cyst on ovary post menopausal

[mari55]

I am having surgery on Friday.  I have to admit I am nervous.  No one likes surgery.  I have a 6.4 cm (approx. 2 1/2 inches in diameter) septated complex cyst on my left ovary. My gyn told me that there is fluid and possible calcification.  I had the blood test and I had a number of 16 which I am told is good.  I saw the oncologist gyn, who is performing the surgery, and she said that it has to come out.  I had very little pain.  Twinges once in a while. It was found by accident.  The oncologist suggested perhaps removing my ovaries and my uterus. THere is a history of cancer in my family, but not ovarian.  I cried, read, talked to friends..and decided only if necessary take out what needs to be.  If of course it is cancer, she can take everything.  She said that there is about a 10% chance that there is.  So it seems that the odds are in my favor.  Has anyone had this type of cyst and how did it all turn out?  
Thanks

[Sandymac]

Hi,
      So glad you had such good news !! Now, don't rush yourself. Take some time to heal.. and hope you stick around ! We need folks with good reports to reassure others as they come aboard ..Keep us posted,

Take it easy now,
Sandy

[mari55]

I stayed one night in the hospital.  I was drugged so that was nice.  Originally I was suppose to come home same day, but with the appendix and to manage the pain, I stayed one night.  It's been one week and I still have tender areas but it doesn't hurt.  I take tylenol once a day.  The thing that I did is take miralax my third day and it helped get the gas and all moving.  I recommend doing this.  It made a big difference.  
The fluid being in the cyst doesn't make sense to me because they are on opposite sides. (I have had pain on my right side for years).  I see the doctor in a week so I will find out.  It really isn't that bad.  Are you having laporscopic surgery?  I am sure this made a big difference in my recovery.
Sounds like you have had you plate full.  Good luck.  I am sure it will all go fine.
Marilyn

[vallieanne]

Glad to hear everything was benign and your back home recovering. I think my cyst is just about the same size as yours as the lemon reference was made by my doctor also. I'm supposed to have it out a week from this coming Monday if some other family related issued don't call for me to have to put it off. It's been there for 6 years already, as it was being watched and supposed to have shrunk when I went into menopause, it got a little bigger ( I had a broken leg for a year so more delay ).
I don't know what the fluids from the nodules means exactly, but it sounds like they maybe it was right near it and somehow got inside the cyst?
I just wondered how long did they expect the recovery to be, even though I know everyone recovers at a different rate.
Take care
Valerie

[mari55]

I am home and recovering nicely.  The cyst was benign!  The cyst was the size of a large lemon.  I think I had a fruit bowl growing.  lol They took out my appendix as it had nodules on it.  That might explain the constant pain on my right side.  The doctor said some of the fluid from the nodules was in the cyst.  Not sure what that means, but I will ask at my follow up.  Thank you all for your kind words and prayers.  If anyone is going through this or needs to ask me a question, ask away.

Marilyn

[kitonthemoon]

Just want to let you know that my prayers are with you . .......that your surgery is successful.  

Kit

[mari55]

leaving for the hospital in an hour.  Still not empty.  Thanks for all the good wishes.  I will be in touch, :)

[Sharon2714]

do u have good reading material ??
i suggest harry potter if its sluggish
and famous jewish sports legends if it isnt

hey .. why do docs keep referring to cysts sizes in fruit language ??

praise god i havent heard the word watermelon :)

hugz n prayers thru the nite
sharon

[mari55]

You all are great.  It's 11:25 and I am Still waiting on the bathroom..if you get my drift.  I think it's going to be a long night.  I wonder what happens if it doesn't work.  hmmm
thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers.  With all the support o of my family and friends ( I work with the most incrdible women) and all of you, How can I miss!
Thanks again,
Marilyn

[Sharon2714]

praying for supreme peace pre op
and double that post op
sharon

[vallieanne]

I am also post menopausal and am supposed to have surgery on July 14 to remove a 5 cm. cyst on my left ovary. I was very nervous about it at first as I found out the cyst had grown and not gotten smaller, but after having all my tests done and from what the surgeon told me, I'm really not too worried anymore.
I don't have the same kind of cyst as you do, I have what they are pretty sure is a simple cyst, which are usually benign, and my Ca-125 was a low 7.
Please try to stay positive and take the advice of all the ladies who have already had the surgery about what to expect. I don't know much about the prep as I haven't had my operation yet, but I do know that potassium can cause problems if you take too much or you didn't need it in the first place.
I wish you good luck for your surgery and a easy recovery, and will hope your able ease your mind from what you've read on the boards.
Valerie

[ireneo]

Never heard of oral Fleets. All of it is crummy, running to the bathroom all evening long and wondering if you're going to spring a leak any moment. Post surgery - if you can't stand the taste of standard prune juice, there's a newer one called Plum Smart. It's about the color and watery texture of cranberry juice, none of the thicker syrupy stuff. And it's a much fresher, even tart taste. Imagine eating a plum. There you have it. It also works very well to keep things moving along. Don't guzzle 8 ounces of it though; you'll end up gassy and you won't need that.

