chemo at all, so there's no
point in toxifying her body with chemo, until you know the histology (pathology)
of the tissues removed.

An analogy is some vehicles run on solar, some are powered by wind, some by
gasoline and some by diesel. So you wouldn't dump gasoline into a solar-powered
vehicle, would you?

Also ask for the surgical report, to know what exact tissues were removed, the
number of lymph nodes removed, if any and how many had cancer in them, if any
(would be on the pathology report) and whether any residual malignant tissue
could not be removed. Hysterectomy is a general term that sometimes involves just
the uterus or sometimes involves removing other nearby organs and/or surrounding
tissues.

One has to know what is being treated before agreeing to treatment.

Here's an example of one mixed type
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=215734 3&dopt=Abstract>

But I'm NOT saying that is the mixed type your mother had removed.

Please obtain the accurate information, on your mother's cancer, as soon as
possible, and bring it back to us to discuss. Thank you.
J

To repeat what others have advised, your very next step is to get
copies of the surgical report and the pathology report. Read them.
Research unfamiliar words. Ask questions. Until you have those
reports in hand, you cannot begin to know what specific questions
you need to ask.

These wikipedia pages may help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoma
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uterine_sarcoma

Una

Figgertoes wrote:

> > Thierry,
>
> Welcome to alt.support.cancer. I am sorry to read of your mother's
> problems. I wish I had something more to offer than good wishes &
> empathy. This cancer is a new one on me (I am not a medical
> professional). Watch for J. if there is good information out there,
> she'll find it. She sometimes posts such in a new thread, so look for
> that too.
>
> Some docs are better at bedside manner than others. It's always
> fortunate when you find one whose advice you trust who can also
> explain well, but those skills don't always reside in the same
> person. Often the oncology nurses know a lot & will take more time to
> explain.
>
> Before beginning any treatment & especially one as demanding as your
> mother's. it's good for everyone to be clear about what the doctor is
> wanting to achieve throught he treatment, the chance of them acheiving
> that & the expected risks/discomfort.
>
> Unless cure is a possibility, making the patient feel better is about
> the only reason to have the treatment. So first - do they think they
> can cure her &, if not, is she in pain?
>
> Those are important issues to clarify. Maybe you already know the
> answers.
>
> Is there a reason to withhold information from your mother?
>
> I wish both of you well. Maybe others who know more about this
> particular cancer will respond.
>
> Fig
>

Hi Fig,
Thanks for your support, which, in these days, is most welcome.

As my mother starts her treatment in hospital on Thursday she's already
been thinking of talking to the nurses who assist doctors there.
According to her, they sometimes know their patients better than docs.

I'm going to post on this newsgroup a shortened translation of a medical
letter of which my mother got a copy, and which deals, in technical
terms, with what she's the matter with her. It's written in French so
I'm afraid it'll take more than a few minutes for me to translate it
into English.

Is my mother in pain ? Well this is a difficult question. When we talked
yesterday, my mother confessed that she'd been feeling some kind of pain
in the region of her abdomen concerned with her cancer for a few months
but the pain stopped right after her operation, only to start again 4
weeks later. It now seems to spread to the lower part, towards her left
leg. I told her it could be anything (not cancer particularly),
especially as no particular trace was wound when she underwent her
scanning examination, and I added that the anesthaetic they inject into
your body tend to stop pain in general until it's gradually (slowly)
eliminated by her body. Of course I may be wrong. Considering the speed
at which this carcinosarcoma can spread anything is possible.

I don't think there's a reson to withhold information from her. She's
been a very heavy smoker since the age of 18 and she's aware that she'll
have to quit as early as tommorrow.

Look out for the translated letter I'm about to post.

Thanks again for your help.

Thierry

T Lariviere > wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> My 64-year-old mother was advised to undergo a hysterectomy in January.
> Analyses of the organ removed showed that there was a carcinosarcoma in it.
> She then had a tomographic positron scanning from head to toe (I don't
> know the exact name in English for that particular physical - sorry),
> which showed no other apparent trace elsewhere, apart from a "dark spot"
> in the area where she had been operated.
> Her surgeon said he was sure that this spot was only a subsequent bruise
> resulting from the operation. But he also added that my mother was to
> have chemotherapy as is always the case after hysterectomy.
> Yet he certainly **never** mentioned what a carcinosarcoma (I believe
> it's a carcinoma & a sarcoma together = 2 cancers in one, a rare form of
> cancer).
> She was left into the false belief that her cancer had gone and that
> chemotherapy, which was only a precaution measure in her case, was going
> to be quite light (since nothing was found afterwards).
> So it wasn't until she met her chemotherapist that we all started to
> realize what it was... 3 months after the first diagnostic (December).
> and 2 months after they found out about that killer tumor.
> My question is : considering my mother's age and the size of the tumor
> remover (less than an inch), what is statistically the survival rate
> after one year, 5 years and 10 years ?
>
> Many, many thanks in advance for your honset and helpful help. As far as
> I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for my
> mum it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the speed at
> which this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just don't care about
> elderly patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or both.
> What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2 radiologists, 1 GP,
> 1 surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5 **never** bothered to
> explain what a carcinosarcoma was.
>
> Thierry
Dear all,

