I'm Scared

[mckenna395]

First of all, I want to thank all of the people who are posting and sharing their experience of living with ovarian cysts.  It's really comforting to read and know and understand firsthand whats it's like to to go through the nerve racking waiting for the diagnosis of potentialy having ovarian cancer. I had an Ultrasound but they couldnt get a good look at my ovaries and so it was suggested that I have an MRI.  The MRI showed that my left ovary was enlarged.  A nurse from my primary care doctor told me that it was a good chance that I had ovarian cancer.  I cannot even begin to tell you how cold and impersonal she was in telling me this.  I am really scared, as I know the seriousness of this diagnosis.  Because they couldnt quite see clearly the left ovary (the MRI only showed it was enlarged, I am now going back to have an Ultrasound tomorrow.  After that, I will be waiting for the dignosis.  My question to you all who have gone through all these procedures, what are the type of questions I should be asking the physicians?  As I have noticed that you all seem to know the size of your cysts or ovaries.  Thanks again for all the comfort I have gained from you.  

McKenna

[Sandymac]

In the first place, that nurse had absolutely no business whatsoever saying such a thing. It is hugely unprofessional at the very least..There is no way she would know if you have cancer or not !!  And as Irene said, you should definitely mention it!

Did you have the Transvaginal Ultrasound (which is better) or the abdominal ? The size of the cyst is usually determined (roughly)by the US. Many times the US Tech will not answer specific questions and that is really as it should be, but the questions I would ask you Dr. (not the nurse) .. What kind do they think it is..? notice I said, "Think" because there is no way to tell with absolute certainty what kind it is. They thought mine was solid.. it was a simple cyst. (fluid) . Should this be monitored.? Sometimes they suggest monitoring for about 3 months and recheck. Don't forget cysts are very , very common and 95% benign .. so again I don't where this nurse gets her information!  If they suggest surgery, there are 2 types: the laparoscope where you will have 3 small incisions, and they can "poke around" in there (that really is the only way they can tell  what it is with 100% certainty) and remove if necessary. The other is a laparatomy which a lot of the ladies have also had . The laparoscope is usually done on an outpatient basis. .. only takes a few hours usually. The Laparotomy is a little longer in the hospital.

Please don't let this unprofessional woman frighten you. By the way.. hope you are seeing a Gynecologist... Chances are is that this is a cyst (very common remember) and it can be dealt with very simply and easily .. Oh.. check out the top right of this page "Health Pages" and  you will find more information. In the meantime, try not to worry and keep us posted,
Sandy

[ireneo]

When you see your primary care doctor again  it would be a good idea to mention - "when I was in here before, the nurse said I probably have cancer. Is that true?"  That way you let him/her know that the nurse was horribly unprofessional and that you're scared.

Questions: size of cyst, can they tell what type it is, do they feel you need surgery and if so, what type (laparoscopy - 3 small incisions or laparotomy - a single open incision).

I'm sure others will have more ideas about questions.