seeking advice for complex ovarian mass during 1st trimester pregnancy

[iamjoyfull]

I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant and have just discovered through an US after cramping in my left side that my left ovary measures 3.5 x 2.2 x 2.7 cm and attached to this left ovary is a large complex solid and cystic mass in the left adnexa, measuring (5.4 x 2.4 x 5.4 cm) with evidence of a large mural nodularity, the largest of which measures (3.4x2.7x3.0 cm) There is no hypervascularity. The right ovary is unremarkable, measuring 4.7 x 2.4 x 3.2 cm.  No free fluid is identified.\
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I am seeking additional advice to support the advice I have already received (from a perinatal ob/gyn and a followup upcoming in 2 weeks with a gyn/ oncologyst) or explore alternative options for treatment.\

I have a follow up ultrasound scheduled in one month to observe the cysts size.  If it has shrunk it is likely that it was blood clotting that was showing up on the US and the cyst will continue to shrink making this a functional, albiet unusual cyst.\

If there is no size reduction or growth shown through the US I am being advised to have surgery in my second trimester of pregnancy to remove the cyst so that it can be checked for malignancy.\

I would like to know what the risks are associated with waiting a few more months to see if the cyst will reduce in size.  What are the chances that a cyst will reduce in size? What is the optimal time to have an invasive procedure during gestation and why?  Are there any steps I can take to encourage size reduction or elimination naturally?  What does the phrase "there is no evidence of hypervascularity" mean? What is indicated by the observation of no free fluid is identified?\

I have read in "Healing with Whole Foods" the textbook for macrobiotic studies by Paul Pitchford about using a combination of turmeric, licorice root, cinnamon bark and peach seed, for speeding the reabsorbtion of tumors cancers and similar growths in the lower abdominal region. Are there any contraindications during pregnancy for these substances?\

I appreciate your input and thank you in advance for your time.

[iamjoyfull]

Your awesome!  I love horses to, I just saw your photos...

Truly, I am keeping the joy up high and am focusing on all the things I am grateful for.  Your words really help, thanks for the uplifting and real grounded response.  As I see it, I can integrate 1 bit of information at a time and stay present in the facts that I know now.

I will ask for copies of the tests, that will assist in the education process!

Also I found ktroeder and dropped her a note!

Thanks Cyster!

[LindaRo]

Yes of course. Her name here is ktroeder
If you look in the forum you wlll see a couple posts by her describing her situation.
Hope that helps.

That's great that you will be seeing the specialist.  Take someone with you if you can. I know that I get all foggy brained when information is being poured on me and I'm in a state of fear.  Take notes! Ask for copies of your tests.

Be careful in your research. There is a lot scary information on the internet that will give you a nervous breakdown!   Read the Health Pages on this site. Link is at the top right.

Education is a great idea. Become familiar with the different types of cysts, the various procedures, tests etc.,  Also become familiar with false positives such as elevated CA 125's in pre-menopausal women.
That way when he says you have a ______ Cyst, you will know what he is talking about and  you won't be so distracted with the new lingo.

:)
The waiting is difficult.  Focus on your pregnancy and planning ahead for that. Lots of people have babies born and discover after that they had cysts!  You are going to have a baby and this should be a wonderful and exciting time for you. Don't let the cysts take your joy away.

You are in the right place. Keep posting questions and keep us up to date ok?

We are cysters!   :)

[iamjoyfull]

Thanks for your re: Linda,

Do you have the members name who just went through a pregnancy with cysts?  Would love to connect with her.

The suggestion for a drop off of questions is a great one I will give that a try if I don't receive the answers I am looking for.

I have seen a perinatal ob/gyn who took a nice amt.of time with my husband and I.  I feel good about the meeting we had.  She has referred me to a gyn/oncologist who I will see this Tuesday the 29th.  I am a bit concerned that the referral went through so quickly and I just hope they are not moving ahead too quickly.

Time will show more details, until then I am researching as much as I can to educate myself and prepare for the next appointment.

  

[LindaRo]

So much to think about carrying a baby and all. I'm sorry your pregnancy is clouded by so much concern.

There is another new member on here that just had a baby and she had cysts on both ovaries. Perhaps she could provide more information for you? She posted recently about bilateral cysts.

I would be very careful in altering diet while pregnant. Seek the advice of a Reg. Nutritionist or Dietician or even a Naturopathic Doctor. I can't stress that enough. While these things sound harmless, they often are not. For example - I was taking St.John's Wort for PMS symptoms. It almost gave me a heart attack.

Lots of doctors advise waiting on cysts. Especially cysts that appear fluid filled and round as these are considered lower risk.   95% of cysts in pre-menopausal women are benign.  :)

Make a list of all your questions and take the list to your doctor and ask. Or leave the list there and advise you will pick it up in 48 hours.  Inform them that you are very very worried and need to know more.

I wish you all the best with this and please keep us informed.

Linda