Total hysterectomy or second opinion

I have a small cyst (complex) on my right ovary. I also have fibroids. I asked for a series of CA125 tests - it is elevated to95.5.My gynocologist was going to do a laproscopy and after I asked for an oncologist consult he referred me to a surgeon. Both the surgeon and the oncologist assesed my risk as fairly low, but couldn't be sure. The surgeon wants me to have a hysterectomy, so I went back to my gyn for a smaller surgery. He then said if I did have cancer, biopsy of the ovary might spread cells. I asked if he could biopsy the fluid - he said yes, but he would now recommend a hysterectomy as anything less would be below standard of care. His wife has ovarian cancer. The surgeon scheduled me for a hysterectomy for 12-14, knowing I may push this date back. I have a second opinion scheduled for the 16th. I think I should go. What do others think. Any help would be appreciated - I'm going a little crazy!

[Debdsk8gld]

I had the same thing two years ago, only I had a complex cyst on my left ovary.  I had about a dozen fibroids that were pushing on my bladder, and I kept getting UTI infections.  I went for the total Hysterctomy, and single oopherectomy (removal of only one ovary).  I was able to keep the right, since everything turned out to be benign.  I was no big deal at all, I recovered very well.  I would definately get a second opinion I you are concerned, or don't feel comfortable with your doctors choice of options.  I did a lot of research, and knew what I wanted to do before my doctor told me what my options were.

[cip]

Thank you for responding. I think because I am 3 days away from being 52, they feel," why keep anything." I'm not sure I feel the same way. I am scared of such a big surgery - I am extremly active - run, lift weights, etc. I have 3 teens, and a husband who is starting a new job soon. Can I be home by  myself after the surgery?What was your recovery like?

[Debdsk8gld]

There is nothing wrong with keeping one ovary if you can, that's what I did.  I was only 40, and I didn't want surgical menopause.
My doctor told me he did not want to take both ovaries, and did not want me to take ERT.  Since my hysterectomy 2 years ago I have had to have a Laposcopy to remove a Hemmorraghic cyst.  Next time I will loose the ovary.  I am also very active, and figure skate competitively.  For me the surgery was pretty easy.
I had mine done in the summer.  I walked, and layed at the pool everyday.

[Lauriette]

I was told by my GYN "some women would say take both ovaries" and I said "yes, and many doctors in the 50's and 60's BUTCHERED women by doing total hysterectomies without outlining options"

Let me ask you this, if you were a man and they were talking about taking both TESTICLES, would you be alarmed.

I have to have my right ovary removed and biopsied. I am resisting more surgery than that, because like you, I am active and don't want such an intensive procedure. I am 47.

Best of luck, I would go for the 2nd opinion. Although, if this doctor does find cancer, I will probably opt for the hysterectomy. My mother is dying of ovarian cancer. It's a scary thing.

peace
laurie

[cip]

Thanks - it is good to know you can recover in a reasonable way from a total hysterectomy. I have never had major surgery, and never been laid up or inactive. I am becoming more reconciled to the total hysterectomy, though I went for a second opinion. He asked me if any one of the docs I saw did blood tests other than the CA 125 for cancer, which this oncologist considers quite unreliable. They hadn't done so. Do people usually have this done?