Scary thoughts of ovarian cancer

[Loumac]

Hi - I was reading up on ovarian cysts/ovarian cancer, and found this site.  After reading most of the entries, I don't feel as alone!  I have had 3 vag. U/S's since first week of Dec. 2005.  They found a cyst about 4cm from an MRI that I had of my left hip area.  I followed up w/a gyn doc.  The first U/S showed a "simple cyst" and the gyn was not too concerned.  (By the way, I've already had a hysterectomy 2 years ago, leaving the ovaries intact)The second U/S showed a slight growth of this "simple cyst".  The third showed even more growth and it was reclassified as a "complex cyst".  I don't know if my symptoms are real or in my head!  But I feel bloated most of the time, lots of gas (blush) and weird bowel habits.  Sometimes I even feel like I have cramps! (no uterus!!) Just 2 years ago I lost my sister to cancer, so I am so incredibly worried about this cyst!  Also, I've already had 2 C-sections, appendectomy and a hysterectomy.  My tummy looks like I had a fight w/a ninja sword fighter! (and lost)Due to all of my scar tissue, the gyn said she would have to open me up(again) and take the cyst and ovary.  Sheesh, I'm scared.  And can't think straight! Will someone please hold my hand??

Worried in GA,
Loumac

[Loumac]

Yes it absolutely SHOULD!  After all, the same gyn that did my hysterectomy is doing the oophorectomy.....she should have to pay for the tuck!  SHe's the one that messed my belly up! (even though I do have a passion for cookies, ice cream and mochas!)

Anyway, I'm playing the waiting game now.  Waiting for the surg. date.  I'll let you all know when.  I'm nervous, as expected. When the reality of it sinks in, my tummy starts turning.  My God, what if I DO have ovarian cancer?  I'm cruising around thinking "naaah, not me..."  Really makes ya think - think about how blessed we are, how beautiful life can really be.  And about how lucky I am to have such a wonderful, caring, compassionate husband to go through life with.  I found my best friend and I can't even imagine life without him.  Then I think about my sister who passed away 21/2 years ago.  It still feels like she never left, she's still outside of her house in downtown Sacramento, CA, doing her gardening, running her kids around town, entertaining family and friends every chance that she can.  It's still very hard to take for me.  Still hurts inside.  I miss her so incredibly!  But I do feel her spirit in my heart.

[Gatsby]

Yipee!!!  Well, aren't you the lucky one?!?  Just keep the 99% theme in mind, ok?  See, I still think the tummy tuck should be standard operating procedure.  lol
~Tascha

[Loumac]

Guess what everyone?!  My doctor and the plastic surgeon have agreed to let me have the tummy tuck at the same time as the cyst/ovaries removal surgery!  I'm excited about the tummy tuck, still biting my nails over the biopsy part, though.

[milashka]

Loumac, by all means, go to a gyn oncologist for surgery. I live in Athens, GA and go to SEGO in Lawrenceville. They also operate out of Northside Hospital. They are really wonderful, knowledgable and on top of the game. 678-376-0528.

[milashka]

Oh, and I had surgery with them less than 2 weeks (would have been one week if we'd gotten an OR) after my regular gyn refered me. Cancer...or could-be-cancer...is all they do and they know time is of the essence.

[Gatsby]

Personally, I think the tummy tuck should be standard procedure, but then I am not the dr!
~Tascha

[Loumac]

This site is amazing...bless each and every one of you!  Your responses are appreciated far more than you realize.  OK - I just got back from the gyn appt.  She said the cyst has gotten bigger, has "junk" in it (for lack of a medical term)and wants to do the surgery.  She wants to take the ovary as well.  She will try to do it laproscopically, but if there's too much scar tissue, she'll have to do a belly cut.  Here's a question:  I'm pondering having the other taken as well.  I'm 47, have started menopause, and I don't want to end up back "on the table" in 2 years for the same thing.  I don't mind the idea of going full tilt MENOPAUSE immediately, I gotta go thru it one way or another.  OH good grief...........I'm so darned worried.  The advice about seeing a gyn oncologist is a very smart idea.  I'm going to do that.  BUT TO WAIT SOME MORE???  I've gotten so dingy, that I'm screwing up at work daily.  Stupid mistakes cuz my mind is elsewhere.