Let us know what happens after you get home. And don't be afraid to speak up to your doctor. You'll have to sign paperwork before they remove anything. That would be a good time to let them know. Get some rest and we'll be waiting for you.

[earthstar11]

I too am menopausal, am 8 days post laparoscopy for cyst removal, fibroid removal, as well as bladder repair...   my cyst was tiny @ 1 cm, and totally benign....  understandalbly alot smaller than yours, but surgery is surgery......  I personally did a cleanout with GoLytely...the other stuff they use for colonoscopy prep... worked good for me...and now prune juice is working great for keeping my bowels semi loose after....during your recovery, it is a time for reflection.... definitely a time to slow down and take stock with what's important in your life... I'm really enjoying this quiet time to catch up...  anyways, they give start giving you the good drugs before you go into the operating room, so you are very relaxed....  and having your network of family and friends that are there waiting for you, or at home praying or meditating for you helps tremendously....... best of luck and good wishes.....
Ciara

[mari55]

ps Has anyone had to use the oral fleet .  It should be outlawed.  Burned my stomach.  

[mari55]

I was told to take them if I want....The potasium, I mean.  So I am not.  I think a mistake was made.  But  who knows.  Also: Now I have to be at the hospital for 8:30 not 6:30.  When I spoke with a very nice nurse at the hospital, she still had me down for removing the uterus and ovaries.  Yikes!  She said I should tell the doc in the morning.  If this wasn't so serious, it might be funny. ( I had my blood work 2 weeks ago)
Thanks again
Marilyn

[ireneo]

Don't take the potassium tablets until you get a firm answer. Potassium levels, too low or too high, can cause heart arrhythmias. They usually do blood work before surgery so hang in there.

[Sandymac]

You might also ask the Dr. if you are able to take stool softeners or Metamucil or something after the surgery. Things sort of slow down if you get my drift.

Have a successful surgery and let us know when you are able how things went for you,

Take care,
Sandy

[mari55]

I have started to do the day before prep.  I was given a script.  I filled it a few weeks ago and nerver opened it until this morning.  I thought it was a laxative script but after taking the first pill, I read what it is used for. It was potasium tablets.  I am suppose to take five of these today.  I just went to the pharmacy and asked (better late than never) if this was the norm before surgery.  She said no.  In fact she never heard of it.  She called the office and they said it was because my potsium levels were off. I hadn't even had blood work when I was given this script.  It makes no sense.  Has anyone had to take them before surgery? It says to only take these if you the liquid form cannot be used.
I am waiting to hear back from the doctor's office. All this and a liquid diet.  And you wonder why I am nervous!
Thanks again everyone,
Marilyn

[TrudieC]

We're all rooting for you and hope your surgery goes well.  Don't forget to make lists of movies and books and things you want to do in your recovery.  Try and treat that time as time just for you.  I am amazed at how all this thinking time is helping me in so many areas as I am recovering from surgery.  Please let us know how you do.

Hugs,
Trudie

[Sharon2714]

god bless u and hold u in his arms and comfort u
prayerfully,
sharon

[mari55]

THank you all so much.  I have done a lot of reading.   THanks for all the good thoughts and words of wisdom.  Today is my prep today.  Just fluids and laxatives.  Yum!  :)
I will let you know how it goes.  
Again thanks,
Maarilyn

[fungirl1011]

You are so right, surgery is a scary thing, but you will be just fine.  A CA125 of 16 is really good.  I had a 9cm septated cyst removed 2 years ago and all test came back fine.  I had a hyster when I was 25 and have had NO regerts since.  I love it!!  Only you can decide what to do about removal of everything.  Please know that you are in my prayers.  Take time tomorrow night to just relax and do something that calms you.  Try to get a good nights sleep.  Please let us know how your are doing.  
Hugs,
Kasie

[Sharon2714]

hi .. my cyst is not the same as urs .. please click on my name and read my profile so
you know u are not alone
parying for you to have true peace
sharon

[Sandymac]

Hi ,
  First of all-----------Calm down... I , too , am postmenopausal and had a cyst removed 6 months ago. The thing you need to remember is that cysts are 95% benign.Now, my cyst was thought to be solid, it turned out to be a simple cyst. Here are a couple of things you need to do:
  1.  Go to the Ovarian Cyst Forum.. Med Help may redirect you.There are a lot of ladies over there that have had exactly what you have.
  2.  Go to the top right of that page and look for Health Pages.. There is a lot of information on Ovarian Cysts .

And try very hard not to worry-- I know it's hard, but there is no sense in making yourself nuts.. whatever it is .. it already is.. (hate to sound sort of "Zen".. I know you said you were postmenopausal and the CA-125 is supposed to be more reliable for us older gals and 16 is good !!

Please keep us posted and come visit on the Ovarian Cyst forum.. you'll probably get more responses.

Take care,
Sandy