I wish to thank you for your quick replies to my message.
I'm sending with this post a translation of a letter dated March 22nd,
concerning my mother's medical state.
The letter was written by a radiotherapist and the original has been
sent to my mother's GP and to the surgeon who did the hysterectomy.
I was unable to translate the terms between brackets. They are either
the original French expressions, or an attempt to find an English
translation as often as possible. They may not therefore be correct. Sorry.

Maybe the information enclosed will tell you more than I could about the
kind of cancer(s) my mother has as well as about her chances of recovery
or survival.

Translation :

"Please find enclosed the medical report of our patient, Mrs xx, born in
1943.
March 20th 2007 - Dr XXX.
The patient met Dr xx (the surgeon), who found a tumor with a [double
composante de l'endometre] : 1 = [adenocarcinoma of the sero-papillaire
type] or [with a clear cell with an epidermoid composant] ? 2 = a [high
grade sarcoma composante]. Several [atypies] were found as well as many
[mytoses].
The surgeon did a hysterectomy and a [bilateral annexectomy] in January.
A [TEP scanning = positronic tomograph scanning] did not show distant
wounds. No [curage] was done.
She will undergo chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

Patient's background :
Age = 64
Former teacher.
Smokes since the age of 18. 30 cigarettes per day. She was strongly
advised to quit smoking at once and definitely.
Moderated [enolic intoxication].
Hypothyroidy. The patient takes LEVOTHYROX every day.
[Hiatal hernia]. No treatment for it.
Osteoporosis and arthrosis. No treatment for them.
Allergy to [betalactins] and [oscillococilum].

Medical background :
Thyroidectomy because of [benign nodules].

[G.O.] background :
Periods between the age of 17 until 55 years old.
Physiological menopause.
No [THS]
Two pregnancies. Two children.

Family [neoplasic] background :
One grand-mother (mother's mother) died of a uterus cancer.
One grand-mother (father's mother) died of a uterus cancer.
One aunt (mother's sister) underwent treatment for breast cancer.

Her children are advised to do a [senologic], gynecologic and digestive
physical.

Illness background :
While she was having her breast examined to check if she had [breast
Opaline tumor] the patient was examined by Dr XX [a radiologist], who
also did a pelvian echography. He found that her uterus was quite big
and told the patient to meet a gynecologist. He gave her Dr XX's name,
who later confirmed the [lesion] and operated Mrs xxx on January 24th.
Normal surgical recovery.

Physical :
The patient weighs 64 kilograms and measures 1 m 65.
Normal-sized abdomen.
No [mass], no [ascite], no [hepatomegalie]. [Fosses lombaires are free].
TR, TV = normal.
No [peripheral adenopathy]
No [cutane lesion]. No [bone pain].

What has been decided :
The patient's case was discussed again with Dr xxx [another radiotherapist].

The patient will undergo chemotherapy :
-D1 = D21 ADRIAMYCINE 75 mg/M2 / CISPLATINE 100mg/M2

We will resort to strong [anti-emetiques], which [favour growth]
4 to 6 periods of chemo will be done. They will be followed by pelvian
radiotherapy and [curietherapy on the vaginal section].
The patient was informed about the treatment and about its side-effects
: tiredness, nausea, hair loss, risks of [aplasie].
In case of fever she'll go back to hospital.
I explained to her everything about the kind of disease she had and
about the other [toxicities of the protocole], in particular cardiac
toxicity, [oto-toxicity], etc.
Before starting her treatment she will meet a cardiologist on Jan 26th,
who will decide if she can take or not ADRIAMYCINE and CISPLATYL.
I would appreciate if Dr xxx [my mother's GP] could take care of the
symptomatic treatment at home.
Yours faithfully,
Dr xxx [the radiotherapist]"


End of the translation.

Thanks for your help.

Thierry

Steph wrote:

>
>
> Thierry,
> you need to ask your mum's oncologist. They will give you as much detail as
> you want. But they aren't mindreaders
>
>

Hi Steph,
Mindreading is not what we expect. It's just that some doctors tend to
forget the fact that patients are human beings with fears. Explaining to
a patient what his cancer is is completely different from broadcasting a
TV documentary about the same cancer. I think that what patients want
are answers, not just information. They just don't know what questions
to ask.
I'm a teacher (good or bad - I don't know !) and I can tell you that
when one of my students comes across a difficulty, nothing is more
difficult for him than telling me exactly what he doesn't understand.
Finding the right words is an obstacle. My job in that case mainly
consists in trying to guess what the student has in mind when he's
"stuck" and helping him solve his problem as best as I can.
The difference is that when a teacher or a mechanic or a TV repairman
gets too technical, the consequences are not the same as when you deal
with a doctor, especially because your life is not at stake.

