Dermoids Scare Me

It's taken me three weks to finally post to this site, but I want to thank all of you for helping me through what has been an upsetting and atressful discovery. A month ago, I was diagnosed with a dermoid cyst on my left ovary and a polyp inside my uterus that also must come out with a D & C (same time as my surgery).  When the ER doc shut the door and told me I had teeth and hair growing inside my ovary, I couldn't believe my ears. I was kind of horrified by the thought. This site has helped me cope with what's ahead. Thanks so mcuh. I can't tell you how many days I have strugged to get through work and dart home to get onto this site for sanity and sisterhood. The worst part for me has been the wait. One annoying thing that has bothered me about co-workes, men and women, is the assumption that my surgery is no big deal - and my dr. would have scheduled me for surgery right away if there was any great harm. I have never had surgery requiring anesthesia before. I have asthma, so I worry. The wait has been painful. I feel sort of ashamed that I am sick. I won't know which procedure I had until I wake up . That is unnerving. I am grateful that I do not have to worry about fertility as I have two children (I am 43), and am done having my family. I feel for all the women who have that added factor to cope with during their time of uncertainty.  My surgery is Dec. 16. and I am trying to estimate my recovery time vis-a-vid Christmas. Please write back.

[Lauriette]

hi
I'm sort of LAUGHING because I am having a lap and having my ovary removed and a woman told me yesterday "oh, you aren't considering THAT surgery, are you?"

people are heartless. My ahem surgery is December 15 and I return to work on that Weds assuming this is the lap (may I call it surgery) and all goes well. But I can relate, the "no big deal" attitude is getting to me. If he were POSITIVE it was a benign situation, I think I'd be more like "well no big deal" but yes, the thought of anestethia and the whole thing is awful, yes? I worry with my MS that it will trigger an attack.

woe is us

hang in
laurie

[Lauriette]

laproscopy is what they are doing with me, Same day surgery? I din't know there were two "types" of lap thingies?

I guess I lucked out then with that at least.  He said I'll have 3 one inch scars. I said "OH MY GOD" and my girlfriends (I have a skinny VS sort of body STILL) are like "who do you think you are Paris Hilton?)

ICK
I know that's the least of it, but this is easier because no muscles are involved I've been told.

Peace
Laurie

[U2]

I'm supposed to have the scope surgery unless the dr. can't reach the dermoid  - then he will do the laparotomy.  Laurie - i understand exactly what you mean about being POSITIVE. I have no reason to worry based on what I've been told by my doctor. He just says that the dermoids are rarely cancerous. But I still worry. it seems like I have so many similar symptons to what other women expeirence who have ovarian cancer. My stomach hasn't been right for nearly two months- it's upset and worse. I am bloated and have dull - but sometimes shooting - pain (interestingly - the pain in my abdomen is on the opposite side).  I have trouble with emptying my bladder. A month ago when I was dancing and jumping around, the urine just came right out of me and gushed down my leg (twice). I was alarmed as that has never happened to me before. That happened before I knew about the teratoma. Anyway, Laurie, i am experiencing the same cold attitude - that somehow a laproscopy is not really legitimate surgery. With MS, I can only imagine how that heightens your concerns. Ravenlady - I have enjoyed reading all of your posts to our comrades. Thanks for replying to mine. I hope we all can stay in touch to share our stories.

[bluehairedmary]

When I had my surgery a year ago, I experienced the same nonchalant treatment.  The 'sunshine club' at my job didn't even send me a card or flowers or anything, even though I was having surgery and missed two weeks of work.  I'm a teacher and that's kind of a big deal.  I think people actually thought I was having cosmetic surgery!  Our health care system (in the US) has this type of surgery, and probably others, as elective because we won't drop dead any second from it.  Female health is once again dismissed.  But, I digress.

It took me about a week to recover and even longer for the incisions to heal.  My doc said it would take up to a year, and I still see the small scars.  I'm intrigued by the dermoid and its hair and teeth.  It has a very interesting history, too.  But that's just my own way of dealing with it - knowing all about it.  I definitely don't want another one.

I'm glad I found this bb too and so far just reading other women's stories has been very helpful and relieves some stress.

P.S. I hope your surgery goes well.

[U2]

MarianaB -

thanks that is very helpful. What type of surgery did you have? As I said in previous posts, I am supposed to have the so-called keyhole surgery, but I also have to have a D & C - which I have never had either. So I have a few things sgoing on there.

