Aa
udate from summer22
I finally went for my follow up u/s and the results came back that the cyst on the rt ovary was more complicated, had a thickening wall and the radiologist doc said it could be "possible complex cervical neoplasm" I was pretty upset after reading that, thinking neoplasm meant cancer. But I had an appt for a consult with my surgeon today and he assured me that it meant "tumor, possibly benign or malignant"
He told me:
1. that he was not concerned it was cancer but won't know until he gets it out and bx'd.
2. said that with the urerine hyperplasia that I have, he suggest taking the uterus with the rt ovary with a laporoscopic guided vaginal hysterectomy. But if the EMB came back normal from today, that the uterus removal was optional too.
3. He recommends keeping the left ovary, but understands if I want to have it removed due to all the cysts, u/s and stress I have gone through in the past years with both ovaries
4. He scheuduled surgery for august 24th. (at my request..I didn't want to wait until sept 5th for date he originally offered)
My sister who is going through the first part of menopause right now at the age of 49 with hot flashes, moods etc, told me to have BOTH OVARIES taken out. She said that she would rather go through instant menopause than the torture of the gradual that she is going through now.
I will be 48 in October, so I think I might go with getting both ovaries out and use a very low dose of estrogen patch to carry me through till the age I would have stopped my period naturally (53)I am scared of surgery and afraid it might be cancer. cont...
He told me:
1. that he was not concerned it was cancer but won't know until he gets it out and bx'd.
2. said that with the urerine hyperplasia that I have, he suggest taking the uterus with the rt ovary with a laporoscopic guided vaginal hysterectomy. But if the EMB came back normal from today, that the uterus removal was optional too.
3. He recommends keeping the left ovary, but understands if I want to have it removed due to all the cysts, u/s and stress I have gone through in the past years with both ovaries
4. He scheuduled surgery for august 24th. (at my request..I didn't want to wait until sept 5th for date he originally offered)
My sister who is going through the first part of menopause right now at the age of 49 with hot flashes, moods etc, told me to have BOTH OVARIES taken out. She said that she would rather go through instant menopause than the torture of the gradual that she is going through now.
I will be 48 in October, so I think I might go with getting both ovaries out and use a very low dose of estrogen patch to carry me through till the age I would have stopped my period naturally (53)I am scared of surgery and afraid it might be cancer. cont...
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Mary has great information but I wanted to point out that the FDA reported today that BHRT isn't better than HRT:
thought you folks taking bio's, BHRT, would be interested in this report today from the FDA saying that bio's are not better than taking the individual hormones separately. In fact, it can help to take them separately to individually adjust the dosing for each hormone:
FDA informed healthcare professionals and patients that the Agency sent letters warning seven pharmacy operations that the claims they make about the safety and effectiveness of their so-called "bio-identical hormone replacement therapy," or "BHRT" products are unsupported by medical evidence, and are considered false and misleading by the agency. The pharmacy operations improperly claim that their drugs, which contain hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and estriol (which is not a component of an FDA-approved drug and has not been proven safe and effective for any use) are superior to FDA-approved menopausal hormone therapy drugs and prevent or treat serious diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and various forms of cancer. FDA is concerned that the claims for safety, effectiveness, and superiority that these pharmacy operations are making mislead patients, as well as doctors and other healthcare professionals. Compounded drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
Patients who use compounded hormone therapy drugs should discuss menopausal hormone therapy options with their healthcare provider to determine if compounded drugs are the best option for their specific medical needs.
Read the complete 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary including a link to the FDA New Release regarding this issue at:
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Menopause
thought you folks taking bio's, BHRT, would be interested in this report today from the FDA saying that bio's are not better than taking the individual hormones separately. In fact, it can help to take them separately to individually adjust the dosing for each hormone:
FDA informed healthcare professionals and patients that the Agency sent letters warning seven pharmacy operations that the claims they make about the safety and effectiveness of their so-called "bio-identical hormone replacement therapy," or "BHRT" products are unsupported by medical evidence, and are considered false and misleading by the agency. The pharmacy operations improperly claim that their drugs, which contain hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and estriol (which is not a component of an FDA-approved drug and has not been proven safe and effective for any use) are superior to FDA-approved menopausal hormone therapy drugs and prevent or treat serious diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and various forms of cancer. FDA is concerned that the claims for safety, effectiveness, and superiority that these pharmacy operations are making mislead patients, as well as doctors and other healthcare professionals. Compounded drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
Patients who use compounded hormone therapy drugs should discuss menopausal hormone therapy options with their healthcare provider to determine if compounded drugs are the best option for their specific medical needs.
Read the complete 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary including a link to the FDA New Release regarding this issue at:
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Menopause
Wow, it is good to hear from you. I recall the last time you posted....and, your thread was taken hostage! Brave of you to try again :)
OK...speaking personally here....if there is anyway for you to keep an ovary, I would strongly suggest you consider that. Surgical menopause really through me for a loop. The advantage you would have (over me, at least) is that you already have some resources in place. So, if you elect to have both ovaries removed, you will know that you can get some help with the syptoms...and if you decide to keep an ovary, you still will problably need help, but you will know where to look for answers. I am referring not to HRT, but BHRT...the bioidentical hormones. It will take a lot of perseverance, but it is worth it.
