Can complex cysts resolve over time? Please help anxiety over surgery

[ruby-jay]

Hi again.  

My query is about complex cysts resolving somehow.

My surgery is scheduled for 30 May.  I had a complex cyst first picked up in late Dec (my GP didn't seem to care less about it - just said to watch it - I instigated a trip to my gynaecologist about it); anyway - he got me to have an ultrasound in March 07; repeat ultrasound April 07.  March 07 suggested 3 cm - four 'nodules' inside (apparently Australian terminology is different to U.S.) - hard bits inside it anyway.  After that I visited Gyn/onc - he felt manually for it and could not detect it - suggested another u/s to see what it was doing.  April 07 it was still there but slightly smaller - 2.5 cms with 3 nodules in it.  Gyn/onc suggested still go ahead with surgery - albeit not desperately urgent (but had to be soon - within a few weeks).  Anyway, I see my him again on Monday - our final consultation prior to the surgery scheduled for the 30th - I need to have my questions ready.

1. Is there any chance this thing is capable of going away by itself?  My naturopath (and I know he's not trained in these things) suggests I wait and see!  I realise this might sound ridiculous or too hopeful and careless, but is there any evidence that they sometimes do resolve?  Should I wait?  

2. I am terrified about the surgery - not sure why - I've had 2 x caesarians under epidural (my lovely children, Ruby and Jay - aged 8 and 5) and also three other times I've had a general anaesth for short/simple procedures and been fine.  But I was young back then!  And this time I'm frightened and wanting to avoid it.  But, of course, I don't want to discover too late I have ovca which may have had a better outcome had I had the surgery now.  I am now 43 years old, about 40+ pounds overweight, I have a heart murmor which the cardiologist insists is fine and won't make any difference  = but combined that makes me frightened of the whole procedure in going under a general anesth.

Does anybody have any experience in this??  (both the resolution thing and also fear of the general anaesthetic?)
Has anybody else waited to see and the cyst/tumour has gone away?  

Any info will be helpful.  Thank you all so much - again.  My situation seems so silly and trivial compared to what some are going through - I am sorry to admit I am such a coward.  My surgery fears are probably totally irrational but I can't help it.  I read somewhere about a person actually being aware whilst having surgery but unable to move because of the anaesthetic; this notion is terrifying me - indeed, keeping me up at night with anxiety.  The surgery itself seems (right at this moment, anyway) more frightening to me than the cancer outcome.  I feel really foolish having these fears - and I realise I should be grateful that so far things are looking reasonably positive for my outcome (and I am grateful for that, truly) - but please, I would surely appreciate some assistance in calming myself.

Thank you all.
ruby-jay
Australia

[nyc lady]

Most ovarian cysts are benign, and that is always important to remember.

You have already gone for a 2nd opinion and both doctors feel that the cyst should be removed.  Why put it off...if it is scheduled, do it and get it over with.  I too am overweight and came thru a 2 separate surgeries for gynocological issues....you will do fine.  And while the cyst is small it can be done laproscopically, making the recoup time that much less.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!!

[boninclyde]

Just wanted to try and help you out a little though I don't know much about cyst and ovarian stuff. But I am learning. I have a heart murmur and mitral valve prolapse also. I found breast cancer 8 months ago and had the same fears you are having. Before surgery (a masectomy) I met with the anathesiologist and he saw my anxiety about the surgery. He said he was going to get the best person there to do my anathesia.  He did and he was great. He told me it was safer being put to sleep at the hospital than driving there. Yeah what a relief that statement was. He kept me relaxed, comfy and tried to make me laugh.  When it came time to go into surgery he said tell your husband bye and that is the last thing I remember. He was very quick about it. I did not even know I was getting ready to go out of it. I was crying and terrified. You will be fine but I understand your fear more than you'll ever know. I don't know about you but because of my heart issues I have to have antibiotics during surgery and before visiting the dentist. Do you? They can give you some xanax to relax now and you can also have some the day of surgery. Ask your doctor for it. What kind of surgery are you having?
I now have a cyst on the left ovary and 4 (a mass) on my right. I go tomorrow for a cat scan and I am scared to death of the dye injection. Think positive thoughts for me and I will for you also. Did you have a cat?

[rmarie]

For the resolution  question, I don't think the cyst resolve with hard bits in them.  Fluid filled can reabsorb, usually not solid.  It is better to have them out than in, if you happened to fall in the 1% it is best to have them gone early - later is late.  
Anesthesia is actually quite delightful these days.  I don't know about Australia, but in my last surgery, in April, I cannot be sure if I remember being in the operating room.  They gave me medication in the pre-induction area and I remember being wheeled down the hall.  My next memory is being in the hospital room with my husband.  Good luck to you and let us know how you do.  

[rmarie]

Forgot to add, I have a mitral valve prolapse, a mild aortic value stenosis and hypertension.  None of which was a problem.

[ruby-jay]

Dear all who responded to me:

Thank you so much for your responses.  When I am thinking rationally, I know my best path is to have the thing out - which I will do.  I am now quite resolute.  The prep-pill (sedative) thing prior to anaesthesia has been advised to me by others also - I will ask for it to calm me down pre-op.

Regards the antibiotics stuff and heart murmur - yes, if I am to have some sort of dental thing that's a bit serious (a bit more than a simple clean or filling) - I have to have antibiotics.  I haven't had it sorted out yet, but I expect I will have them prior to this op as well.  I was also happy to hear about the hypertensive lady - I am borderline hypertensive so that was a worry to me also.

Thank you.  Thank you.  I feel so reassured.  This is the most fantastic forum.  I must add - my life has already changed to the point that there is no going back to how I used to be, feel and conduct myself.  I have this weird and overwhleming feeling of gratitude.  Even without an ovca diagnosis having been given, I am already a different person.  Having met you all and heard your stories - I will be forever changed, no matter what the outcome.  I am so happy to have the privilege of meeting you.
ruby-jay (Australia)