Mu uterus is tipped backward - and I'm wondering - does anyone know how that may affect the ability to access the tumor?

thanks - U2

[MariannaB]

Hi U2. I had a 18cm tumour (benign) removed 3 weeks ago today. From what i read everyones recovery is different. My doc advised a minimum of 4 weeks off work and an extension to 6 weeks if need be. It must be horrible to not have the support of colleagues. I am fortunate to work with a great group of people who have encouraged me and supported me throughout this. The recovery also depends on a the type of surgery. A laparotomy is a lengthier recovery generally. Key hole surgery is less invasive and usually you bounce back faster. Good luck with it all.

[U2]

Hi BlueHaired Lady,

That must of hurt your feelings when your coworkers failed to acknowledge what you were going through.

Could you elaborate on the intriguing aspect you emtnioned? What is the history?

What kind of surgery did you end up having? Did they take your ovary too?

thanks for writing back and the words of encouragement. U2

[MariannaB]

Hi Again, I had a Laparatomy as opposed to the laparoscopy (key hole). I also had a D&C at the same time. The D&C is a very simple procedure and usually takes approx 5-10 minutes. I didnt have any effects from the D&C except some very light spotting. No pain though. This was 3 weeks ago and I am now just waiting for my period to commence sometime in the next couple of weeks.
The laparoscopy is an effective method and is used from what my dr told me when the cyst size is small enough to access through the smailler incisions. My uterus is also tipped backwards. I guess accessibility depends on where the cyst is situated etc. Mine was in my ovary and due to the size was the first thing the surgeon saw when opened. They do some amazing things. Considering the tumour was contained in my ovary and it had stretched to the size of a small nation, the surgeon managed to remove the tumour and reconstruct my ovary, and I only lost 1/3 of it. So that was great. Hope this helps. M

[U2]

That is absolutely amazing how big "your small nation" was. You must have been is so much pain. Mine is just over 5 cm - although apparently two measurements have bene taken - which he thinks is alkl part of the same tumor inside my left ovary. I basically signed the consent to try to save the ovary, but take it if need be. I was wondering if a tipped uterus made it more difficult for the surgeon to reach and work on the affected area. My dr. basically said, "It depends." Were you kind of freaked out about going in for surgery and not knowing until you came out of the anesthesia which procedure you had? That is kind of weird for me - trying to project how surgery so close to Christmas will affect my plans to travel and enjoy my family. Did you know ahead of time that you were going to have the laparotomy?

I hope you are feeling better. How was your appetite after the surgery and how long were you in the hospital?

[MariannaB]

I knew ahead of time that it was going to be a laparotomy. The size dictated the operation but so did the fact that the surgeon wanted to make sure that the contents did not spill and cause any other issues for me as they could not conclude from the US what type of tumour it was. I was in hospital for 6 days as my incision was quite large. In saying that it is the neatest scar and you can not see it even in a bikin (not that I would think of being in one at the moment...ha ha). The pain for me was not bad at all and they do look after you in this regard. I was on Morpheine for 3 days but did not use it much in the 2nd or 3rd day. I am sure you will be fine. I can imagine that it would be freaky not knowing but I have a lot of faith in surgeons and that they make the right decisions for your wellbeing.

[bluehairedmary]

Oh, the history bit was me just searching for anything and everything related to dermoids.  Apparently people have been getting them for hundreds of years and even men can get them in their testicles.  The interesting bits are why they are called teratomas (another word for dermoid) and how they come about.  This comes from the Greek word "teraton" which means monster.  People thought they were caused by swallowing teeth and hair, curses by witches, or association with the devil.  Yeah, pretty interesting.

I had a laparotomy about a year ago. I do think my gyn surgeon is awesome and he was able to save 70% of my ovary.  Unfortunately, we'll find out this week if the darn thing has grown back or not.  The surgery was okay.  Afterwards, I slept a lot and took a lot of pain meds.  Definitely make sure you like the surgeon you have.