I was given the Vivelle estrogen Patch (it is a bio) by my oncologist the day after surgery, but it was months until I discovered that my body was in desparate need of bioidentical progesterone (not progestins...an important thing to know as there is oh...TONNNNSSSS of confusion out there about this)...and, six years later, at age 53, I still struggle trying to stay balanced. I had hormonal issues before my surgery and I didn't learn of this until after the surgery. In other words, as I was forced to do research to find out why I felt so awfu, I had about 100 "lightbulb" moments as I read sypmtoms of hormonal imbalance in my research books. "Oh, so that is why I felt this way," etc.
Except for a few of the things the patch was helping with...it was also putting me into a bit of estrogen dominance. One of those "can't live with it, can't live without it" things. The Progesterone cream is what balanced me out, so now the doctor and I just talk about keeping the doses adjusted well. I would not be without the estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
I am sorry your sister is having to suffer through all this. Not fun for anyone. And, all due respect...and, I would hope that individual differences come into play here, but the general view of surgical menopause is that it is the worst. At least if you still have an ovary or two...even though they will not serve you like they did for years...you will get something. And, the menopause will not be so abrupt. The fat in our body does make a form of estrogen, called estrone. But you are missing the progesterone when you are not ovulating. Testosterone levels plummet, too.
Well, here is where I will leave it. I would suggest Dr. Christian Northrup's book, The Wisdom of Menopause." Her book will reference other books to so that you can get a variety of opinions. I think you will find it helpful. GOogle women in balance ...and see if you can find the website. It is a good one, in my opinion.
There are things you can do to alleviate symptoms before thinking of going on any hormones (again, I am thinking of the bioidenticals)...particularly if you still have ovaries....your sister might find some helpful suggestions. I know that Northrup writes of these suggestions.
Good luck with your decision and thanks for the update. Mary
OK...speaking personally here....if there is anyway for you to keep an ovary, I would strongly suggest you consider that. Surgical menopause really through me for a loop. The advantage you would have (over me, at least) is that you already have some resources in place. So, if you elect to have both ovaries removed, you will know that you can get some help with the syptoms...and if you decide to keep an ovary, you still will problably need help, but you will know where to look for answers. I am referring not to HRT, but BHRT...the bioidentical hormones. It will take a lot of perseverance, but it is worth it.
I was given the Vivelle estrogen Patch (it is a bio) by my oncologist the day after surgery, but it was months until I discovered that my body was in desparate need of bioidentical progesterone (not progestins...an important thing to know as there is oh...TONNNNSSSS of confusion out there about this)...and, six years later, at age 53, I still struggle trying to stay balanced. I had hormonal issues before my surgery and I didn't learn of this until after the surgery. In other words, as I was forced to do research to find out why I felt so awfu, I had about 100 "lightbulb" moments as I read sypmtoms of hormonal imbalance in my research books. "Oh, so that is why I felt this way," etc.
Except for a few of the things the patch was helping with...it was also putting me into a bit of estrogen dominance. One of those "can't live with it, can't live without it" things. The Progesterone cream is what balanced me out, so now the doctor and I just talk about keeping the doses adjusted well. I would not be without the estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
I am sorry your sister is having to suffer through all this. Not fun for anyone. And, all due respect...and, I would hope that individual differences come into play here, but the general view of surgical menopause is that it is the worst. At least if you still have an ovary or two...even though they will not serve you like they did for years...you will get something. And, the menopause will not be so abrupt. The fat in our body does make a form of estrogen, called estrone. But you are missing the progesterone when you are not ovulating. Testosterone levels plummet, too.
Well, here is where I will leave it. I would suggest Dr. Christian Northrup's book, The Wisdom of Menopause." Her book will reference other books to so that you can get a variety of opinions. I think you will find it helpful. GOogle women in balance ...and see if you can find the website. It is a good one, in my opinion.
There are things you can do to alleviate symptoms before thinking of going on any hormones (again, I am thinking of the bioidenticals)...particularly if you still have ovaries....your sister might find some helpful suggestions. I know that Northrup writes of these suggestions.
Good luck with your decision and thanks for the update. Mary
He is a gyn surgeon. He has many years experience with laporoscopic and cancer surgeries but is not listed as a gyn onc. I do feel comfortable with him and he came recommended by my regular gyn.
I was wondering what most of you think when the wording on an ultra sound says "possible complex cystic neoplasm" My cyst grew another cm in 4 weeks and the report said it looked like the wall was thickening. This has me really worried as to what kind of cyst or tumor this is. They have been watching it since April this year. Of course I am worried about the possiblity of cancer.
I was wondering what most of you think when the wording on an ultra sound says "possible complex cystic neoplasm" My cyst grew another cm in 4 weeks and the report said it looked like the wall was thickening. This has me really worried as to what kind of cyst or tumor this is. They have been watching it since April this year. Of course I am worried about the possiblity of cancer.
Hey kiddo...I don't know your details, but I was concerned to read of your consult with your "surgeon"....is he, by chance a gyn/oncologist....if not please seek an opinion from a gyn/oncologist as this is their specialty...YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.......it is the most important thing you can do to assure you the best future possible....Please do find a good gyn/oncologist
Peace.
dian
Peace.
dian
the cyst is about 5cm right now and grew about 1 cm from 4 weeks ago. The left ovary cyst has resolved itself.
I go back in 2 weeks to discuss the plan on what I would like to do as far as taking one or both ovaries.
Just started a new position at work, this is not going to go over well. Doctor told me 4 weeks off work for laporoscopic hysterectomy with oophorectomy.
I go back in 2 weeks to discuss the plan on what I would like to do as far as taking one or both ovaries.
Just started a new position at work, this is not going to go over well. Doctor told me 4 weeks off work for laporoscopic hysterectomy with oophorectomy.
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