Thanks for your advise. i'll try to meet the oncologist on Thursday -
that is tomorrow : it's already 2.32 am Wednesday in France...

Thierry

J wrote:


>
> Hello Thierry,
> I'm sorry to hear about your mother.
> Why would she start treatment in ignorance?
>
> There are around 50 types of sarcomas, some more common, some very rare.
> For many, the primary curative treatment is surgery, sometimes followed by
> radiation therapy if residual malignant tissue remains.
>
> One type sometimes responds to antiestrogen, not chemo at all, so there's no
> point in toxifying her body with chemo, until you know the histology (pathology)
> of the tissues removed.
>
> An analogy is some vehicles run on solar, some are powered by wind, some by
> gasoline and some by diesel. So you wouldn't dump gasoline into a solar-powered
> vehicle, would you?
>
> Also ask for the surgical report, to know what exact tissues were removed, the
> number of lymph nodes removed, if any and how many had cancer in them, if any
> (would be on the pathology report) and whether any residual malignant tissue
> could not be removed. Hysterectomy is a general term that sometimes involves just
> the uterus or sometimes involves removing other nearby organs and/or surrounding
> tissues.
>
> One has to know what is being treated before agreeing to treatment.
>
> Here's an example of one mixed type
> <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=215734 3&dopt=Abstract>
>
> But I'm NOT saying that is the mixed type your mother had removed.
>
> Please obtain the accurate information, on your mother's cancer, as soon as
> possible, and bring it back to us to discuss. Thank you.
> J
>

Hi J,
Thanks for your support and for the URL
I've just posted a translation of a letter concerning my mother's
medical state.
I understand that you have some pretty good knowledge in the matter.
Maybe you'll learn more about what's wrong with my mother.

Cheers from France,
Thierry

ThL <Thierry@tlariviereATnordnetDOTfr> wrote in
news:4609b554$0$25921$ba4acef3@news.orange.fr:

