Surgery tomorrow - hysterectomy and removal of ovary

[birdbath]

Hi everybody, I'm not sure if anyone remembers me,haven't posted in a few months. So sorry, hope you understand. Focusing 24/7 on this made me feel crazy, discovered that I had to re-focus my energies on my family and work to avoid the nuthouse! I've continued to say prayers for all of you, though. Surgery is now looming at 7:30 am tomorrow and have to face it. Wish it was all over, then feel I can be of some help to others on this site! Have any of you ever felt this way? My story: I went to 4 different doctors (one a gyn-oncologist) in an effort to save as many organs as possible. Found a surgeon who was going to save both ovaries, but unfortunately, that changed at my last ultrasound a few weeks ago. I have a large fibroid or growth in my uterus (they were unable to perform a biopsy because of cervical scarring - I've had an ablation a few years ago). There is a small (2 cm) persistent solid tumor inside of my right ovary, it just doesn't want to go away and is slow growing. I'm also having a rectocele repair. Just to make it more interesting, decided to have a tummy tuck since they were going to start cutting on me - needed SOMETHING to look forward to! :) Anyway, the docs no longer feel that my solid is an endometrioma or a dermoid, they are unsure. They all feel it is benign (so do I), but my curiosity is high wondering what it is. There's still that little annoying voice whispering "But what if it's not O.K.?......" Just hoping for a few prayers here if you wouldn't mind. I have to start doing bowel prep in a few hours (ish). Thanks so much for listening! Robin

[AnotherKatie]

Sure I remember you and so glad to see your post!  You will be OK, I promise... just take it very easy for the few few weeks.... you feel like Superwoman because of the drugs... but they lie!!!
Write again when you feel up to it... let us know how you are .... and join us on the MSN site if you can....
Lots of love and prayers from Katie

[turtledovemom]

My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Stay strong...we're looking forward to hearing reports of your good news on the Recovery Side.  
peace,
Anne

[birdbath]

Thanks so much for your caring and words of encouragement!
Tellme, I read that you are starting your chemotherapy soon. You are going to do absolutely wonderful on it! You beat this thing once and now you get to use your "chemo sword" to beat it again! You are and will continue to be an inspiration for many women here. You are always in my prayers, please keep us posted as to how you're feeling. Soon the chemo will be behind you!

Gatsby- Thanks for always being here, you're such a rock on this site. Did I read that you have adenomyosis? They think that I have that too, based on my last ultrasound. The only cure is a hysterectomy. They originally thought it was endometriosis (though I have none of the symptoms) and that an endometrioma was on my ovary. Now, that has changed and adeno of the uterus is the unofficial diagnosis and a ? in my ovary. Guess I'll know more tomorrow after the surgery. What are they going to do for you? Do you have any options? Just curious as to what they're proposing for you.

[who_is_this]

Treat yourself right today! (well, except for the bowel prep).

Be sure you have lots of easily digestible foods on hand for when you come home...7 up or ginger ale, crackers, soups etc.  Have a nice ice pack thing on hand (the refillable kind), maybe spend part of today making some crushed ice to fill it with. This is great for your tummy.  Alternatively, a heating pad can be soothing. Be sure you have a small pillow to brace your tummy with.  Have some peri-pads on hand, too.  Easy to get in nightgowns are a must.  Books, kleenex, puzzles, lollipops, get little things you might need after.  Be sure you have Motrin at home--if you take it around the clock, it will work wonders.

My best wishes are with you.  I know you are nervous.  Occupy yourself today and try to get a good nights sleep.

[Thuney]

I haven't talked to you before, but I truly feel like everyone here is my sister.  If I lived close to you, I would be there in a micro-second to hold your hand.

You are in my prayers and my heart.

.

[Gatsby]

I will be having a total hyster.  My dr. will try to do it vaginally first.  At least I will be in the hospital this time and not a surgical center!  I will get the call tomorrow to schedule it.  Anyway, I know this is the right thing for me.  I have my kids and my dr. is leaving my teeny tiny bit of ovary since it seems to be working just fine - lol.  
~Tascha

[Gatsby]

Hey girl, I am here for you.  Try to do something just for you today.  Before you know it, this will all be behind you.  I know surgery is scary, but the drs know what they are doing and you are in good hands.  You are in my thoughts and prayers and I look forward to hearing from you on the RS!  Godspeed
~Tascha

[kaz39]

my thoughts and prayers are with you, good luck and look forward to seeing you on the recovery side x

[Thuney]

Is your surgery tomorrow?

[birdbath]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. It's amazing how much support this site gives. I so want to be a help to everyone when this surgery is over. At least it will give me some experience to help others through it (although I think I'd prefer to remain clueless.......!).
Gatsby, I'm glad you're getting your surgery scheduled. It sounds like it will put you on the road to recovery. I know what you mean about hospitals vs surgery centers. Mine is at the surgery center and I will be staying 23 hrs (it can't go over 24 hours due to insurance). I told my husband to just leave the car running LOL. Nothing like drive thru hysterectomy and abdominoplasty! Can you believe it? The surgery itself is scheduled to last 6 1/2 hours. My last (and only) other major surgery was when I was a WHOLE lot younger, so not sure how I'll be after this one. Keep hoping that my recovery will be as speedy. After all, how much difference can 20 years make? HAHA Insurance companies should make allowances for those of us over 40! You know, an additional two hours of recovery for every year on the plus side.....
Anyway, I'll see you all on the recovery side. God bless.

Robin

[Mary 53]

I do recall those feelings....the night before the surgery. Mine was six and a half years ago. The time has flown...it will be so great when this is behind you. Remember, we will all be here for you when you get back. I will be happy to talk with you if you have any questions about the hormone jungle.

I used a straw to drink my bowel prep...and, having it cold helped. The straw positions the drink so that it bypasses many of your taste buds...even though the taste is not so horrible. I remember the castor oil days and thank goodness they came up with something new.

Take care and try to rest easy. It does sound like you are in very good hands. I could send my doggies to snuggle with you if you want :)...well, in wishes at least! Mine never left my side for about two weeks after I got home from the hospital.

Warmly, Mary

[Cat40]

I second the cold bowel prep with a straw.  Not only does it shoot the stuff away from the taste buds, but I drink faster with a straw.  

Good luck and see you on the RS.
Cathy

[tellme]

Hi Robin,
I was in your shoes six weeks ago. The night before is sooooooo hard. Its natural for you to feel the way you are. Take each moment in your stride - stay positive and you will cope. I am praying for you.
Love and peace.
Shen.