Update to my "Ovarian Cysts Found" post on Sept. 4, 2008

[ljolly]

Hello all,

Remember me?, I hope so...

I just wanted to update you all to the outcome of my dr. appt. with the ob-gyn/oncology today.  It is the dr.'s best opinion that I have laparoscopic surgery to remove all of the complex cysts and the pelvic mass, he says he suspects endo may be a culprit as well, he can confirm that at time of surgery of course. He completely agreed with the head ob-gyn of the hospital and the ER dr. on the findings from my Sept. 2nd visit to the ER.  So that's 3 different opinions agreeing on the same course of action.  The dr. said his decision is based on not being able to determine anything definite about the cysts/mass(as far malignancy vs. benign) without excising them.  He said that based on my family history(i.e my mother had uterine cancer 3 years ago-she is now cancer free due to her complete hysterectomy, and various cancers run on both sides of my family) the size of my complex cysts and the fact that I'm severely symptomatic, it's not anything he wants to leave to chance.  So, with that he said that he is putting my case at the top of his pile and that I should hear from his scheduler soon.  He estimates that I should be scheduled for surgery sometime in the coming 1-3 weeks.  He said that he will keep my future fertility in mind and that he only plans to remove the cysts and the mass as long as there is no endo or anything attached to other parts, but that everything would be explained in depth during my pre-op visit.  So he's taking the "better to be safe, than sorry" route, which I can appreciate.  Is there anything you all can suggest I ask when the time comes?  Do you have any other advice/warnings for me at this point?  Any info, suggestions etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for your support, it means the world!

[sobermommy]

Hi...you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so happy for you that someone has listened to you and taken you seriously. That is awesome. The others are right...surgery is surgery. The advice was awesome...just be sure to take it easy...it will take time. I am finally getting my follow up test and appt with OB/GYN on the 9th...so hopefully some relief will be soon for me too. God bless you and please keep us posted. Lynn

[Sandymac]

Here's the link.. plus I bumped it up for you.. It's a long thread, but to only post the original, you lose all the other hints and there are some good ones !!!

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/518374

[Sandymac]

Just keep thinkin good thoughts ....I'm going to find "Painterchic's " post on Laparoscopy..and bump it up... It's good information plus , it will give you a few giggles.. Just think it's already the 3rd... only 5 days.. Do keep us posted,

Take care,
Sandy

[ljolly]

Hi all just checking in, boy am I getting nervous.  My doctor's office phoned yesterday to extend my time off and I asked why (not that I mind the extra time away from my crazy job) because it scared me.  They said the dr. was reviewing upcoming cases and said that when he went to fill out my short term disability forms, he saw that the person who did my note for my job didn't give me enough time out for what he has to do in my surgery. So now I will be out of work for a little over 4 weeks.  Surgery is on Wednesday and Monday is my last day at work, bowel prep begins on Tuesday.  

[Laney8463]

WOW...my doc wrote me off for 6 weeks...

[cirella]

= )   tanja and ljolly...you aren't babies!  You will have had surgery (or just did) and should let people care for you.  I was kind of dizzy after my first surgery and didn't drive for a while when I felt more comfortable.  Surgery is surgery and it can be painful as you recover.  Take the pain meds on a schedule for the first couple of days and then, if you think you can back off of them, try.  But...stay on top of the pain b/c it's harder to catch up to it.  By no means stop taking them if you are hurting.  If 15 days isn't enough I'm sure your doctor will give you more.  All you need to do is ask if you think you're not ready.  Remember...no lifting anything over 10 lbs.

Good luck!

[ljolly]

thanks everyone for your responses and advice, please keep them coming!

ireneo: yes i've read the list it's really helpful and funny! and i'll definitely keep you all posted. thanks.

laney: i'm glad you've got your date too, exactly one week after me...yes we will both get through this, and feel free to ask me anything once i have mine. we'll definitely compare notes.

cirella: you're right about that, i won't be thinking about nerves while doing the prep for sure, lol. i'm looking forward to getting answers.

tanja: my dr. wrote me off of work for 15 days so hopefully that will be enough. i didn't know about driving but that makes sense so thanks for that advice. i'm a baby for sure but this is a really painful situation in our defense lol.

[tgal]

Just make sure to be prepared to take at least one week off of work....if not a little longer depending upon what you do. Also make sure that you arrange rides for a little bit after that (or maybe I am just a baby!) I am 10 days out from surgery and I think by Wednesday I'll be driving but not Monday or Tuesday!
I also was extremely calm for my surgery even though it was bumped up because I of pain just because I kept thinking, this will fix my pain and discomfort...it is the right thing to do. Good luck and God Bless. I pray for calm nerves, good test results and quick healing! Tanja

[cirella]

I guess the only good thing about the bowel prep is it will for SURE take your mind off of the surgery.  LOL  It ain't fun, though.  

ljolly, write down all your questions and concerns before going in that day.  You'll forget b/c of nerves.  And, ask for a little something to calm you.  When they hook you up with the IV they can give you the "cocktail".

Laney, I'm glad you've got a date set.  

Just try to remember that the upcoming surgeries will give you the answers you've been waiting for.  I pray that both you two get good results.  Stay calm.  ~L

[Laney8463]

I know what you mean about being scared now that you have a date. I too finally have a date of Oct 15th. ugh, stress. I am so NOT looking forward to the bowel prep. I too have to do that. Good luck, you are in my thoughts and prayers.... you will get through this and so will I. We can compare note after...lol
Best wishes
Laney

[ireneo]

I wish I could make it easier for you but it's a scary thing, waiting for surgery and then having it done. I had my surgery in Feb. and everything went just fine. Still, I know it's hard for you. I suppose by now you've read the funny list on this forum about laparoscopic surgery. It's kind of humorous but also helpful. Someone is kind enough to keep bumping it up near the top. You'll do just fine. If you have any concerns or just want to vent a bit before your surgery date, we're here for you. And you can bet we'll be waiting to hear your surgery story. Take care.

[ljolly]

Update:

I finally have my surgery scheduled.  It will be on October 8 @ 11:30am.  I have to arrive at 8:30 as I'm having my pre-op appt. on the same day as it was simply easier.  I have to do a bowel prep the day before.  I'm scared for sure now as I have a date to look forward to.

[cirella]

Thanks for coming back to update us.  Glad you have a proactive doctor and have an upcoming surgery.  I really hope they are able to save your ovaries.  Your doctor will give you all the "what if's" at your post op.  Start writing all your questions down now so you don't forget.

Good luck and try not to worry.

[Sandymac]

So glad you're finally able to deal with this. Sounds like your Dr. has a handle on it and even though I know you wish the surgery was tomorrow... it will come soon.! Try not to worry and remember that most cysts are benign.

Just take care and keep in touch,

Sandy