[dian07]

I completely understand how you are feeling right now...been there. I am glad to see you are going to see a gyn oncologist....there should be very little, if any, wait to see a gyn/onc surgeon.....surely your gynocologist can refer you.  Call her...ask.  If the gyn/onc surgeon is assisting, or standing by, just in case....surely something can be worked out....I think the wait would be worth it.
You are at a scary place right now...if you weren't scared, something would be way wrong!
I think I would consider having everything taken out as well...anything to avoid another surgery and more scar tissue.  Some of us have a tough time with menopause, and some of us don't. I had everything taken out last April....the left ovary was cancerous....I am glad everything is gone as I don't want to wonder about anything else going on...after that, menoupause is a piece of cake!  
A laparoscopy was never considered in my case...my incision runs from my pubic bone to my navel.....and I don't care...some things are just more important than others.
One thing I'd like to say here....getting the right person to do your surgery is definately worth the wait....you don't get a second chance to get it done right and thoroughly....try to be patient and do the right thing.
Peace in your decision making and wait.
dian

[Loumac]

Yeah I agree...I'm going to do it.  Take 'em both.  That way NEVER will I have to worry about it again.  I just got a call from my primary physician.  He had seen all the reports/pictures and checked on me (he knows me and how I tend to worry!!).  I told him my gyn's decision, and he strongly agreed w/her. I asked about his opinion about taking both ovaries, and he said "why not?  It's better to not worry and move on.  Hormone replacement therapy has come a long way..."  

NOW if only I could get a plastic surgeon in the o.r. to do a tummy tuck at the same time!!  Can anyone give me a reason NOT to???  A little joy with the fear?  

God Bless all of you!!  By the way, I live about 40 minutes south of Atlanta.  Beautiful countryside!
Loumac

[Gatsby]

I agree with dian about having everything out.  I know that my dr thought he was saving me from early menopause by leaving 10% of my left ovary, but it happened anyway.  Now I am having recurring symptoms (left side only) and have to go in for another us and tvus 3/17.  Feels like another cyst is brewing.  In fact took another look in the mirror and the area on the right side from hip to buttock is straight, however, on the left side from hip to buttock there is a definite lump right where the ovary is (the ovaries are more to the back than women realize).  I was so shocked to notice this that I called my daughter in to look at it too and she could see it right away!  Friday cannot get here soon enough!
~Tascha

[Gatsby]

Just got back in, had to work registration at school tonight.  Yes, 99% of ovarian cysts are benign.  And let me tell you, we have all been scared of having cancer.  The problem is that you can't be properly dxd without surgery.  Watch and wait - what a royal pain.  And then late in the night, the fear creeps in.  Yep we have all been there.  Well, we are here for you too.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

[Loumac]

To answer some of the questions from your response (THANK YOU!!!):  I had the hysterectomy due to heavy periods, fibroids and endometriosis.  Also, my grandmother died of uterin cancer when she was young.  (I'm 47 by the way)

My sister's cancer was a glioblastoma cancer (the ugliest cancer around), which was found in the left lobe of her brain.  After diagnosis, she lived only 8 months.

So, you can see why I'm so scared!  Way too much cancer in my family.  I realize that they are seperate individuals, but still, I'm losing it, here.

[MickeyVicki]

What type of cancer did your sister have?  

Where in GA do you live?  I am in the northeast part of the state myself.

I can relate to your worries. In 2004, I developed a host of scary symptoms that led to an ultrasound that detected a large complex cyst on my ovary.  It had all the hallmarks of ovarian cancer, but it was found to be benign.

Anyway,  you have found THE source of kindness and inspiration during this time, so do not hesitate to "burden" us with your worries!

[healthcareguerilla]

The thing is, opting for psychogenic, all-in-the-head, regarding symptoms beats many other options.  But one needs clinically-measureable tests and examinations to be sure.

What prompted the hysterectomy.

I'll tell you - for myself, now that I have had physiological stuff ruled out, I'm going to look hard again at physiological manifestations of emotional issues.  For myself, among other things -- tightness in the throat (apart from the euthyroid multinodular goiter) -- what is it I am not expressing to the right people at the right time.  (The Forum doesn't count -- nice women here, and a very safe place).  Or MY lower abdominal pain.  As my previous posts say, I've been feeling like I'm "full of it" -- by that I mean needing to shed all the old lifescripts, etc.  But this is about you.

How can we not be afraid of cancer.  It's SO popular -- even on cereal boxes -- we are inundated with things cancer -- but as for your particular situation - I bow to the others to respond.

[dian07]

I am in complete agreement.....that thing needs to come out...but, NOT by your gynocologist...you need a surgeon who specializes in gyn oncology...that is very important when it comes to your prognosis.
You already did your "wait and see" (which is often the toughest part) now it's time to move forrward, find out what your'e dealing with, and then, with the assistance of your oncologist, make a plan (if necessaary) and follow through.
I am surprised Gatsby hasn't been here already to remind you "99% of all cysts are begnine" so until told differently, hang your hat on that fact!
Stay in touch, and please post often as it will help.
Peace to you.
dian

[brthbbs]

Oh do I feel your tension.  I couldn't see straight for the three weeks I had to wait for the surgery and I'd also had two previous abdominal surgeries.  I figured, for some reason, that I had done enough abdominal surgeries--been there, done that--so the universe didn't need to hand me that ever again!  Well, I was wrong.  As for the psychogenic stuff--I really love a little book by Louise Hay called Heal Your Body.  She has a list of physical problems with a psychological explanation and a positive affirmation.  I like it so that I can approach my health care and healing from all angles.
Louana