Ovarian Cancer? What to prepare for laprascopy? (long)

[txgal70]

Hi I'm new here and I just found out they want me to have laprascopy. Right now it is tentatively scheduled for June 29th. They are waiting for confirmation that there will be an oncologist available if needed.

The reason for this surgery is that I've been having problems with bloated/gassy tummy, constipation, and symptoms like a uti without any signs of infection, and slow to digest/absorb foods (my endocronologist thought maybe gastroparesis, though I'm a tightly controlled type 1 diabetic and have been the whole time - 9 years). My ob/gyn decided to do an ultrasound about 2.5 months ago and found what they called a cyst on my left ovary. Last week I had a follow up ultrasound and it was still there so they did the CA-125 test and they called next day and said it was elevated and that this meant they needed to go in and remove the cyst and look around. What are the chances that this is ovarian cancer? I'm 36 and haven't had children yet.

Also what do I need to ask before the surgery and what do I need to decide before the surgery? Will I be able to have children still? I recently stopped taking birthcontrol to let nature decide and now I'm afraid that this is the decision for us.

Also what can I expect as far as recovery from surgery. What will hurt, what will be bleeding, how long will I be uncomfortable. How soon can I be out and about? I know all these vary, but it would be nice to hear first hand experiences instead of what the nurse told me.

[rmarie]

It is good that they want a Gyn/Oncologist available when they do your surgery, that is very important if it ovarian cancer.  As far as whether or not it is cancer, that is not known for certain until they do a biopsy.  What did your Dr. tell you as far as the likihood of it being cancer?  The CA 125 is not the most reliable test, especially before menopause, but people with normal CA 125's have been diagnosed with OC.  Your chance of having children I believe would be dependent upon what they find at the time of surgery.  If it is cancer they do what is called staging and they do remove the uterus, tubes and ovaries, as well as doing multiple biopsies. I think in early OC there have been reports of perserving fertility.

Before surgery, you need to ask all the questions you are asking here.  You will be signing a permit, ask for an explanation.  If there is going to be a Gyn/Onc involved do you get to meet him/her?

Recovery will depend upon what they find at the time of surgery.  If it is laprascopic, then it is a 23 hr hospizaliztion, more extensive surgery would be 3 to 5 days.  Pain is very real, however you ask for the pain medication, or if it is the laparotomy, ask for a PCA.  You will need to get up and walk as soon as you can after the surgery it helps your recovery and gets you out of the hospital sooner.  

This is mentally a very tough time you are in right now, I have been there.  Arm yourself with all the information you can and get copies of all your tests.  Good luck, hope this helps

[robin013]

I am 36 yrs old and just found out I had a very large cyst on my right ovary and a smaller one on the left and that my uterus is large as well. I have an appt on july 6 at the cancer center to discuss my situation.They said that that weren't concerned it was cancerous it was just showing fluid around the cysts but because of its size they were concerned. I was wondering if anyoneelse has had similiar situation and could help me understand what to expect or what may happened i am very scared rights now.