> T Lariviere > wrote:
>
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> My 64-year-old mother was advised to undergo a hysterectomy in
>> January. Analyses of the organ removed showed that there was a
>> carcinosarcoma in it. She then had a tomographic positron scanning
>> from head to toe (I don't know the exact name in English for that
>> particular physical - sorry), which showed no other apparent trace
>> elsewhere, apart from a "dark spot" in the area where she had been
>> operated. Her surgeon said he was sure that this spot was only a
>> subsequent bruise resulting from the operation. But he also added
>> that my mother was to have chemotherapy as is always the case after
>> hysterectomy. Yet he certainly **never** mentioned what a
>> carcinosarcoma (I believe it's a carcinoma & a sarcoma together = 2
>> cancers in one, a rare form of cancer).
>> She was left into the false belief that her cancer had gone and that
>> chemotherapy, which was only a precaution measure in her case, was
>> going to be quite light (since nothing was found afterwards).
>> So it wasn't until she met her chemotherapist that we all started to
>> realize what it was... 3 months after the first diagnostic
>> (December). and 2 months after they found out about that killer
>> tumor. My question is : considering my mother's age and the size of
>> the tumor remover (less than an inch), what is statistically the
>> survival rate after one year, 5 years and 10 years ?
>>
>> Many, many thanks in advance for your honset and helpful help. As far
>> as I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for
>> my mum it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the
>> speed at which this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just
>> don't care about elderly patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or
>> both. What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2
>> radiologists, 1 GP, 1 surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5
>> **never** bothered to explain what a carcinosarcoma was.
>>
>> Thierry
> Dear all,
>
> I wish to thank you for your quick replies to my message.
> I'm sending with this post a translation of a letter dated March 22nd,
> concerning my mother's medical state.
> The letter was written by a radiotherapist and the original has been
> sent to my mother's GP and to the surgeon who did the hysterectomy.
> I was unable to translate the terms between brackets. They are either
> the original French expressions, or an attempt to find an English
> translation as often as possible. They may not therefore be correct.
> Sorry.
>
> Maybe the information enclosed will tell you more than I could about
> the kind of cancer(s) my mother has as well as about her chances of
> recovery or survival.
>
> Translation :
>
> "Please find enclosed the medical report of our patient, Mrs xx, born
> in 1943.
> March 20th 2007 - Dr XXX.
> The patient met Dr xx (the surgeon), who found a tumor with a [double
> composante de l'endometre] : 1 = [adenocarcinoma of the
> sero-papillaire type] or [with a clear cell with an epidermoid
> composant] ? 2 = a [high grade sarcoma composante]. Several [atypies]
> were found as well as many [mytoses].
> The surgeon did a hysterectomy and a [bilateral annexectomy] in
> January. A [TEP scanning = positronic tomograph scanning] did not show
> distant wounds. No [curage] was done.
> She will undergo chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.
>
> Patient's background :
> Age = 64
> Former teacher.
> Smokes since the age of 18. 30 cigarettes per day. She was strongly
> advised to quit smoking at once and definitely.
> Moderated [enolic intoxication].
> Hypothyroidy. The patient takes LEVOTHYROX every day.
> [Hiatal hernia]. No treatment for it.
> Osteoporosis and arthrosis. No treatment for them.
> Allergy to [betalactins] and [oscillococilum].
>
> Medical background :
> Thyroidectomy because of [benign nodules].
>
> [G.O.] background :
> Periods between the age of 17 until 55 years old.
> Physiological menopause.
> No [THS]
> Two pregnancies. Two children.
>
> Family [neoplasic] background :
> One grand-mother (mother's mother) died of a uterus cancer.
> One grand-mother (father's mother) died of a uterus cancer.
> One aunt (mother's sister) underwent treatment for breast cancer.
>
> Her children are advised to do a [senologic], gynecologic and
> digestive physical.
>
> Illness background :
> While she was having her breast examined to check if she had [breast
> Opaline tumor] the patient was examined by Dr XX [a radiologist], who
> also did a pelvian echography. He found that her uterus was quite big
> and told the patient to meet a gynecologist. He gave her Dr XX's name,
> who later confirmed the [lesion] and operated Mrs xxx on January 24th.
> Normal surgical recovery.
>
> Physical :
> The patient weighs 64 kilograms and measures 1 m 65.
> Normal-sized abdomen.
> No [mass], no [ascite], no [hepatomegalie]. [Fosses lombaires are
> free]. TR, TV = normal.
> No [peripheral adenopathy]
> No [cutane lesion]. No [bone pain].
>
> What has been decided :
> The patient's case was discussed again with Dr xxx [another
> radiotherapist].
>
> The patient will undergo chemotherapy :
> -D1 = D21 ADRIAMYCINE 75 mg/M2 / CISPLATINE 100mg/M2
>
> We will resort to strong [anti-emetiques], which [favour growth]
> 4 to 6 periods of chemo will be done. They will be followed by pelvian
> radiotherapy and [curietherapy on the vaginal section].
> The patient was informed about the treatment and about its
> side-effects
>: tiredness, nausea, hair loss, risks of [aplasie].
> In case of fever she'll go back to hospital.
> I explained to her everything about the kind of disease she had and
> about the other [toxicities of the protocole], in particular cardiac
> toxicity, [oto-toxicity], etc.
> Before starting her treatment she will meet a cardiologist on Jan
> 26th, who will decide if she can take or not ADRIAMYCINE and
> CISPLATYL. I would appreciate if Dr xxx [my mother's GP] could take
> care of the symptomatic treatment at home.
> Yours faithfully,
> Dr xxx [the radiotherapist]"
>
>
> End of the translation.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Thierry
>
>
We'll wait for J to reappear. She knows French too, although most of
this is perfectly understandable, Or maybe Steph will come back on...

Fig

Una a écrit :
> To repeat what others have advised, your very next step is to get
> copies of the surgical report and the pathology report. Read them.
> Research unfamiliar words. Ask questions. Until you have those
> reports in hand, you cannot begin to know what specific questions
> you need to ask.
>
> These wikipedia pages may help:
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoma
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uterine_sarcoma
>
> Una
Thanks for the links Una.
I've posted a translation of a letter written by my mother's
radiotherapist, dated March 22nd.
So it may tell you more about this carcinosarcoma in this particular
situation.
Thierry

Figgertoes wrote:

