laparoscopy procedure

[Rose7576]

My surgery is scheduled for May 20th for 2 cysts removed from right adnexal and ovary.  Dr said she would not know if we can save the ovary or the tube until she is inside. My dr. notes say:

Within the right adnexa the right ovary is enlarged. Ovarian tissue measures 4.5 x 3.0 x 5.1 cm. A peripherally enhancing low-attenuation lesion measures 2 cm and is present inferiorly. Posteriorly there is a simple-appearing low-attenuation lesion
measuring 3.9 x 3.1 cm. The right ovary is 3 cm and normal size. Uterus is normal size. Distal colon is unremarkable. There is no free fluid.

Impression:
1. Diverticulitis involving the cecum. Normal appendix. No abscess.
2. Enlarged right ovary with enhancing cyst and another almost 4 cm simple cyst. Followup pelvic ultrasound is suggested in 6-12 weeks.
3. Right adrenal mass, 2.3 cm. This is indeterminate on the CT scan. In a young patient, this is likely benign. Characteristics can be confirmed with dedicated MRI.
4. 1.7 cm cyst or cystic lesion in the tail of pancreas. Followup or dedicated MRI could be done for further characterization.

In the right adrenal gland, there is a 2.2 x 2 cm mass with intermediate Hounsfield units. Left adrenal gland is normal.

I love this site.  I have been studying all your stories.  They are so helpful and I have made my own little diary with little helpful notes you have all given.  I am so scared of the pain that is waiting for me.  I'm scared they will not be able to save my ovary or fallopian tube, I am 39 with no children, but still had hope there was a husband for me out there and I always wanted a baby.  But reading your stories I know i will be fine in the end no matter what the outcome may be.  Its nice to know there are others out there just like you with the same emotions and fears.


This discussion is related to SCHEDULED LAPROSCOPY.

[HVAC]

Fear is normal. Your notes basically say they do not think it is cancer. You only have 1.4% chance of Ovarian Cancer in a life time. Most cysts are benign. As far as the pain. I assume you will have laproscopy. It should not be so bad. If you are in any pain they will give you pain medications. I had the full hysterectomy, tubes, ovaries, part of my rectum, and the lining of all my organs  taken out and that was not so bad. Gas pain was the worst of my pain. They pumped me full of air. Walking helped. I was in the hospital six days with all that.

Is it same day surgery or do you stay over night? If you can borrow or get a cheap walker from a second hand store they are good for getting out of bed or off the couch. I got mine for $5 from a second hand store. It is one of the gray hospital ones. We use when anyone has surgery. My gall bladder surgery. My husbands hernia.

A house dress or a lose nighty is good for recovery.

I take pictures of my favorite things and look at them before surgery. My husband, my kitty, my dogs, my horse back riding buddies, art. Anything that makes me smile. I also have my ipod. The more you can relax the better. Enjoy the nice medicine they give you get before surgery. I have had so much surgery that I start to relax with the IV because I know the medication is coming. Don't look at the IV at all. I don't.

We spend more time worrying than the surgery and recovery take.

Any other questions or if you just want to chat I am hear.

Alex

[old_before_my_time]

Rose, I am sorry you are dealing with this. Since these cysts are not very large and do not sound concerning, were you given the option to monitor / "watch and wait" as suggested in the u/s notes? - "Followup pelvic ultrasound is suggested in 6-12 weeks."

Typically, ovarian cysts resolve on their own in 2 to 3 cycles. Do you know about how long you have had these? And was this your first ultrasound?

You don't want to undergo surgery if it can be avoided. For one, there are risks with any surgery and hospitalization. But also, there is risk of losing your ovary which may or may not affect fertility and possibly long-term health (since the ovaries produce hormones at least well into a woman's 70's  

[Rose7576]

I have had them for about 5 years at least. But over the last couple they have gotten bigger and started giving me pain.  I was never even offered other options for this instead of surgery.  She always told me we would just monitor them before and when they finally started giving me pain she just said it was time to take them out.

[Rose7576]

Such good advice... It is wonderful to get these responses.  I will definately be bringing my kitty's pictures with me!!!

[old_before_my_time]

Did you ever try birth control pills to see if that helped shrink them? If you already tried that then surgery may be your only option since they are causing pain. I hope the surgery goes well!