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Avatar universal

choosing a hysterectomy

Hello Ladies.  Just to re-cap, diagnosed with germ-cell teratoma during c-sect. in Jan. of '05.  Followed up with 3 rounds of BEC.  During a follow-up ultrasound about 3 months ago, found a functional cyst that is relatively small (>5), but won't leave.  Tumor markers still look good.  I know that functional cysts are almost 100% harmless, I know that the chance of my particular type of cancer coming back is very slim.  However, my husband and I are very much leaning toward a total hysterectomy to prevent this constant monitoring and wondering.  We did want more children, and will still have more as we are checking into adoption.  Is there anyone else out there who made the decision to be proactive like this at the young age of 30?  How do you feel now about your decision to do something like this, or not do it?  How difficult was the recovery and the induced menopause?  Just looking for any information anyone would like to share.  Thanks and God bless!
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135691 tn?1271097123
Wow, what a difficult decision for you to have to make. You know, you'll probably still have to be followed up even with the hysterectomy. I guess it would alleivate some of the worry for you though. I am 27yrs old and had a hysterectomy last year at 26. It was not by choice, but rather because I had stage 3c ovarian cancer. Having to go through surgical menopause has not been easy, to say the least. Hormone replacement therapy is not black and white for everybody - it can take years to figure out what combination of what pills works for you. I'm still trying to come up with the right dosage and while I'm waiting, I'm dealing with mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes, bladder weakness - the list goes on and on. Opting for a hysterectomy also puts you at an increased risk for osteoperosis (among many other things) - it is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Have you talked to your doctor about this? I'd be curious to see what their opinion was, especially if they thought that having a hysterectomy would reduce your chances of a recurrence. If you have an aggressive type of cancer, I would strongly consider it - aside from that, it's a very personal decision. I hope you are able to get all the answers you're looking for in the meantime.
Becky
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Avatar universal
By all practical purposes, I have to OBs.  Both would honor the decision, but one truly understands it because oc runs in the family.  My oncologist and I haven't discussed it yet.  I should note that the 3 people I've come to know the best through my treatment are all back in treatment, fighting for their lives again after having been given a clean check up.  It's all different types of cancer, but a reminder to me that nobody completely understands how this monster works.
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Avatar universal
Well I had to have a hysterectomy this summer due to stage 2b ov cancer.  I didnt have a choice, it was made for me. I am 38 and was trying to have a second child when all this happened. AFter going thru chemo and everything I realize it was worth it to go thru the hyst and aleviate more of a chance of it coming back.  I am just going to cherish the one child I do have.  Good luck in your decision.
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Avatar universal
Chickapee what where your symptoms when they found your cancer?  I too am 38 and scheduled for a laproscopy/hysterectomy at the end of the month.  My ovary is 3 times it's size with solid components.  Just wondering.  My dr says "if it is cancer"  we have caught it early.  

Thanks.
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Avatar universal
I had been having pelvic pain for a year, some bloating, stomach indigestion, urinary urgency (sometimes) and a pain under my right rib.  Good luck to you...early detection is the only way to beat this beast!
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