> ThL <Thierry@tlariviereATnordnetDOTfr> wrote in
> >> . My question is : considering my mother's age and the size of
> >> the tumor remover (less than an inch), what is statistically the
> >> survival rate after one year, 5 years and 10 years ?
> >>
> >> Many, many thanks in advance for your honset and helpful help. As far
> >> as I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for
> >> my mum it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the
> >> speed at which this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just
> >> don't care about elderly patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or
> >> both. What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2
> >> radiologists, 1 GP, 1 surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5
> >> **never** bothered to explain what a carcinosarcoma was.
> >>
> >> Thierry
> <snip>
> > Translation :
> >
> > "Please find enclosed the medical report of our patient, Mrs xx, born
> > in 1943.
> > March 20th 2007 - Dr XXX.
> > The patient met Dr xx (the surgeon), who found a tumor with a [double
> > composante de l'endometre] : 1 = [adenocarcinoma of the
> > sero-papillaire type] or [with a clear cell with an epidermoid
> > composant] ? 2 = a [high grade sarcoma composante]. Several [atypies]
> > were found as well as many [mytoses].
> > The surgeon did a hysterectomy and a [bilateral annexectomy] in
> > January. A [TEP scanning = positronic tomograph scanning] did not show
> > distant wounds. No [curage] was done.
> > She will undergo chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.
> >
> > Patient's background :
> > Age = 64
> > Former teacher.
> > Smokes since the age of 18. 30 cigarettes per day. She was strongly
> > advised to quit smoking at once and definitely.
> > Moderated [enolic intoxication].
> > Hypothyroidy. The patient takes LEVOTHYROX every day.
> > [Hiatal hernia]. No treatment for it.
> > Osteoporosis and arthrosis. No treatment for them.
> > Allergy to [betalactins] and [oscillococilum].
> >
> > Medical background :
> > Thyroidectomy because of [benign nodules].
> >
> > [G.O.] background :
> > Periods between the age of 17 until 55 years old.
> > Physiological menopause.
> > No [THS]
> > Two pregnancies. Two children.
> >
> > Family [neoplasic] background :
> > One grand-mother (mother's mother) died of a uterus cancer.
> > One grand-mother (father's mother) died of a uterus cancer.
> > One aunt (mother's sister) underwent treatment for breast cancer.
> >
> > Her children are advised to do a [senologic], gynecologic and
> > digestive physical.

Her children should have a physical done including [senologic] = bloodwork

> > Illness background :
> ><snipped>
> > What has been decided :
> > The patient's case was discussed again with Dr xxx [another
> > radiotherapist].
> >
> > The patient will undergo chemotherapy :
> > -D1 = D21 ADRIAMYCINE 75 mg/M2 / CISPLATINE 100mg/M2
> >
> > We will resort to strong [anti-emetiques], which [favour growth]
> > 4 to 6 periods of chemo will be done. They will be followed by pelvian
> > radiotherapy and [curietherapy on the vaginal section].
> > The patient was informed about the treatment and about its
> > side-effects
> >: tiredness, nausea, hair loss, risks of [aplasie].
> > In case of fever she'll go back to hospital.
> > I explained to her everything about the kind of disease she had and
> > about the other [toxicities of the protocole], in particular cardiac
> > toxicity, [oto-toxicity], etc.
> > Before starting her treatment she will meet a cardiologist on Jan
> > 26th, who will decide if she can take or not ADRIAMYCINE and
> > CISPLATYL. I would appreciate if Dr xxx [my mother's GP] could take
> > care of the symptomatic treatment at home.
> > Yours faithfully,
> > Dr xxx [the radiotherapist]"
> >
> >
> > End of the translation.
> >
> > Thanks for your help.
> >
> > Thierry
> >
> >
> We'll wait for J to reappear. She knows French too, although most of
> this is perfectly understandable, Or maybe Steph will come back on...
>
> Fig

The two most common methods of delivering radiation are conventional
external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation or brachytherapy.
Looks to me they're planning chemotherapy (if the cardiologist approves
it),. followed by brachytherapy, followed by XRT of the "vaginal" area.

They're doing what's right and the best they can for his mother.
During and after the treatment phase, she may need lots of physical help at
home.
Possibly a full time caregiver (ie someone always there with her until she
recovers from the treatments). Someone will need to be taking her
temperature, along with other "cares".

And she may need pain relief. Probably need a bigger pill planner container.

Looks like the GP is expected to take care of helping with side effects.
They'll put her in hospital if she develops a fever.

If she decides to quit smoking, tell her if she can get through for 21 days
straight, she's got a better chance, according to some experts.

I think "No [curage] was done." means no curettage was done.
[bilateral annexectomy] = Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy (Removal of
Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes)?

It's 2 bad news as far as both type(s). I don't know if there's a name for
that combination. No sign of mets.

After treatment, they'll continue to monitor.

They're trying for a cure; it'll be a rough ride.
Another person was here, whose wife had vaginal cancer (but squamous), and
similar protocol and age and it was a good year while recovering, so plan
for it. Thierry's mother's team has it all planned out and all the experts
on board, right from the start, while the other didn't, at the beginning.

