Ovarian Cyst & Abdominal Hysterectomy

[HoneyB2288]

HI, I have a large cyst~soccer ball~on my right ovary. My CA-125 was 54..I have 2 anterior and 1 posterior fibroid on my uterus. My gynecologist stated I would have to have surgery but referred me to a GYN Oncologist. When I wen to GYN Oncologist, he stated that he highly recommends that I have an abdominal hysterectomy~removing the ovaries and the uterus. He advised me that he would make a vertical incision from below my breast to I believe my belly button and proceed to remove everything, do a biopsy of the cyst to see if cancerous and then stated that he would have to do more extensive removals if it came back possitive....I am also 48 years old and not planning on having any children. I am very apprehensive to have my uterus removed, I understand the ovaries due to the cyst size and possible emulation at a later time to the left ovary but the uterus, I am not sure why and when asked Dr. I actually blanked out and can't remember his answer. I know that sounds horrible but the words possible cancer kept running through my brain. I wanted to know if anyone would agree with removal of ovaries and uterus in my case or if any one has had this same type situation and what they decided on. Unfortunately, the Dr. feels this needs to be taken care of w/in the next 2 weeks due to size and chance of the cyst bursting due to size. Just want a similar situation or what others have done or if Dr, how they feel about my situation

[walters2012]

A related discussion, ovarian cyst was started.

[EchoUK]

Recovery was  quick - I had tubes everywhere for the first two days - drain from abdomen, catheter, tube up my nose and into stomach, saline drip and a morphine line into my hand with a press button so I could use when needed.  As it happened I didn't use it as I only a little discomfort - mainly the tube down my throat - and no pain.  I wasn't on any pills at all even sleeping tablets.
The tubes all disappeared in a matter of three days - I was up into a chair on day two and walking to the loo by day three. Not allowed to eat for the first day if I remember but food wasn't appealing as my taste buds stopped working and that lasted several weeks.  My husband brought me milkshakes made with fresh fruit and icecream which went down well. Sipping milk helped alleviate sorenes caused by the throat tube.
Not allowed out of hospital until you have a normal bowel movement - I was out in five days and the stitches (from navel down as far as pubic bone) were out in seven days from the operation by which time I was functioning pretty well - had to have a rest part way through the day for a week or two.
I was quite amazed how quickly I healed up, being my first surgery I didn't know what to expect

Chemo started about three weeks later for four sessions as I had six before surgery. Driving allowed after four weeks but no lifting for about six weeks. Otherwise back to pretty well normal life quite quickly - for now anyway! May be different outside the UK but no much I wouldn't think.

Best of luck for Oct 3rd.  

Luv,

Ruth xx

[BBernice]

I am having surgery on Oct.3.  I have a tumor on my right ovary. 9x14cm.  I was wondering, how long
was your recovery?  I have a Gyn/Onc and he tells me, he won't know anything until my results come back from the Pathologist.  Just wondering what I may be in for?  It is good to talk to woman who have been through this and are going through it...thanks for your comments.

[EchoUK]

I told my surgeon to take out everything she could lay her hands on that I didn't need so she did! When I asked what had gone the list was so long (including uterus) that I lost track but I was only in theatre one and a half hours as she had no 'fiddling about' to do. I was dignosed Stage 3.

I also told her that I didn't want to take any of it home as the two times I have been in hospital before I came out with my wisdom teeth in a jar the first time and a baby son the second time:-)

I am well past the menopause so maybe it was easier for me to make that decision but I sailed through the surgery, recovered very quickly and nine months later haven't missed anything I lost.

Obviously everyone is individual and until your surgeon can see what is there he/she can't make any decisions. I gave mine free reign and she estimated that she took out 90% - just left a bit that she couldn't 'get at'. There was no major organ involvement - mine spread due to malignant ascites.

If it saves the possiblity of further surgery why not have whatever necessary done now?

All the best,

Hugs from Ruth in the UK

[chelie]

I was in your shoes last Dec.  I am 50 years old and had a very large cyst(13 lbs) on my left ovary.  I looked like I was 9 months pregnant. My CA 125 was 52.   My gyn/onc recomended a complete hysterectomy, along with removal of my appendix and omenteum and pelvic lymph nodes.  I know what you mean by going completely blank as soon as you hear the words CANCER.  A part of me just shut down, and another part of me said take everything you can to get the cancer out of me.  I figured I wasn't going to use my uterus anymore, and it was better to remove it so that was one less place for cancer to go, and I really didn't want to have to go through surgery again.  The large vertical incision is to ensure the cyst is removed in one piece - important if it does turn out to be cancerous.  I was lucky.  My gyn/onc was able to remove my tumor without rupture. I was dx at stage 1a, went through 6 cycles of chemo, and am now working on the second half of my life.
Think positve, and know that you are stronger than you think.  Ask alot of questions.  This forum is a great place to know that you are not alone and that alot of women (and men) are dealing with OVCA and living life to the fullest.  Good luck to you and keep us posted.
chel

[rmarie]

Blanking when you hear the word cancer, in terms of your body is normal.  Did someone go with you to your appointment so you can find out what you didn't hear?  You have a large cyst that your Gyn was concerned enough about to send you to a Gyn/Onc.  Your CA 125 is elevated, the upper limit depends upon the lab, but the highest range I know about is 30.  It rises with ovarian cancer, but also with other conditions.  The Gyn/Onc looking at your transvaginal ultrasound, the CA 125 and his exam, has probably determined that there is a risk of being cancer.   You want a Gyn/Onc if it is cancer, because they give us the BEST CHANCE FOR SURVIVAL.  The have to biopsy the ovarian cyst, and he will be removing it cancer or not.  If you do have cancer the standard operation is removal of the uterus, both ovaries, a layer of tissue called the omenteum and multiple biopsies to determine staging of the cancer.  The incision that they make is the vertical.

That is the worst case.  If they get in there and biopsy the tumor they will remove at least the right ovary, you could just have it removed and keep the left.  However you realize that the other ovary should probably go.  The Gyn/Onc may have suggested the uterus because you do have fibroids, and he is there anyway, it could save you an operation.

If you think of any other questions, or I have raised more do not hesitate to write and ask.  There are lots of us here to answer questions.  Good luck to you.  This is a good site to help you with ovarian cancer information www.ovarian.org.
You shoud not hesitate to call and ask the Gyn/Onc questions, I doubt the cyst will break, but I would get it out as soon as possible, if you can get it operated on in two weeks go for it.