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Post by emelle64 on Jan 24, 2015 9:48:24 GMT
Feb 17 updated: yesterday was meant to be the day we found out the results of the biopsies but my surgeon phoned me in the morning saying the local pathologist were not sure if the results were pre-malignant or malignant. So, now we wait for the results from a pathologist described by my surgeon as the best in Canada. The surgeon warned me not to get my hopes up but said she is still cautiously optimistic that these could be pre-malignant tumours. And, so I continue to wait. Thank you all for your prayers.
Emelle
Feb 16 update:
I know it's been a few weeks since my original post but (unfortunately) lots has happened. I had a complete hysterectomy on Thursday, Feb. 5th. Although the gyne-oncologist was quite hopeful that the cysts would be benign some of the tests run pre-surgery and what was seen during surgery were quite concerning. So, in addition to the large incision for my hysterectomy I've also had a second incision as the surgeon installed a port for the delivery of chemo. (Overhearing the nurses talking about that as I came out of the anesthetic was pretty hard but I had given my permission and knew it was a very real possibility.) In addition to sending the two tumours away for biopsy, they also did what are called staging biopsies from around my abdomen. The results of these will tell if the cancer has spread. My follow-up appointment with the surgeon is tomorrow (Tuesday). The last time we spoke, she was very hopeful that this was early stage ovarian cancer and that is what we are hoping and praying for. I'm updating this thread now to ask for prayers.
Emelle
I found out on Wednesday that I have large ovarian cysts/tumours on both ovaries. I see a gyne-oncologist on Monday. The only definite thing so far is that I'll need a complete hysterectomy sooner rather than later. The gynaecologist who found the mass and phoned me with the results couldn't say definitively that they were benign and said that they won't know for sure until they biopsy them after the surgery. She warned me about not going to the worst outcome and said to focus on what I know is true and not what might be true. I think that is great advice and perhaps if I could follow it I wouldn't be sitting here at 4:30 a.m. I have spent my time since Wednesday fluctuating between "I can't possibly have ovarian cancer" to "Oh, shit I have ovarian cancer."
For those who have been through this, how did you cope with the waiting and the not knowing? I feel like I'm just barely hanging on emotionally.
I think it's particularly hard because I've told only a couple of people in IRL because I really don't want my kids to find out until I have some more definite dates, etc. That means I haven't told my sisters or my mom. My mom will immediately jump to the conclusion that I'm going to die.
So, here I sit at 4:30 with a cat in my lap watching netflix. At some point, my emotional state has to stabilize right?
Emelle
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Post by SweetiePie Pea on Jan 24, 2015 9:59:48 GMT
Ovarian cysts are very common. I'm a bit surprised they are suggesting a complete hysterectomy. I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and many many women I have know just go in and have the cysts removed and that is only IF it doesn't resolve on its own. Im guessing you are past your child bearing years then? If not I'd get a second opinion before removal.
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Post by emelle64 on Jan 24, 2015 10:08:00 GMT
I'm 50 years old. I also have had PCOS diagnosed in my early 20s. What seems to have taken the gynaecologist by surprise is the size of the cysts--11 cm on one side and 7 cm on the other. She told my husband that the overall size of these two cysts is that of an 18 week pregnancy. She told me that some of the characteristics of them suggest they are benign but that their size is worrisome.
Emelle
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Post by gar on Jan 24, 2015 10:16:05 GMT
I can't offer you anything practical but I do wish you peace of mind. I'm sure I'd be in the same emotional state as you but you will some inner strength I'm sure. Positive thoughts for you and let us know how you get on will you?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 13:01:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2015 10:33:47 GMT
My mom had ovarian cysts so large that they were "drooping" (for lack of a better word) out of her body. They were they size of grapefruits. Back then they just took the cysts out but she kept getting them over and over until menopause. She is 72 now and says she wish she would have gotten a partial hystie just to be done with this because it caused her a lot of discomfort. My sister also has it.
I agree with SweetiePie - get a second opinion just to make certain a full hystie is not required.
(((HUGS)))
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Post by SweetiePie Pea on Jan 24, 2015 11:17:22 GMT
I've has friends with very large cysts be fine after removal so I would try not to worry. I know I know! I've been there myself with a uterine cancer scare at 30 and no kids. It's tough.
What is their reasoning for full hysterectomy instead of just ovaries?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 13:01:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2015 11:28:01 GMT
I had *1* many, many years ago. It broke one night and I thought I was going to die. DH thought I was going to die too it was so painful. Several hours later, it still hurt but it was *GONE*.
I don't know if helps or doesn't help or anything. I just had one and damn that thing was annoying. My OBGYN in Japan wanted to remove it as he thought it would give me grief. (I was 25 at the time?)
Anyway, I wishing you positive thoughts, wishes, Duah, hope, prayers whatever you will take and what you need to get through this. If they are just cysts and need to come out, please let it be a painless, routine surgery for both you and your doctor. I hope your recovery period isn't long either. Please know we are here night and day for you. We are the Peas. When there is a Pea in need even at 3:27 am Pacific Time, someone is up and able to chat.
Hugs to you tonight/today/and forever
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Post by emelle64 on Jan 24, 2015 11:41:17 GMT
I don't know but that is a good question to add to my list of questions to ask the doctor on Monday.
Thanks for the kind words/thoughts.
Emelle
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Post by miss_lizzie on Jan 24, 2015 12:02:17 GMT
Sending thoughts of healing and peace your way. I had to have a hysterectomy a couple of years ago and I was a nervous wreck. It needed to be done, but I was so anxious about it all. On the other side, though, I experienced a normal recovery and am so glad to have had it done.