I hope this helps him some and there's no mistakes. Steph'll tell me.
J

J a écrit :

> The two most common methods of delivering radiation are conventional
> external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation or brachytherapy.
> Looks to me they're planning chemotherapy (if the cardiologist approves
> it),. followed by brachytherapy, followed by XRT of the "vaginal" area.
>
> They're doing what's right and the best they can for his mother.
>
> Looks like the GP is expected to take care of helping with side effects.
> They'll put her in hospital if she develops a fever.
>
> If she decides to quit smoking, tell her if she can get through for 21 days
> straight, she's got a better chance, according to some experts.
>
> I think "No [curage] was done." means no curettage was done.
> [bilateral annexectomy] = Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy (Removal of
> Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes)?
>
> No sign of mets.
>
> After treatment, doctors'll continue to monitor.
>
> They're trying for a cure, not a paliative.
> Another person was here, whose wife had vaginal cancer, and
> similar protocol and age and it was a good year while recovering, so plan
> for it. Thierry's mother's team has it all planned out and all the experts
> on board, right from the start, while the other patient's didn't, at the beginning.
>
> I hope this helps him some and there's no mistakes. Steph'll tell me with her expertise.
> J
>

J a écrit :

> The two most common methods of delivering radiation are conventional
> external beam radiation therapy and internal radiation or brachytherapy.
> Looks to me they're planning chemotherapy (if the cardiologist approves
> it),. followed by brachytherapy, followed by XRT of the "vaginal" area.
>
> They're doing what's right and the best they can for his mother.
> During and after the treatment phase, she may need lots of physical help at
> home.
> Possibly a full time caregiver (ie someone always there with her until she
> recovers from the treatments). Someone will need to be taking her
> temperature, along with other "cares".
>
> And she may need pain relief. Probably need a bigger pill planner container.
>
> Looks like the GP is expected to take care of helping with side effects.
> They'll put her in hospital if she develops a fever.
>
> If she decides to quit smoking, tell her if she can get through for 21 days
> straight, she's got a better chance, according to some experts.
>
> I think "No [curage] was done." means no curettage was done.
> [bilateral annexectomy] = Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy (Removal of
> Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes)?
>
> It's 2 bad news as far as both type(s). I don't know if there's a name for
> that combination. No sign of mets.
>
> After treatment, they'll continue to monitor.
>
> They're trying for a cure; it'll be a rough ride.
> Another person was here, whose wife had vaginal cancer (but squamous), and
> similar protocol and age and it was a good year while recovering, so plan
> for it. Thierry's mother's team has it all planned out and all the experts
> on board, right from the start, while the other didn't, at the beginning.
>
> I hope this helps him some and there's no mistakes. Steph'll tell me.
> J
>

Hi J,

Thanks for your analysis of my poorly translated letter.
You're much reassuring insofar as you say that the doctors are doing
what's best for my mum.
At least if the treatment proves uneffective - which I'm afraid it will
be - I know this is what would be done in other countries too.

T, Lariviere, > wrote:

> My 64-year-old mother was advised to undergo a hysterectomy in January.
> Analyses of the organ removed showed that there was a carcinosarcoma in it.
> She then had a tomographic positron scanning from head to toe (I don't
> know the exact name in English for that particular physical - sorry),
> which showed no other apparent trace elsewhere, apart from a "dark spot"
> in the area where she had been operated.
> Her surgeon said he was sure that this spot was only a subsequent bruise
> resulting from the operation. But he also added that my mother was to
> have chemotherapy as is always the case after hysterectomy.
> Yet he certainly **never** mentioned what a carcinosarcoma (I believe
> it's a carcinoma & a sarcoma together = 2 cancers in one, a rare form of
> cancer).
> She was left into the false belief that her cancer had gone and that
> chemotherapy, which was only a precaution measure in her case, was going
> to be quite light (since nothing was found afterwards).
> So it wasn't until she met her chemotherapist that we all started to
> realize what it was... 3 months after the first diagnostic (December).
> and 2 months after they found out about that killer tumor.
> My question is : considering my mother's age and the size of the tumor
> remover (less than an inch), what is statistically the survival rate
> after one year, 5 years and 10 years ?
>
> Many, many thanks in advance for your honset and helpful help. As far as
> I'm concerned, I no longer believe in the French health care : for my
> mum it took 2 weeks between each appointment. Considering the speed at
> which this carcinosarcoma can spread, I think they just don't care about
> elderly patients. Unless it's a matter of money. Or both.
> What also makes me mad is that, out of 6 doctors (2 radiologists, 1 GP,
> 1 surgeon, 1 cardiologist, 1 chemotherapist), 5 **never** bothered to
> explain what a carcinosarcoma was.

Hello.
I'm back to your first post.
Your mother's body needed time to recover from the surgery and anesthetic.
There's a lot of specialists involved and there may have been some delay due to
the histology, and time for booking the scans and the specialist appointments.

I think I saw on a documentary that France has one of the best healthcare in
the world, especially if a person buys a "cadillac" insurance plan, which
showed patients going right from physical complaint to scanning (of any type),
to surgery all in one appointment, at certain doctor's offices. Same day
service. But they showed relatively young healthy people going through this.

Your mother's aging and has chronic problems, so careful checking and planning
is appropriate.
I don't think any perceived (by you) delay will make a difference. Sometimes
speed can kill.
And it's just as well she did not know the types of cancer involved, so she
could concentrate on her healing from the surgery.