[U2]

Hi RavenLady,

Thank you for pointing out what I had not considered -that at least I know what my growth is. I still worry about whether it could be cancerous, but I guess there is no way around that. Did you know that you were going to have the laparotomy when you went in for your surgery? How are you feeling today?

thanks,
U2

[Bannie]

I just found this site and it's great.  I too felt as if I were the only one going through this, then I found all of you.  U2, don't worry, I'm sure things will be fine.  I had an ovarian cyst (1/2 liter in size) removed 3 years ago, along with a D&C.  Then I was fortunate enough to become pregnant and have my son.  However, the cysts came back and when the doc went to remove them, he found a dermoid and had to take my entire left ovary.  This just happened in August.  Now trying for another baby is becoming a challenge considering my right ovary isn't in the best shape.  Anyway, if you have laproscopic surgery, you should recover within a week.  Both times it took about a week for me to return to work.  And with my son around the second time, things seemed to progress much faster because of keeping up after him.  Stay positive and I'm sure things will go fine (the waiting for results is the longest part).  Hopefully the holidays will make it go faster.  Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

[U2]

Hi Bannie,

Thanks so much for your support.

I am hanging in there. I just want to get it over with. had the pre-op testing. I'm all set for next Friday - so long as I don't get sick. I'm trying really hard to stay well - but it's that time of year. I would be so disappointed if I had to cancel my surgery. I've been waiting five weeks already.

I hope all continues to go well for you and your family.  It's amazing what these ovaries can go through and still keep on gettin' it done!

[Katlauton]

Hi there Ladies, I stumbled on to this forum and I'm happy to be here.  My 15 year old daughter may have a dermoid on her left ovary.  She is going to have a CT scan on Monday to determine if it is a dermoid or not.  We first discovered the complex mass in early Sept.  She was put on birth control but the size has not chgd (recently had a 2nd sonogram) I wish she didn't have to deal with this at all. The doctor suggested to leave it alone.  In other words leave it in there without even knowing if it were definately a dermoid.  My daughter said she did not want to leave it in there and that is why he has orderd the CT scan.  Before scheduling surgery.  Any comments? Kat

[Suzy Q]

I was diagnosed with a supposedly benign 10cm dermoid cyst inside my left ovary on Dec 5th. I'm 35, single, no kids (just me and my 5 cats:-). Still waiting for a call to find out when surgery is scheduled, they said probably sometime in January but my Gyn is waiting for the OR to call. Does it normally take over a week to hear back from OR? I would at least like to know when I'm going in!! Like U2, I have never had surgery requiring anesthesia before so I'm a little freaked out by it. Also, since I won't know which procedure I've had (laparoscopy or laparotomy) until AFTER, that kinda freaks me out too. My Gyn said they will try to drain it first thru the laparoscopy (preferrable), but if it doesn't get small enough she will do a laparotomy. She said it's like trying to force an elephant through a mousehole! The whole dermoid thing is so bizarre to me... I call it my "mini-me", my little creature, my furby. Where do those teeth and hair and bone and skin come from, it all sounds so nasty! Also, now that I know it's in there, I'm afraid of it rupturing in the meantime while waiting for the surgery date. Does anyone know if there are things you should or shouldn't be doing so as to prevent rupturing or twisitng? I'm trying not to sleep on my left side anymore because I keep thinking I'm going to squash it or something, am I nuts or what?! From what I'm hearing from all of you, I also didn't realize recovery time would be so long! I thought I'd be out of work for a few days max! I must be so naiive!

[Gatsby]

I had my surgery on Dec. 21.  I was diagonosed with a dermoid on my right ovary that was about the size of a baseball.  I also had to have a d&c.  Well, when the dr did the laproscopic surgery, he found out that I had a dermoind on each ovary and each one was larger than my uterus.  They took the right ovary and most of the left one. I am 45 and it has been 3 weeks since the surgery and I still have to take some pain meds.  How long is it going to hurt?!?  My three incisions are over two inches long.  Everyone at work tells me I should feel fine by now.  This is crazy!  I feel like such a wimp.  What is up?

Gatsby

[HelloHermit]

I am having two dermoid cysts removed in about a week.  One is 17 cm and the other is 7cm.  My concern is the recovery rate.  My doctor states that I can have the surgery on Wednesday and most likely be back to work on Monday per se he can do the surgery laproscopically.  He stated he has only had one case in 15 years that he couldn't do laproscopically.  Also I am concerned that he will have to remove the ovaries as well.  Again he stated he only had one case that ovaries had to be removed.

[marie3B]

I know of a few women that have had dermoids removed.  They are posting more on the ovarian cyst forum.  You might get more responses over there.  I hope all goes well for you. Marie