Aa
Really worried and could use some advice and support
Hi all,
I just had my 32nd birthday. Honestly, I feel like I'm too young to even have this discussion. However, I am also a realist. 9 of my maternal grandmother's 13 children died of cancer, as did my grandmother and grandfather. I also have a family history of cancer in my paternal lineage, with one sister, one brother, and my paternal grandfather dying of cancer. I must say that the types of cancer varied though. My mother had a hysterectomy in her 35th year because they found cancerous cells in her uterous, ovaries and fallopian tubes. My oldest sister had a partial hysterectomy 2 years ago for similar reasons, she was 31. My younger sister had to have cysts removed from her ovaries when she was 29.
I haven't had an appetite in months. I'm losing weight at a rate some would envy. I've dropped 15lbs in 6 weeks, and that's just when I started noticing and paying attention. I have had some very severe lower abdominal pain concentrated on my left side but felt everywhere for months. I postponed going to the doctor, dismissing it as menstral pains. Then came the bleeding. I have abnormal periods. Abnormal in that I might skip a few months. However, I had 4 full, heavy periods in a 5 week timeframe. I went to my doctor. She ordered a pelvic ultrasound. They found a complex mass 3.5x3x3 on my right ovary. She advised me not to panic and made a referral for me to see a gynecolic oncologist. I know oncologist means cancer. She told me I could expect to get a MRI, and it may just end there, or a biopsy might be performed. I am really scared. In fact I'm terrified. I know there's nothing I can do right now, and worry is counterproductive. I'm trying really hard. But now my children are acting wierd. Honestly, I have 3 girls. They are 9, 7, and 5. I promise I haven't told them anything, but they are extremely clingy and nervous when I am out of their sight for more than a few hours. You know how they say children are sensitive and can sense things others can't. I'm wondering quite frankly, if this is it. Is this cancer? If it's cancer, what comes next. Am I going to die? I know my family history, but I never experienced it first hand. What are treatment optiions? What are my chances oof survival? Will it spread? are my dreams of giving my husband a son over? Is it too early to ask these questions? Am I wrong to keep this from my family? The logic is that I don't want anyone else to be in the position I'm in, worried and scared.
I'm so sorry, but I have all of this perculating inside of me and I had to let some of it out. I actually feel a little better now that I've shared this with someone and that I've vocalized my fears. I don't know what I expect to get out of this, but I don't know what else to do. And the pain is nearly unbearable. It is a heck of a distraction. I'm barely functioning at work. Can someone offer me some advice if not reassurance? Information? Please.
Thank you
I just had my 32nd birthday. Honestly, I feel like I'm too young to even have this discussion. However, I am also a realist. 9 of my maternal grandmother's 13 children died of cancer, as did my grandmother and grandfather. I also have a family history of cancer in my paternal lineage, with one sister, one brother, and my paternal grandfather dying of cancer. I must say that the types of cancer varied though. My mother had a hysterectomy in her 35th year because they found cancerous cells in her uterous, ovaries and fallopian tubes. My oldest sister had a partial hysterectomy 2 years ago for similar reasons, she was 31. My younger sister had to have cysts removed from her ovaries when she was 29.
I haven't had an appetite in months. I'm losing weight at a rate some would envy. I've dropped 15lbs in 6 weeks, and that's just when I started noticing and paying attention. I have had some very severe lower abdominal pain concentrated on my left side but felt everywhere for months. I postponed going to the doctor, dismissing it as menstral pains. Then came the bleeding. I have abnormal periods. Abnormal in that I might skip a few months. However, I had 4 full, heavy periods in a 5 week timeframe. I went to my doctor. She ordered a pelvic ultrasound. They found a complex mass 3.5x3x3 on my right ovary. She advised me not to panic and made a referral for me to see a gynecolic oncologist. I know oncologist means cancer. She told me I could expect to get a MRI, and it may just end there, or a biopsy might be performed. I am really scared. In fact I'm terrified. I know there's nothing I can do right now, and worry is counterproductive. I'm trying really hard. But now my children are acting wierd. Honestly, I have 3 girls. They are 9, 7, and 5. I promise I haven't told them anything, but they are extremely clingy and nervous when I am out of their sight for more than a few hours. You know how they say children are sensitive and can sense things others can't. I'm wondering quite frankly, if this is it. Is this cancer? If it's cancer, what comes next. Am I going to die? I know my family history, but I never experienced it first hand. What are treatment optiions? What are my chances oof survival? Will it spread? are my dreams of giving my husband a son over? Is it too early to ask these questions? Am I wrong to keep this from my family? The logic is that I don't want anyone else to be in the position I'm in, worried and scared.