Please know they're doing the best for your mother.
Hope this helps.
J

ThL wrote:

> T Lariviere > wrote:
>
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > My 64-year-old mother was advised to undergo a hysterectomy in January.
> <all snipped> End of the translation.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Thierry

Hello Thierry.

If you'd like to read up on stories of others, there's some here
http://www.eyesontheprize.org/stories/dx.html
This might tell you what to expect as far as side effects and things that helped.

Look for stories (of those) who've had chemo and brachytherapy and XRT.
Take notes of difficulties your mother might have and what might help your
mother.
I don't think any there have the same pathology as your mother and of course each
person is different some as to side effects. They also have a email discussion
list there.

There's also a forum for cancer patients in France here
http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/cancer-fr/

I think you and family will be very busy caregiving your mother.
I would suggest you pick one or the other of the above sources of support, if you
wish, not both.
Perhaps the French one is case you require a quick response and don't feel like
translating for us?

I do hope if you go to one or the other, you'll let us know, from to time, how
you and your mother are doing. I'm not sending you away. You're welcome to stay
here as well, if you wish.

PS You and siblings are recommended to have a health checkup. It was mentioned in
what you posted to us. And, I would add, your father, if he's in the picture and
hasn't had one recently. Caregiving takes a lot out of the loved ones (and they
tend to put aside their own issues) which is not a good thing.

Best,
J

J a écrit :
> ThL wrote:
>
>> T Lariviere > wrote:
>>
>>> Hi everyone,
>>>
>>> My 64-year-old mother was advised to undergo a hysterectomy in January.
>> <all snipped> End of the translation.
>>
>> Thanks for your help.
>>
>> Thierry
>
> Hello Thierry.
>
> If you'd like to read up on stories of others, there's some here
> http://www.eyesontheprize.org/stories/dx.html
> This might tell you what to expect as far as side effects and things that helped.
>
> Look for stories (of those) who've had chemo and brachytherapy and XRT.
> Take notes of difficulties your mother might have and what might help your
> mother.
> I don't think any there have the same pathology as your mother and of course each
> person is different some as to side effects. They also have a email discussion
> list there.
>
> There's also a forum for cancer patients in France here
> http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/cancer-fr/
>
> I think you and family will be very busy caregiving your mother.
> I would suggest you pick one or the other of the above sources of support, if you
> wish, not both.
> Perhaps the French one is case you require a quick response and don't feel like
> translating for us?
>
> I do hope if you go to one or the other, you'll let us know, from to time, how
> you and your mother are doing. I'm not sending you away. You're welcome to stay
> here as well, if you wish.
>
> PS You and siblings are recommended to have a health checkup. It was mentioned in
> what you posted to us. And, I would add, your father, if he's in the picture and
> hasn't had one recently. Caregiving takes a lot out of the loved ones (and they
> tend to put aside their own issues) which is not a good thing.
>
> Best,
> J
>
Hi J,
I really don't know what to say : how helpful and quick your answers
are. You must have other issues to attend to, and yet your replies are
almost instant ones. This also applies to other contributors on this
newsgroup who are bringing help and support. I never expected so much
solidarity.
Thank you.
I've forwarded (with edition) to my mother's email address your previous
message explaining what the translated doctor's letter meant.
Today is her last "free" day and we're going to spend most of it
together, unless my mother decides otherwise.
Kind regards,
Thierry

ThL wrote:

> I really don't know what to say : how helpful and quick your answers
> are. You must have other issues to attend to, and yet your replies are
> almost instant ones. This also applies to other contributors on this
> newsgroup who are bringing help and support. I never expected so much
> solidarity.
> Thank you.
> I've forwarded (with edition) to my mother's email address your previous
> message explaining what the translated doctor's letter meant.
> Today is her last "free" day and we're going to spend most of it
> together, unless my mother decides otherwise.
> Kind regards,
> Thierry

Hello Thierry,
I forgot to mention, if she's having chemo, your mother's hair will probably fall out.
Many shave their hair off (or have it professionally shaved off). If it's long, give
it to wigs for kids or a similar organization in France, unless she wants a wig made
out of her own hair. Wig specialists can also match her current colour to make a
similar, lightweight wig for while she's on chemo and until the new growth comes in
again. The American Cancer Society has a recycle program. When woman are done with
theirs, they donate them and they're cleaned and ready to be given to someone else. I
don't know if that's how it works in your country (or not). There's tips here about
wigs
http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/wigs.asp They recommend two (one spare, when the
others in for cleaning)

Many women who experience hair loss during chemotherapy prefer to wear hats or turbans
or scarves. There's some examples of very nice ones on the internet and probably in a
hair salon near the treating center. examples of scarves and turbans here.
http://www.headcovers.com/
If it (shave) can't get done this week, wear a turban or cap to bed, so you don't wake
up with hair all over your pillow. I had some even prettier ones, but can't find
them at the moment.

