Dreading upcoming results of CA125 test

[Canyonbuff]

I'm 68, a full-time breadwinner. I've believed myself to be in good health, but I just learned I have a very large ovarian cyst extending across the abdomen, 27 cm wide. It was discovered during hernia repair surgery a week ago. Its presence surprised the general surgeon doing the procedure, and surprised me too - it is so huge that it had popped out the umbilical hernia. My belly has seemed large for around 5 years and I have bought my pants and skirts one-two sizes larger than my tops; but I thought it was due to overweight (which, however, has been next to impossible to lose). I have had no other symptoms whatsoever. The surgeon said this thing certainly hadn't appeared "over night" and felt it would probably prove benign. A CAT scan revealed a large cystic mass - other organs scanned as normal. The surgeon said it appeared to the naked eye as unilocular - a smooth-surfaced, regular oval shape. My PCP is sending me right off the bat to see an oncologist, and I had the CA125 blood test three days ago. I am terribly frightened of getting these results. I have read that postmenopausal women with malignancies usually show high values on this test - well above the 35 normal level; but also that benign tumors and other conditions can cause false positives. I am hanging on to my emotions for dear life, and don't know how I will handle it if the results come back very high. Surgery is guaranteed at my age, with a tumor of this size; but is ovarian cancer a "given" as well? Would appreciate any input.....I'm so grateful to have found this forum. God bless.

[Canyonbuff]

Tomorrow is my surgery day to get this great big cyst removed and my hysterectomy performed - have to be at the hospital at 5:30, surgery at 7. Gulp! But I think I'm glad to finally have it set up.

Hotrodgirl, I can surely sympathize with you - I feel exactly like a pincushion after all the many, many blood tests they have done on me, especially today's painful one in the hand, which was a blood screening/typing test so that if I need a transfusion tomorrow, they will know what kind to pipe in! There is a wide range of skill levels in those people who draw your blood (my husband sourly calls them "vampires") - and the swollen, purple inside of my right elbow is the handiwork of one who was very clumsy - OUCH. I am hoping that the last needle I have to endure - at least before the surgery - is the installation of the IV drip.
Now I have a question for those of you who have experienced hysterectomies - is it really a FULL six weeks before you feel up to resuming normal living? I have SUCH a busy job at church and it's getting towards Christmas, the most hectic time of our church year. Do you think I will likely be "out of commission" until the middle of December? Or, after a couple of weeks, can one start working an hour a day, then two hours, etc.? I have a young girl who is my office substitute, but she has limited experience in handling all the stuff that I have to do in the office. Your input will be appreciated - and your forum support has been invaluable to me in going through this process!
Love you all much,
Roberta

[Canyonbuff]

Thanks for the "heads up," Laney. Sounds like your procedure involved some surprises for your surgeon(s), just like my original hernia operation did! But I am so glad for you that it's over and that you're recuperating. Sending you my blessings for a speedy and complete recovery....
Love,
Roberta

[hotrodgirl]

Best of luck to you ladies!  

I know surgery is not something I look forward to either....I'm not crazy about needles.  Last year when I had my partial hyster, I started crying when the nurse put in my IV.....44 yo and cried like a baby....I Hate Needles!

[Laney8463]

Roberta,
Just wanted to wish you the best on Tuesday. I know about the "butterflies". I just had the same surgery last wed and I think I am doing really well. Mine was robotically and they took it all out. You will do awesome and Im praying for wonderful results.
God Bless you
Laney

[Sandymac]

Roberta
    From one "Vintage Lady" to another, I just want to wish you well for your surgery Tuesday.. Did you read the latest post from "Laney"? She went through much the same thing ..even the appendectomy. At the time of her post, she was doing quite well !!  So take heart in that !
    I will be thinking of you Tuesday .. I know everything will just be fine.. please keep us posted when you feel up to it..

Take care,
Sandy

[Canyonbuff]

When I visited the gynecologist/surgeon Friday, he poked my stomach and said, "Whoa! That IS a big cyst!" In fact, he said there would probably prove to be another cyst on the other ovary as well, and that I have the bulk of a seven-month pregnant woman. Since I have never had children, I joked to my husband that he was soon to be a "daddy" and that we'd "PUT A BONNET ON IT!" He didn't laugh. Humph. No sense of humor, I guess! Anyhow, joking aside, the surgery Tuesday will involve removal of the cyst (after initial draining due to its impressive size), both ovaries and the uterus. Also, they're doing an appendectomy while they're in there, whether I need it or not! I'm in a state of "wild butterflies in the stomach" but am glad to be finally getting this thing resolved. Thanks, Sharon, for the advice on doing something nice for myself - I'm getting a spa pedicure tomorrow and am going to oversee my husband doing ALL the housecleaning - ha ha!
You wonderful women on this forum have been a great help to me in dealing with this uncharted situation with courage and common sense. I know God led me to find you.
Love to all,
Roberta (Canyonbuff)