Question on Ovarian Mass 6 cm

[Lynet143]

Hope you can help, I just had a ultrasound last week and a 6cm Mass was found on my left Ovary, I had the CA125 Test the Dr. said it came back at 18.5 which was low and looked good.  She wants to take the Mass off the Ovary and possibly the Ovary if anything looks strange.  What should I expect?  With the blood test being low as she says do you think everything will be OK? And the Dr. said she will be making 2 incissions below the belly button and above the hair line, how long for the healing? And will I be out of work for long? I am 42 and never expected this so I am so scared and don't know what to expect?? If anyone has any info regarding what I have please help.... also what is the difference between a Mass and a Cyst?
Any info will help......

Thank you
Lynette

[aim4483]

lynette
i had laperscoptic surgery and it felt like having a baby but only worse. when you come out of surgery you will hurt so bad.

[Lynet143]

How did everything work out with your visit back to the Dr's?
I am going in ths Friday 12/1 for my surgery, I am scared. I see my Dr. today for the meeting before surgery, I just don't know if I should have my left Ovary taken out or just have her remove the Mass...... is there a difference in healing time?  So how long does one have to wait till you know if it cancerous or not?
Lori so you was back on your feet after 8 days, any pain left?  The reason why I ask is my daughter is having a baby shower on 12/10 and I am so nervous that I won't be able to make it there, really may deciede to resch. my surgery. Well I will see what the Dr. says today,  Hope your feeling better, talk soon.
Lynette

[cirella]

I was OK on the stairs on day 3 of post op. Just go slow and listen to your body. On the other hand, I just started driving myself yesterday, day 8 post op.

[urbangal]

this is all from a laproscopy? My dr said stairs would be ok and it sounded like a much easier recovery than what you're saying. DId you have the other surgery(bigger one?)
Mary

[wubbie3]

You will want to pick up some looser pants.... I bought a pair of workout pants and some stretch pants (a few sizes too big) to wear. I wore them for about 3 weeks before I could comfortably get into my looser jeans.
You won't want anything touching your belly area! The day of surgery (after) isn't bad, cause you're still pretty sleepy and will just want to lay down. The fatigue is the worst part. The next two days you will be VERY sore and stiff-feeling. You will not be able to go up stairs for a few days, and you may or may not be able to shower depending on what your dr says. I had to do sponge baths for three days (ick).
You'll feel pretty blah for about a week, then pick up alot. I had to go back to work 5 days after my lap, and was so tired that I barely managed to get home in one piece (I have a 20 mile commute each way).
Driving is hard, since it's impossible to turn around to look behind you, but don't wear the lap belt in your car. The pressure alone is too much the first week or so. If your state laws require belting, pull it loose, and put a small pillow or something between your abdomen and the belt to spread the pressure over a larger area.
Good luck, and hang in there!
~Marianne

[cirella]

Hi Lynette, Fear of the unknown is the worst. Plus, knowing something foreign is growing in our bodies, causing symptoms, is extremely scary, too. You will be able to move forward once you have the surgery and know what it really is. I was most scared of the "what is it?" but knew in my heart that whatever it was I could deal with it. You will, too.

I found this site during my waiting period, between VUS results. It gave me great comfort to read that other people were experiencing the same things as I. Just reading about it and reading the support on the site gave me comfort. Sometimes people in our lives don't understand or, if it's a husband or close loved one, they are scared, too, and it's hard to voice fear to someone who's already scared, you know?

I'm recovering fine, thanks. My incisions are getting ichy, so I know they are healing. No infections, thankfully. I can sit up without wincing and it basically just feels like it's bruised in my abdomen. I'm 8 days out of the surgery. I go for my follow up tomorrow.


When is your surgery?
Stay calm...remember...we are women, we can do anything! :)
Lori

[mommy2four]

I had surgery to remove a cyst (ended up losing ovary and tube as well) and know exactly how you feel.  I was so nervous and feared all sorts of things.  The cyst was benign but had completely destroyed my ovary and tubes.  It has twisted and adhered to my uterus.  I was in horrible pain most the time.  The surgery lasted about 3 hours.  I was in recovery about 6 hours and then was given the option to go home or stay the night.  I chose to stay the night because I had a 2 year old at home who likes to bounce on my belly!  I was feeling better after a week, but was not back to myself until after about 4 weeks.  That's when things were no longer uncomfortable when I bent down, etc.  The first few days were pretty painful for me, but If I just layed on the couch and didn't try to do too much it was manageable.  

I had such wonderful care from my doctor and the nurses that all my fears totally melted away.  Hope the same will be true with the care you receive.

Oh and what to wear...I just wore pants with elastic that gave a little.  I found that after the suregery my belly was swollen for a few weeks and zip up pants with no give were very uncomfortable.  Did anyone else get the "swelly belly" ?

