ovarian laparotomy surgury

[pixiepeanut]

hi ladies.
i just found out last week that i have a 10cm cyst on my left ovary. i am terrified. i don't have a surgery date set yet and appt for my oncologist isn't set either. they are just getting my lab results from my ob/gyn.but already know that i am going to have my ovary and fallopian tube removed. my questions are these,
what can i expect during recovery....pain, discomfort, things i should do to make it easier on my body...things in that nature. i have been looking online for some answers and i understand everyone is different in mind body and spirit, but we are all women ...any information will be greatly appreciated.

[pixiepeanut]

my appt with the oncologist is monday. i am 40, no kids but plan on having them if all goes well. i have my questions laid out for the doctor who will be performing the surgery, i have done my research on him and it looks like i will be in good hands. my husband is taking time off to help me get around. i have a great support system with my family and friends. thank you for all the advice, completely forgot about the hospital stay, hoping it is only a day or so. nothing longer

[hopeshell]

Ditto to all the comments about making sure a gyn/onc does your surgery.  For me, I was very sick after surgery and had some complications.  I was in the hospital for two weeks.  The best tip I can give is to make sure you take your pain meds before the pain gets too bad.  Try to take it on a regular schedule and take it with food.  In the hospital I had a morphine pump and that took care of the pain.  I more remember the emotional pain of dealing with the news of cancer than the physical pain.  You will want to make sure you have someone to care for you when you get home.  Really rest and don't lift!  Try to make sure there are frozen meals in the fridge and some delivery menus at hand.  You don't mention your age or if you have small kids.  But, you will want to make sure you have coverage on that end too if needed.  One other thing that helped me was having some books to read, movies to watch and time to just think and pray.  I wish you well!  You will make it.  Times such as these teach us how strong we really are.  Let us know how you are doing.

[WildFlower84]

I just had a 12 cm cyst surgically removed by doing a laparotomy along with my left ovary and fallopian tube in August. I have about a 8 inch scar that is called a "bikini cut". They said I was going to be in the hospital for maybe 1 or 2 nights but I was in the hospital for four days. I suggest trying to walk around as much as they recommend (3-4 times a day) once you take your first step. It was personally really hard for me b/c the morphine made me dizzy but once i was off the morphine i stuck to it and it really helped me! Walking around will help with bowl movements and all the gas you will have from the surgery. Maintain a healthy & high fiber diet will help you...I found myself feeling stronger when i ate a well balanced meal.

My first week was hard but every week you WILL get stronger trust me! Yesterday it was my 5th week post surgery and I am walking about...driving...doing things I didn't think was possible in the beginning! I still can not use my lower ab muscles but I'm working on it!

Also, if you have to sneeze, laugh or cough. Hold your stomach with a pillow...it helps with the pain!

I hope this has helped...I just recently signed up here...and i also went into all of this so blindly! Good luck and you will be in my prayers!

[ireneo]

I did have a 10 cm cyst, my ovary and tube removed last year. But she was able to do it via laparoscopy. I knew she was going to attempt it that way first but if she ran into problems, she would open me up. And yes, she did have an oncologist on hand. Considering I'm menopausal and well over 50, there was some concern. However, everything came out fine, no sign of cancer and I healed up well. So just to let you know, it's possible to have some doubtful stuff going on and still come out OK.

As for healing with my scope type surgery, I did go shopping the next day (just browsing the book store), my bowels got back to work in a few days and I was back to work (light duty) within a week.

[jane65]

Hi,
I can understand that you're being terrified, the possibility of cancer is an overwhelming thing  for any of us to face.

The gyn couldn't have told you that you have cancer, that diagnosis is  only made by the path lab when they examine the specimen. They will report if it is a benign cyst, or if it is cancer, what kind it is.

I hope your surgery will be done by a GYN/ONC who is specially trained in female diseases and can check all your organs while you're on the table in the OR.
If a child isn't in your future, why are they not doing a complete hysterectomy at that time, to remove any chance of other female organ cancers?

Regarding not having an appointment with an oncologist, you wouldn't be sent to an oncologist until there is a definite cancer diagnosis and a treatment plan has to be set up.

I had open abdominal OVCA surgery, and my recovery was uneventful and not painful. I had a port put in my chest for chemo a month after surgery, and started chemo a few weeks later. The most important thing you can do after surgery, is to rest when you're tired, walk to keep the circulation moving, eat nourishing meals, and realize tat it will take time.

Keep us informed as things move along, and remember to take it one day at a time.
Good luck,
Jand