Overcoming Endometrial and Throat Cancer

Sherri Gehrdes shares her experience with two cancer diagnoses in her late 50s.

Hi! My name is Sherri and I am 61 years old. I am a recent cancer survivor of not one, but two cancers: endometrial and throat cancer. Here is the story of my journey and how it all began:

My journey began back in December 2021 when I had a complete laparoscopic hysterectomy. The pathology report came back and read, “cancer.”

The results were devastating; however, I would not know the full extent until I saw an oncologist months later. The cancer had invaded 21 of 22 mm of thickness of my myometrium. One more millimeter and the cancer would have entered my major organs, including my kidneys and bladder!

A PET scan was ordered in January 2022, and it revealed a neck mass that would later grow to be the size of a small lemon. A fine needle biopsy concluded that I had throat cancer. Thirty-five rounds of radiation and six rounds of chemo were ordered. Treatment for endometrial cancer was postponed because the oncologists considered the throat cancer to be of the utmost importance. After the treatment ended for throat cancer, the mass had shrunk considerably, and it was time to treat the endometrial cancer.

I received 25 rounds of radiation and three rounds of chemo. Even though you feel claustrophobic wearing a mask for treatment for throat cancer, it is a lot easier than having to have your bladder full for treatment for endometrial cancer. That was quite an experience, but faith and God got me through all of it! In the process, I lost about 70 pounds. I fully relied on Ensure for about five months. Not the best tasting, but you can survive and get through it. It took a while to get my taste buds working again.

My scans were fine until October 2023, when a small spot was found on my right lung. At first, my oncologist thought that I had lung cancer. Pathology reports later revealed that it was not lung cancer, but that my endometrial cancer had traveled through my bloodstream. My oncologist ordered three rounds of chemo.

My latest PET scan revealed that I am now in remission. I am feeling fine and having no bad side effects. Yes, my hair fell out this last time, but I now have a head full of silver hair. I am determined to remain healthy and looking forward to a bright future.

My thoughts and prayers go to those out there who are fighting their own battles. Never give up being a warrior. You CAN do it!

Whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, or loved one touched by cancer, your story can have an enormous impact. You can provide hope and inspiration to someone recently diagnosed with cancer or a patient undergoing therapy.

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