[Lynet143]

Thanks for the quick response, It is very helpfull hearing what everyone is going through, I am just so scared not knowing what is going to turn up after the surgery..... I pray and hope all of you are doing fine.  It's always the feeling why me? Well keep me posted on your recovery, and let me know how everything turns ot for you... I wish you the best of luck!
Lynette Ma.

[Lisagarr]

I'm 41 and just got diagnosed with a 13 cm cyst on my right ovary. Don't know what the CA-125 results are yet, but will have the CT scan on Tuesday and colonscopy later.  Surgery in a week or two.  I have to say, all of you have been so helpful.  Went out yesterday and bought comfortable clothing for hospital and home, lip balm, and cream (for the nose).  I was very scared on Friday when I found out, but talking with all of you and gaining insight from your experiences has alleviated my fears greatly!  Thank you!!!  My doc has been great telling me every little thing each step of the way.  Actually, I have all female docs on my case.  I am worried about my hubby.  He is trying to be my rock, but I know he is scared and worried.  I saw his hands shaking today but he refused to acknowledge it.  Said it was because he needed to eat.  I know that wasn't true.  All of you are in my prayers.  Please keep me in yours.

Lisa in Ohio

[Gatsby]

Hey there and welcome to the site.  Although 99% of ovarian cysts, masses and tumors are benign, you are very wise in seeking medical attention.  It sounds like your dr. is covering all bases with you.  Have you had a 2nd opinion with a gyn/onc?  They are specialists and do not just deal with cancer.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

[cirella]

Hi Mary, I had my tubes tied using laparoscopy back in 1995 and I don't remember the recovery being this painful or long. Then again, it wasn't such an involved surgery as this one. Overall, I feel that I'm recovery well. I just take it day by day b/c each day I feel differenty. Accept how you feel, when you feel it and do what you can. I have a difficult time with this b/c I tend to poo-poo my feelings. Surgery is not a common thing for our bodies and it reacts accordingly.

The scariest part for me was not knowing 100% what the cyst was, even though my CA-125 was low. I am relieved it is endometriosis. I have to stop saying "just" endometriosis b/c that brings with it some concerns and questions for the doctor. Try not to be too scared. If you are comfortable with your doctor and anesthesiologist and feel you are in good hands then that's part of the battle down. Just let people care for you. I mistakenly thought that laparoscopy meant not that serious.  My doctor had to remind me that I had major surgery through smaller holes.

I live in Illinois, a California transplant, so I hear ya on the weather. As far as clothes, I have worn sweats or the like for about a month b/c the cyst made my abdomen larger and jeans were just too uncomfortable. That is what I would recommend for you. I bought a pair of black work out pants that just fold down on the hip that don't look so "sweaty".  I went out in them yesterday. I don't want anything to rub on my belly botton incision. I'm getting a little too comfortable with the stretchy clothes I'm afraid.

Stay calm,
Lori

[urbangal]

I'm going in a week for the same op as you.Verry scared.Was it as bad as you thought? Also, thinking about what to wear(lol!).I mean what will I be able to wear comfortably back from the hospital.Also, I live in canada so a summery dress with no tights is not an option!
Mary

[SimplyStar]

Lynette are you by any chance from Texas?  glad you are having the surgery, the doctor can then tell what the mass is,  usual time after any abdominal surgery is at least 4 weeks, although 6 weeks is better. Your chances of everything being ok is very high.

[cirella]

Hi there.  I am 6 days post op from an outpatient laparoscopy, removal of my right ovary and a cyst (4+) the size of an orange. I have 3 incisions. One, about 2 inces right above the pubic bone area, one small one to the left of that and another in my belly button. No one incision hurts more than the other, although the bigger one is more uncomfortable. Not too bad. I think most of my pain is coming from the Dr. moving things around in there to look and, well, he did remove an organ plus a friend. My cyst was pushing my uterus to the right so it's probably not been in the correct position for a while.

My cyst turned out to be endometriosis.  Have not had my follow up with the doctor so I'm not sure what stage, meaning how much was in there or whether it was contained to the cyst. My CA-125 was 11.

My recovery has been slow but steady. I feel better each day, although there are different "hurts". Overall, for me, the worst was the day of surgery and the 2nd and 3rd days. I have been bleeding, vaginally, each day but today it seems to be more of spotting. You can probably expect to be "down", not in bed but at home, for at least a week. I still wouldn't feel comfortable driving b/c of feeling off balance a bit. Of course, everyone is different.

I highly recommend you keep a little journal of the bleeding and pain b/c you will most likely be still loopy from the anesthesia and pain meds. therefore you will not remember what you felt or thought on day 1,2,3.  Also, jot down questions for your follow up appointment.

This is a great site with very supportive women. I hope telling you my experience has helped you.
Lori