Surgery in two days

[dreamer45]

I am 45 in excellent health, weight and no history of cancer.  Because of increasing abdominal pain, bladder spasms and colon spasms, 7 days ago I had an ultra sound.  They found a 12.5 cm x 9 cm x 4 cm neoplasm on my ovary.  It has solid mass and 412 cc of fluid - heterogoneous?  

I was immediately referred to a Gynological Oncologist. He looked at my ultra sound and said they were "worrisome."  My CA-125 count was only 15.

In two days, I am having a full hysterectomy and whatever else they need to take.  I have read that the mixed neoplasm is very troublesome.  Is it possible with one that large to have it isolated and not passed to the neighboring lymph nodes?  

They are talking a 12" vertical incision.  How much pain can I expect?  Recovery time?  I am hoping for positive news.

[marie3B]

It is possible to have very large tumors without lymph node involvement. I had numerous tumors. The largest was on the right ovary. My gyn/onc said it was almost as big as a soccer ball!  All of my lymph nodes came back clean.

I am sorry that you have to go through all of this. My surgery was a very difficult one for the surgeons, but I felt really very good afterwards. When you have a big tumor and don't know it you don't realize what a toll it takes on your body until it is gone.  Then you can say "What a relief!!"

I wish you the best possible outcome. Feel free to come here for questions and support. Marie

[Shari4444]

Hi, Honey,
    So sorry to hear about your problems. Almost two weeks ago, I had a little bigger than a grapefruit-sized chocolate tumor" removed, a total hysterectomy, and an appendectomy just for good measure. While they were in there they cleaned up a ton of scare tissue,too. My incision was also vertical, but only from just below my belly button down to my pelvic bone(the marker line for possible incision went all the way to just below my breasts. It sounds like you are getting very good care!!!! I'm glad they referred you to a gyn/onc right away!!!! Perhaps, some one else will have information on your type of tumor. Unfortunantly, I don't know anything "medical" about your neoplasm.
    After surgery you will hurt,,,make sure you get the pain meds you need. Alot of the time now, they either do an epidural or pain pump where you have alot of  control over how much pain-control you have. I had the pain pump. I think the worst thing for me was getting up the day after surgery (ow,ow!!). Remember to hold a pillow against your stomach, you'll just feel better, while you walk. Also, darling, please remember that even you only walk twenty feet, total, you have accomplished much!!!! It will get better every day!!!! I took my first walk outdoors just yesterday, and am looking forward to a little longer one today. I have been told that complete recovery time is four to eight weeks depending on how you do.
    Well, Dreamer, good luck to you! I will think and pray for you. Let us know how you are doing when you can get back on line.Believe me, everyone of these ladies has your back and they got me through some pretty scarry times. Blessings!!!!
                             Hugs,
                                Shari