Nodules

[Sherri01]

In April they found bilateral complex cysts in an ultrasound, with showing of thickening of walls. My CA125 levels were up too (but I have endometriosis).  They sent me in for a MRI in May. The results showed the cysts as benign & they suggested waiting a month for another cycle to see what happened.  The left cyst minimized to under 1 cm but the right cyst doubled to 11 cm & now has a nodule & a septation that weren't there before. I'm to go for my doctor's consultation next week. I'm a 7-year breast cancer survivor (estrogen nondependent, medullary carcinoma). I don't want a hysterectomy at 42 years old, but that's what I think they're going to say.  What kind of questions should I ask of my doctor to make sure I am taking the proper and heathiest course for me, not the easiest and most expeditious for them?

[RamCheerMom]

Tell your doctor exactly how you feel about the hysterectomy.  Ask him/her if it is necessary.  Find out what can be done to avoid a hysterectomy if at all possible.  I had a cyst on my left ovary and the surgeon told me she would only remove the left ovary unless she saw a need for a total hysterectomy.  Well I had stage 4 endo, it had taken over so a complete hysterectomy had to be done.  But I had the choice....if everything else looked healthy, I would of only had to have the left ovary removed.  
Something else to think about:  doctors are wanting women to keep their ovaries as long as possible because of the hormonal benefits they provide.  And just because you have a cyst on an ovary, that doesn't automatically mean hysterectomy.  It's normal to freak out, this can all be so scary.  Just ask lot's of questions, and demand answers from your doctor!  Good luck, hope this helps some.

[MickeyVicki]

Despite anything that you might be told, you have the right to determine exactly what you do, AND do not, want during surgery.  You will discuss the surgery, and more importantly -  your desires and your fears, with your doctor prior to signing the consent form,  and the doctor or doctors will make recommendations.  If, after hearing all the doctors have to say and considering your symptoms and situation, you still have concerns about their recommendations, then do not agree to it without seeking the consultation of another doctor, including any doctors who might have treated your cancer.  

I have a great doctor that I truly trust, but I still had the same tough choices to make.  That is one reason that I sought the advice of women on this board who had already experienced my situation.  For example,  I asked my doctor to simply lay out the choices that I had for my surgery.  My doctor said that she could remove the cyst, or remove the cyst along with the ovary and tube, or perform a complete hysterectomy.  I made my choices specific to the conditions that she might find.  My consent form had notes all over it, but when we went into the surgical unit there was no clue about what I wanted or did not want done in there.