HI Emily,
I am 24 and i was diagnosed a month ago with ovarian cancer. They removed my right ovary and said it was 1C stage. I dont have to go through Chemo because it is slow growing, but all I have to say is that I feel the same way too about feeling vulnerable and depressed and sad and worrisome. But you must look at the positive side and see that you are alive and well and living. Most women who find OC are dead within 5 years of finding it. So, live each day as if tomorrow never came and enjoy things than you used to. I know its hard to try enjoying this because it seems that cancer will be with you for the rest of your life, but you need to just be strong and find a support group in your area. I pray that you get through this...
God Bless,
Lani
Hi, I had a laparoscopy last Friday (3/23) for removal of my left ovary. I had two cysts - one was a hemmoraghic and one was an endometrioma. Beginning 10 weeks ago, I had one CT scan, 2 US, and one MRI and they never showed more than one mass. I don't know how all those tests could have missed the other cyst. But since my surgery, I have been very depressed. I still have some pain which my gyne told me will go away soon but I have this horrible feeling of being vulnerable and nothing I do makes me feel comfortable of safe. The waiting to see what would happen and having to take the CA 125 test wore me out and I thought I would be relieved after the surgery but I'm just sad. I worry about my remaining ovary and the possibility of it getting more cysts. I worry about why there is no reliable predictor for ovarian cancer and I worry about all the women who have it. I'm 51 and perimenopausal and I wonder if this is hormonal or a result of the trauma I've been through. I read my test results over and over trying to figure out why they couldn't see that other cyst. I'm not sure I trust anything anymore.
Emily
If the surgery is laparoscopic you will be up and around sooner. If they do a bikini cut
cesarean type cut, you may need a hand up to get out of bed for about 1 and 1/2 weeks.
Stairs would not be much fun either after surgery. Hopefully, you have some help around the house. Sometimes they don't want you to drive for a week or two.
Hope this helps. You will do just great and feel much better. Don't worry. With the bikini-cut it you might need the 4-weeks off. But who knows.
Best of luck, you'll be in my prayers! I go in a week from Tuesday!
Please keep us posted on the results of your operation, how it went for you, and any recommendations you might have for others talking a step in your shoes.
Morrowville
Thanks for the answers back. My bag is packed and ready to go for tomorrow, im hoping i will be back in a few weeks to wearing high heels again! lol
Thank you for answering back, you both have releived my worry. Ill let you know how i get on.
Shazza
When I had mine removed I was 20, I was in hospital for about a week and then they signed me off for 5 weeks. I was ok to go back to work about 2-3 weeks but take as much time as you need.
Hope everything goes ok. I know it will and you will be pain free after your recovery.
I also have a large dermoid cyst. There are several operations to remove the cyst & the ovary, laparotomy, laproscopy, open surgery. The recovery period depends on the type of surgery, your physical condition, etc. Google those operations & read up on them, or ask more questions here, the people on this forum are EXCELLENT!
I am very heavy, and past child bearing. I am having an open (laparotomy) surgery on 04/08. My doctors told me that due to being overweight, diabetic, etc. my recovery will be longer, about 8 weeks.
Your situation could be completely different. I've read about ladies going back to work (at desk jobs) 2 weeks post surgery!
The upside is, your pain will go away (yippee!) and you will be taking care of your body.
I'm glad to see you listened to what your body was trying to tell you, and are getting things in order.
Best wishes,
Morrowville