Can a GYN/ONC be too agressive?

[ccaidan]

I had my appointment today with the ONC. I was very surprised to find out that my left 6.5cm complex mass had a counter part on the right ovary of about 4 cm.  My Gyn had not mentioned that to me in our consult from about two weeks ago.  I am glad that I followed advice and went to see the ONC.  I went from thinking I may have to have the left ovary removed to losing both ovaries and my uterus as well.  He said with my abdominal symptoms, family history and being unable to see either ovary because of the mass on each that he wanted to be agressive.  Does this sound reasonable?  My head is spinning because I had half expexcted to hear that my GYN was off target and we would just wait and see.  I am more worried now because of both ovaries being involved.  I thought that I would be prepared to hear something like this but at 31 I was hoping to avoid losing everything.  Is there such a thing as doing too much?  He also told me that I was already functionally (sp?) sterile as I am not producing any eggs and had not been for some time. He was also concerned because in Sept of 06 I had a CT that showed a small cyst in each ovary and now we are here.  My son is autistic and I am his primary caregiver.  This whole thing has me scared and worried about coping with a long recovery. He has great credentials and answered my questions but should I seek a second opinion or does all this sound reasonable.  I put in to have a copy of the U/S report but that has to come from my original OBGYN.  Any insight would be really appreciated.  I'm more worried now than before.

[rmarie]

Your question on aggressiveness of treatment depends upon what they find at the time of surgery.  The diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be suspected, however it is not confirmed until they examine the tissue during surgery.  If it is cancer they would proceed to do the standard surgery for OC, which is a hysterectomy, removal of the ovaries, debulking (multiple biopsies) removal of omentium, tissue that overlays the colon and contains blood vessels and lymph nodes.  They do try to preserve ovarian functioning (if possible) for women at a stage one who wish to still have children.  I think he has said that your ovaries are not functioning because of the tumor.  This is a very frightening time, with decisions to be made under stress.  And who really remembers all that they tell us, when they deliver the bad news.  Did you go with someone to this appointment?  What did they hear?  Good luck, thoughts and prayers are with you.

[ccaidan]

Hi,

I had to go to this appointment alone because my DH was watching my son.  I heard everything clearly right up until he said ovarian cancer and then it was sort of touch and go.  They moved me around the office making surgery dates and giving me papers to read and sign as well as doing the pre-op today.  Always asking if I had questions but who can think much at that time. They did give me sheet that told me the surgical plan which is to take the left ovary, maybe the right and take the uterus.  He will try and preserve hormone function but won't know until he gets in there.  He was carefull to say that it could be benign but since this had been going on for a year he does not think they are going to resolve as they are getting larger.  I swear every women should have and advocate at these things just to ask the questions that haunt us later the same day.  I have had 3 aunts w/breast cancer,uncle w/colon cancer as well as others with bone and pancreatic cancer. My father is the youngest of 9 and there are 3 surviving and both of his sisters now have breast cancer.  It is hard to talk with my family because of this.  Any hint of cancer and they tend to panic which, unfortunately, makes me worry more!
Christy  

[SimplyStar]

the above advice is very good, as to your son, if you have an ARC office in your area you might call them and explain the situation and ask them for respite care in case you are laid up. I have a Downs  syndrome son and when I call the ARC, they are so helpful.

[rmarie]

Not a nice family history, I understand the panic.  It sounds like you were given all the options, if it isn't cancer, they will try to perserve ovarian function, but if it isn't they will have to do the more extensive, they tell it to all of us, heading into the operating room.  If you have any questions, I am sure you can call that office and talk to the Dr. and get your questions asked, and we are here for support.  Good luck, you sound like you have it together.  I looked like I had it together, however I wanted to curl up in the fetal position and go to sleep for a month.  

[ccaidan]

Thanks so much for posting.  I know that I sound together and I guess in a way I am.  Only because I have had such a horrible year, in and out of the ER.  I am ready to act NOW!  I do have a lot of fears swirling around inside.  These usually boil up when I try and sleep.  My little one watches me very closely for signs that all is well with his world so I have learned to be careful what comes across my face.  My husband knows me well and is just waiting for it to come out probably a couple of hours before surgery!  I can't tell you how much I appreciate being able to "talk" to people that have been through all of this before me.  Take care
Christy