Where do I begin?

[Vdb88]

Hi all, this is all quite unexpected for me to be honest so heres my story. I have recently been diagnosed with blood cancer but during my investigative tests, I had a full body CT scan which picked up on a very large cyst on my ovary. So along with all the other tests I was having done, I was referred to the gynaecology department at my local hospital where I had an ultrasound and internal exam. They told me it was a significantly sized cyst that will need referring to a specialist and someone will be in touch. Several months passed and I suddenly got an appointment without any context. When I got there I then find out that they have identified that I have endometriosis and the cyst I have is very likely to be contained within an endo thick lining and it will not go of its own accord and therefore requires a partial hysterectomy removing the cyst, ovary and fallopian tube on that side. Endometriosis isn't even something that had crossed my mind, I have been having heavy painful periods since I was 14, put on the pill until I came off it at 34 at which point they have got signicantly worse. Then the dots start to connect and the pain I get randomly in my legs and body which originally was put down to being overweight and unfit, I now realise is connected to the endo. Safe to say I'm somewhat overwhelmed with not only being diagnosed with blood cancer but now endometriosis and the fact I have to have surgery. Is there anyone here that has had an Salpingo-oophorectomy type hysterectomy that can give me some advice on what to expect as I cannot seem to find much on this?

I've not been told how long the waiting list is but have been told I will need to be in hospital a minimum of 24 hours with 2 weeks off work. Was this enough recovery time? I have an office based job.

The fact I have the rare blood cancer also complicates things as I am unable to take certain medication and my risk of blood clots is very high without surgery so this is scaring me and have now reached out to my haematology consultant for advice on that element.

TIA

[PotatoSalad]

oh Vdb88, what a huge shock this must have been for you, I don’t have experience of what you’re facing but want to send love. RebeccaMallick on Instagram has some great info about recovery and different gynae procedures so may be a good place to start.

I hope someone can offer you words of support and advice.

I wouldn’t underestimate how long you need to be off and recover. Don’t rush back to work, you are far more important x

[Vdb88 in reply to PotatoSalad]

Thank you, I have now started following Rebecca Mallick. I appreciate your kind words, I'm incredibly overwhelmed at the moment. X

[Comedykid]

I’m really sorry to hear this. I’m waiting for my lap but my surgeon has advised 4-6 weeks off work for me - I work as a young people’s worker so I’m out in the community and in the office for context.

I think if you can the best thing is play the recovery by ear if you are ready in two weeks great but if you need a bit longer then take it

[Vdb88 in reply to Comedykid]

Thank you, I'm fortunate that I can WFH so if necessary after a couple of weeks off, I can WFH before returning to the office.