Home From Surgery- Complex Cyst was "Borderline" (1A)

[Cagney2712]

I'm home from the hospital and have chance to update everyone on my Feb 5 surgery. The docs were able to remove the "problem" ovary via laparoscopy, but when it was opened the gyn. oncologist thought it looked "suspicious", so they switched to a full laparotomy and staging, removing both ovaries, tubes, uterus, cervix, some lymph nodes, & omentum. I really don't remember anything from the day of the surgery except being nauseous; The day after I was still nauseous, so was kept on clear fluids. I wasn't in any pain, but was so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open. By day 3 the nausea had gone and I was able to eat real food. I also wasn't nearly as tired and did alot of walking. Day 4 I finally "passed gas" so the docs said I could go home:-) The oncologist also gave me the good news that the ovary was borderline, low malignancy potential, stage 1A, which thankfully means I don't need any chemo. While I had hoped for a totally benign finding, I'm grateful it wasn't anything worse, and that this was apparently caught about as early as possible. Now I can focus on relaxing and recovering. This tues I get my staples out, as well as the catheter(my bladder was 'nicked" during sugery so the catheter was left in while it heals.)  I really feel better than I ever expected - I'm not very tired, have virtually no pain (the drugs are wonderful :-), and can get around pretty well. All in all, I'm thankful it's over and that the "alien" is gone. All the support I got from this site certainly helped and is appreciated.

[jhenny888]

Hi, i was dx with Atypically mucinous borderline tumor. Are we the same? May i know ur biposy result? Mine, there are no stromal invasion. Do i consider it as "1A". Plsease help me. I am paranoid. thank you

[bchbumm]

Hi Cagney,

Great News! I was diagnosed borderline IIc after surgery May '05. Originally thought to be advanced cancer. Did fertility sparing surgery only to find that pathology returned borderline tumor on ovary that was saved (2nd surgery somewhere in future). I'm followed same as if it had been advanced cancer and remain just as diligent. For the first year I saw GYN/ONC every 4 months; TVU, Pelvic, Pap & CA125. I just recently started 6 month follow ups & will eventually progress to yearly.  I also keep a detailed journal at my docs recommendation to track any changes, etc. I try to stay very proactive & have read everything I can find on these type of tumors.

Best wishes & give yourself plenty of time to recover.

Chris

[lactac1224]

My doc does call it cancer and says that I should have a CA 125 and exam by gyn/onc every 6 months for the rest of my life.  Had a CT 6 mo after surgery and all was good.  Good luck to you!

[chelan2]

Hi Cagney, my follow-ups are every 6 mos for 5 yrs.  They consisted of pelvic exams and a yearly CT scan. My 5 yrs are coming up in May! I also wanted to continue with yearly exams and ultrasounds thereafter, but my dr said it wasn't necessary.  I think I'm going to see another dr though.  Although it's rare for our type of cancer to recur if it does recur it can come back as full-fledged cancer and if it does I want to nip it in the bud!  
Debbie

[suzy45]

Hi Cagney,
I am glad you are home and will continue to keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
I still have over a month to go(March 12) to have my complex cyst removed and the waiting game is not fun.. as you know!!
I am glad we are all here to help each other whether it is full blown ovarian cancer/ borderline(like yours) / or someone like me who has so many unknowns and is awaiting surgery and needs to come here for support from others who have been through same experiences.
Take care. Suzy

[Cagney2712]

I do understand that I'll be followed by the gyn. oncologist for some time. Just wondering what the
"follow-ups" involve- periodic ultrasounds, blood work, what??  Just curious what to expect from here on out.

[Tybear]

Congrats on your surgery and feeling so well. Borderline tumors are such an oddity in the medical field - some Dr's call them cancer and some don't. I agree with Pam, please make sure you continue to be followed up on a regular basis. I'm glad it hadn't spread and that you don't have to do chemo.
Take it easy,
Becky

[nyc lady]

Good news....just remember that borderline does require follow up with your GYN/ONC the same as if you were diagnosised with later stage cancer.  

It is important that you stay on top of this.  Borderline is slow growing and I have recently seen some studies saying that they are seeing re-growths of borderline tumors after the "5 year" mark.

Not at all saying this to scare you and I am happy that you do not need chemo and chances are you will be in the 90 percent of those with borderline that never have recurrences.  It is just important to know that you need to be followed up and watched closely.

Good luck and hope you are feeling better.  Don't over do, enjoy the time that you have everyone doing things for you.  Wishing you a speedy and uneventful recover.