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Post by Penellopy on Jan 24, 2015 12:49:56 GMT
I had ovarian cysts in my late 20's and early 30's. My gyno tried everything possible. I took birth control pills to help them dissolve, shots of testosterone, removal, whatever she suggested, I tried. They were painful when they ruptured on their own. There were months when my cycle seemed to go on for 3 weeks because of the ruptures. Nothing was working. When she removed them for the 5th time and they returned in 5 months, she suggested a complete hysterectomy. After several years of this I said sign me up. Best thing I ever did. What she did find out after the surgery, there were enough of those cysts behind the uterine wall that would never be able to be removed without the hysterectomy because they were never picked up on any of the ultra sounds or scans. I would have continued down that road for years. Yes, a complete hysterectomy through me right into hot flashes at 34. But they make a pill for that. I would take those hot flashes over that pain any day of the week. I also go the best news of all this week...no more Paps for me. My gyno told me the guidelines have changed and since I had a complete hysterectomy, I only need to be checked if I have unusual bleeding or pressure, but to continue with my mammograms every year. I was doing the happy dance in her office.
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Post by mrsscrapdiva on Jan 24, 2015 13:10:10 GMT
I know someone that had a similar situation and the same thing that was the size of an 18 week pregnancy. They did the full hysterectomy and also removed her appendix when they were in there. It was a very scary time for her before the removal but once everything was out, she was fine. Maybe you can get some anti anxiety pills or sleeping pills in the meantime before your surgery is scheduled. Did they do a ct scan?
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back to *pea*ality
Pearl Clutcher
Not my circus, not my monkeys ~refugee pea #59
Posts: 3,149
Jun 25, 2014 19:51:11 GMT
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Post by back to *pea*ality on Jan 24, 2015 15:25:59 GMT
I had an ovarian cyst in my 20's that went from the size of a lemon to the size of a grapefruit in two weeks. It was not cancer, the cyst formed due to endometriosis.
Try as best you can to remain positive in the meantime sending prayers and healing thoughts your way.
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Post by emelle64 on Jan 24, 2015 16:49:42 GMT
Thanks all. I very much appreciate the support--particularly the middle of the night stuff. I'll update after Monday. (Hope I won't be around in the middle of the night again tonight or tomorrow but who knows?)
Emelle
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~Susan~
Pearl Clutcher
You need to check your boobs, mine tried to kill me!!!
Posts: 3,258
Jul 6, 2014 17:25:32 GMT
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Post by ~Susan~ on Jan 24, 2015 16:50:44 GMT
I'm a worrier by nature, so I'm no help there. I think it is natural to worry about what we don't know about. ((((HUGS))))
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Post by emelle64 on Feb 16, 2015 13:17:48 GMT
Feb 16 update above
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Feb 16, 2015 13:26:55 GMT
Thinking of you Emelle. I hope you get the best news from your doctor.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 13:01:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2015 14:03:10 GMT
Prayers for you.
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Feb 16, 2015 14:13:35 GMT
You're in my thoughts ... Wishing you a quick and full recovery and no more worries!
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scrappert
Prolific Pea
RefuPea #2956
Posts: 7,792
Location: Milwaukee, WI area
Jul 11, 2014 21:20:09 GMT
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Post by scrappert on Feb 16, 2015 14:17:10 GMT
Prayers to you. Sorry you are going through this and I will pray it was caught early and you will have a full recovery.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Feb 16, 2015 20:10:41 GMT
Emelle, Lots of prayers being sent. I hope the surgeon has some good news for you. Hugs.
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,637 
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Post by valincal on Feb 16, 2015 20:17:26 GMT
So sorry the news wasn't all positive. Sending hugs and well wishes your way. I hope you treatment is successful. Please keep us updated. Take care.
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Post by SabrinaM on Feb 16, 2015 20:21:30 GMT
Hoping you get some answers soon!! ((Hugs!))
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loco coco
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,662
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Post by loco coco on Feb 16, 2015 21:12:14 GMT
hoping you get some comfort and good answers tomorrow, thinking of you!
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Post by Legacy Girl on Feb 16, 2015 21:14:14 GMT
I've been in your shoes, and it's such a difficult place to be. I'm so sorry you are going through this, and I will pray God's peace and comfort for you as you prepare for tomorrow's appointment. I will tell you that it's been almost 23 years since my hysterectomy and diagnosis and I'm still here to tell about it, so please keep the faith. If I can help or encourage you in any way, I would be happy to do so. {{{hugs}}}}
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Post by christine58 on Feb 16, 2015 21:15:43 GMT
Praying...if it is cancer..praying that it was caught early!!
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Sue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,234
Location: SE of Portland, Oregon
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Post by Sue on Feb 16, 2015 22:54:04 GMT
Prayers headed your way. Such difficult news.
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Post by eebud on Feb 16, 2015 23:07:24 GMT
Sending good thoughts and prayers that you will get some positive news tomorrow. I know the waiting is so very hard. Please update us when you can. Hugs to you.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 13:01:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2015 23:26:52 GMT
I must have missed the original post and have just read your update.
Praying that you get good results tomorrow.Take care and keep us updated.
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Post by hop2 on Feb 17, 2015 1:54:44 GMT
Prayers and positive thoughts for quick healing.
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samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,912
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Post by samantha25 on Feb 17, 2015 5:54:03 GMT
Hugs and peace to you.
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