need a little insight please

[CherBH]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum and look forward to getting to know all of you, as well as sharing our concerns and support with each other.
I am 48 years old, and was diagnosed with a complex LT. ovarian cyst in 2005. It was appx. 6cm at the time, my gyn wanted to remove it, but I chose to go to a gyn/oncologist for a 2nd. opinion. She felt it was safe to adapt a "wait and see" attitude as along as I had it monitored on a reg. basis. Well, 3 years later... I began having varying symptoms that I just chalked up to being part of the "getting older" process. (bleeding between periods, etc.) I am most certainly at the age of perimenopause, so it didn't concern me too much. Well, to make a long story short... I went to a gyn/onc a couple of weeks ago who sent me for U/S, blood work, etc. On my return visit, she said the cyst has grown and has some "changes", as well as I now have a complex OC on the RT ovary. (it's only about 2 cm). She then tells me she wants to do a complete hysterectomy: uterus, ovaries, f. tubes... everything- and that she wants to do it abdominally through a large VERTICAL incision. She is concerned about spilling cancer cells out in to the abdominal cavity, in case it is cancer. Of course, I am also about 90-100 pounds overweight, so this is a major concern to me. Having previously worked in nursing, I know the possible cmplications, short and long term for this type of surgery and am VERY leery of having it done. I have only seen this particular Dr. just recently, as I had moved. I LOVE her bedside manner.. she seems to have very good credentials... but I guess I am just wondering if any of you have had a similar circumstance? I have read some of the posts on here and see that cysts much larger in size, have been removed successfully laparasopically. Of course, I know she has a concern about this being cancerous, and she has explained to me that she doesn't want to risk rupturing the cyst. I have had the CA-125 done and am awaiting results now... so that will help determine my decision, as well.
I realize that you are not physicians, but was just wondering if anyone has any helpful advice. I am also considering going to my previous gyn/onc., for a 2nd. opinion.
Thanks in advance for any insight into this.
God bless...
Cheryl

[Morrowville]

I'm not sure if you still visit the site, but I had a full hyst/ooph a year ago.
I am morbidly obese, and if you'd like a sister close in characteristics (I'm 47), please let me know.  We can surely share!

I hope you're doing well, God Bless,

Donna

[TrudieC]

That is good news!  You're doing all the right things.  Keep us posted!

[CherBH]

Just wanted to update as I got my CA-125 results today. It was WNL! :)  (6). While I realize that this test is not to be used for OC screening, I can't help but feel a huge sense of relief!  At least it is better than it coming back elevated, right? Or at least that's the way I look at it.
They also did the FSH level, which also came back WNL. So, she says I am not "in menopause". I am having some perimenopausal symptoms, so I am assuming I can still be in "Peri-m". I admit to being quite frustrated with all this, as I cannot see why she would want to remove uterus, tubes, ovaries and all. (I do have 2 uterine fibroids, but they are not very big, from what I understand).  I told her nurse that my husband & I want to discuss all this with her before I commit to having surgery.  So I have an appt. to go back Nov. 6th. I also made an appt. with my old gyn/oncologist to get a 2nd. opinion. (she is in OH where I used to live, 4 hrs. away). I do not want this surgery, but realize it is probably best to at least have the ovary removed since the complex OC is growing. I am just a real believer in letting nature take it's course though, if at all possible. I'd rather not be thrown in to menopause so suddenly.
It is so difficult to know what to do at times, isn't it? I don't want to react too quickly and have the total abdom. hys., but I also want to use wisdom and not delay this if it needs to be done.  :(
Ok, enough of "my stuff".  ;)   I truly just got on here to update my post. Sorry to ramble...  ;)
Thanks for all the support!
God bless,
Cheryl

[TrudieC]

Thank you for confirming that you are working with a gyn/onc.  That does change the story considerably.  Good luck with everything.  Please keep us posted on your CA-125.

[CherBH]

Thank you so much Marie. This has been a difficult day for me, as I am here alone... hubby is working out of state... and having too much alone time with something like this, is not always good. But I do so appreciate your concern.
God bless,
Cheryl

[marie3B]

I am from the ovarian cancer site.  I think that your gyn/onc is being safe and has chosen the best option for you.  It would not hurt if you want a second gyn/onc to review your case, but I trust the opinion of the first one.  I tend to lean towards the safest way to go when ovca is even a remote possibility.  Whatever you decide we are here to help.  I wish you the best.  Marie

[CherBH]

Thanks, and you're right... we ARE strong! I needed that reminder about now.  ;)
Cheryl

[apple660]

I am new to this whole hystersister.
  
I  am sure the dr. would not suggest just a big surgery if it wasnt needed.

I had a hysterectomy 10yrs ago. I had  cysts in cervix and fibroids and prolapse of uterus and frequent abnormal smears and had endometrial ablation preformed twice and a few d.n.cs and i also suffered a miscarraige prior to having hyster they saved my ovaries as i was 26yrs at that time. I still have my ovaries which are full of cysts at the moment just had lap on the 9th of this month .I previously had my ovaries rupture from cysts which caused adhesions etc...

Sorry for rabbiting on about myself .
I wish you the best of luck and just wanted to let you knew that women are made out of strong stuff as i have meet many very strong people on my journey through the medical world.

I hope everything works out as you wish.

[CherBH]

Ok, not sure if I am responding to this in the right place, so bear with me here.  ;)  I may not have made myself clear... I AM seeing a gyn/oncologist- have been having this monitored by one for 3 years. She is the one who has recommended this surgery. Anyway, I realized today that I think the reason she is wanting to do the "big surgery" is because she has a suspicion that it may be cancerous... this was my "face it" day.  :(   Just have too many other symptoms to ignore the possibility. I should get my CA-125 results the early part of next week, so I'll go from there. Anyway, thanks for responding. It's so great to know that there are others out there who are willing to reach out and offer support through something like this.
God bless,
Cheryl

[Sandymac]

Hi,
    I wholeheartedly agree with Trudie esp. in regards to the Gyn/Onc at least on standby . Please keep us posted on your next appt.

Take care and good luck,
Sandy

[TrudieC]

I would really suggest you go for your 2nd opinion to a gynaecologist/oncologist, not that you do have cancer.  They have the most experience at these kind of surgeries and a few more years of training.  From what I have heard they can start with laparoscopic surgery, do a frozen section of the cyst and test for cancer during surgery, and switch to laparotomy if necessary, and only do a complete hysterectomy in such case as you do have cancer..  We recommend all women with suspicious cysts have their surgeries done by one.

On another note, should you require a laparotomy I can personally advise that my recovery went very well.  With my cysts gone I feel better than I have in years and am finally able to lose the weight I have not been able to until now.

Good luck and keep us posted.