Some people make (neck) scarves for the heat or the hot flashes after a hysterectomy.
Instructions are here http://www.watersorb.com/polymer_cool_neck_bands.htm
Make, cool (not freeze) in the freezer, then use.

If I think of something else, I'll let you know.
Or the France forum might tell you the best place to go (near you) for wigs (etc).
J

Thierry wrote:
>I never expected so much solidarity.

Well, you too are on the road to being a cancer survivor; fighting a
cancer is a family affair, for those fortunate enough to have families.
So you too need support.

Something to look out for: any other support group you join should be
at least as supportive as this one. Some groups can become sick and
be a net cost to you, not a benefit.

>Thank you.

You're welcome!

Una

Translations and relevant links to English Wikipedia.

>tumor with a [double composante de l'endometre]

endometrial tumor with a double (mixed) histology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endometrial_cancer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histopathology

>: 1 = [adenocarcinoma of the sero-papillaire type] or
>[with a clear cell with an epidermoid composant]

adenocarcinoma of the papillary serous type, or clear cell
carcinoma with an epidermoid type.

Here is a medical review article you may wish to obtain:

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2001 Jun;15(3):433-46.
Clear-cell and papillary serous cancer: treatment options.
Trope C, Kristensen GB, Abeler VM.
ABSTRACT:
Clear-cell carcinoma (CCC) and serous papillary carcinoma of the endometrium
(UPSC) are rare subtypes of endometrial carcinoma (10%). The histological
diagnosis can be made on the dilation and curettage specimens in both types in a
very high percentage of the cases. This is important in the planning of
treatment. CCC and UPSC are associated with about 50% of all relapses occurring
in endometrial carcinoma, and the 5-year survival rate is, on average, 42% and
27% respectively. Surgico-pathological stage, age, and vessel invasion are
independent prognostic factors for both groups. The recurrence rate is extremely
high, and the most frequent extra-pelvic sites of relapse are the upper abdomen,
lungs and liver. Stage Ia patients treated with complete surgical staging alone
have a low risk of relapse and need not be offered adjuvant systemic therapy or
pelvic radiation. The treatment of patients with CCC and UPSC stage Ib, Ic, II
and III should include radical debulking surgery and some form of adjuvant
therapy, but it is not clear which type is most effective. Adjuvant pelvic
radiotherapy plus intracavitary radiotherapy is usually given in early-stage
disease and pelvic radio therapy/or whole abdomen irradiation plus adjuvant
systemic chemotherapy (PAC) in advanced disease. However, we are urgently
waiting for a large prospective randomized study to compare both modalities.
Paclitaxel, alone or in combination, is currently being tested in phase II
studies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenocarcinoma
Note on this page the lower left margin shows links to corresponding pages
in other languages, including French! And you can edit all these Wikipedia
pages yourself, to add new pieces of information as you learn them. Or
edit any page's discussion page to ask that someone else clarify a point
for you. I find it very useful to edit Wikipedia pages as I go, so that I
can simply look up there what I have already learned and I don't have to
remember everything or keep notes somewhere else.


>: 2 = a [high grade sarcoma composante].

high grade sarcoma component
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoma


> [atypies] were found as well as many [mytoses].

atypical histologies were found as well as many mitoses.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitoses


>[bilateral annexectomy]

bilateral adnexectomy


>[TEP scanning = positronic tomograph scanning]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PET_scan


>did not show distant wounds

This is VERY GOOD NEWS. What the rest of the report says is that your
mother has a very nasty kind of cancer. But the PET scan indicates that
they may have caught it early. Perhaps before any metastasis to other
organs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metastasis


> [curage]

curettage or simply excision
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curettage

In the context here, it means that before the hysterectomy the surgeon
did perform a D&C. This is important because a D&C would have increased
the risk of metastasis, by "spilling" malignant cells into the abdominal
cavity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilation_and_curettage


>[enolic intoxication].

consumption of alcoholic drinks


>Medical background :
>Thyroidectomy because of [benign nodules].

Uh...maybe get the pathology report on those.


>Family [neoplasic] background :

neoplastic, meaning neoplasm=tumor=cancer


>who later confirmed the [lesion] and operated Mrs xxx on January 24th.

lesion (=tumor)


>No [mass], no [ascite], no [hepatomegalie]. [Fosses lombaires are free].

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_%28medicine%29 (=tumor)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascites
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatomegaly
lumbar vertebrae have no signs of cancer

>No [peripheral adenopathy]

peripheral adenopathy

>[cutane lesion].

skin tumors

>[bone pain].

skeletal pain, which if present would suggest metastasis into the bones


>We will resort to strong [anti-emetiques], which [favour growth]

anti-emetics
stimulate appetite



Una