I'm so sorry, but I have all of this perculating inside of me and I had to let some of it out. I actually feel a little better now that I've shared this with someone and that I've vocalized my fears. I don't know what I expect to get out of this, but I don't know what else to do. And the pain is nearly unbearable. It is a heck of a distraction. I'm barely functioning at work. Can someone offer me some advice if not reassurance? Information? Please.
Thank you
Sorry you are dealing with this! Most complex cysts are benign, at least in the general female population since the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is less than 2%. However, if your mother did indeed have "cancerous cells" in her uterus and ovaries then that makes it more concerning.
I also had a complex cyst (9.5cm) and was over-treated (hysterectomy and oophorectomy) and am suffering the consequences. I urge you to do your own research before seeing the oncologist and prepare a list of questions. Doctors typically are not completely forthcoming (at least in my experience) and tend to rush you in and out. Not only was my gyneoclogist of 20 years not forthright, he was deceptive about my condition and treatment options. I also made the mistake of focusing my research on ovarian cancer instead of the life-long functions of the uterus and ovaries. HVAC had a good suggestion of taking someone with you. It's always good to have two sets of ears.
Do not let fear drive or hurry your decision. Also, be aware that hysterectomy and oophorectomy are grossly overused with only 2% of these surgeries done for confirmed cancer. A frozen section done while you are under anesthesia will tell if the cyst is benign or malignant. If it is benign, you should not have to lose any organs. If your surgical consent form is "open ended" (they are in all or most states) you may want to revise it for what may and may not be removed under what conditions and have your surgeon sign off on it.
Hope this helps!
I also had a complex cyst (9.5cm) and was over-treated (hysterectomy and oophorectomy) and am suffering the consequences. I urge you to do your own research before seeing the oncologist and prepare a list of questions. Doctors typically are not completely forthcoming (at least in my experience) and tend to rush you in and out. Not only was my gyneoclogist of 20 years not forthright, he was deceptive about my condition and treatment options. I also made the mistake of focusing my research on ovarian cancer instead of the life-long functions of the uterus and ovaries. HVAC had a good suggestion of taking someone with you. It's always good to have two sets of ears.
Do not let fear drive or hurry your decision. Also, be aware that hysterectomy and oophorectomy are grossly overused with only 2% of these surgeries done for confirmed cancer. A frozen section done while you are under anesthesia will tell if the cyst is benign or malignant. If it is benign, you should not have to lose any organs. If your surgical consent form is "open ended" (they are in all or most states) you may want to revise it for what may and may not be removed under what conditions and have your surgeon sign off on it.
Hope this helps!
I want to thank you for your time and your care. I haven't shared this with anyone except this forum and I'm a bit reluctant. But you are probably right. I will find someone to go with me so I won't be alone.
She is sending you to a GYN/Oncologist because they do complex surgeries. Yes you have worrying symptoms and a family history so I won't tell you not to worry.
It is hard but you need to take it one step at a time. Most importantly have some one with you at the appointment. They may not know if it is Cancer or not until they get in there. I had a friend this summer they were sure it was Cancer they got in there and it was not. The statistics on women's Cancer is not accurate.It is not as bad as what you might see on the internet. They call it a chronic Cancer many women live with it for years.
I care and i am here to answer any question you have.
Alex
It is hard but you need to take it one step at a time. Most importantly have some one with you at the appointment. They may not know if it is Cancer or not until they get in there. I had a friend this summer they were sure it was Cancer they got in there and it was not. The statistics on women's Cancer is not accurate.It is not as bad as what you might see on the internet. They call it a chronic Cancer many women live with it for years.
I care and i am here to answer any question you have.
Alex
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