I have been diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer. Full hysterectomy recommended. I'm terrified of surgery and chemo. Need reassurance

[Khan246]

[Robbo123]

I too was diagnosed with same stage oc and required full hysterectomy and omentectomy. Please do not be afraid of this surgery it was of course a difficult time but it passes and you will move on to the next phase. I too dreaded the chemo therapy, probably more than the surgery, but after an emotional first hour or so it was "bearable" as a necessary evil. Keep remembering you are one of the lucky ones that yours had been caught at an early stage . Always keep that at I your mind....xxx

[Khan246 in reply to Robbo123]

Thank you for your reply.

I am also worried about sex life after hysterectomy. I'm only 42 and would like to be able to still carry on enjoying a sex life. I'm particularly worried that the orgasms won't be the same.

Also worried about the scar.

[silvia in reply to Khan246]

The changes about your sex life are the same of any one entering menopause. There are phytostrogens that will help you with some syntoms and lubricants but orgasms are great....

[kaz14]

Hi Khan

I know how you feel, I was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer 17 months ago, like you I was terrified at the thought of chemo and surgery. It all wasn't as bad as I thought and considering I was told my tumour was inoperable at first, after four cycles of chemo they were able to operate, surgery went well and recovery was easier than I expected. Three more cycles of chemo later and I was told there was no evidence of disease. I'm now happy and enjoying life. It is so scary but you'll get through it and you'll get lots of support from this site which is a godsend!!

I wish you all the best and hope that you'll feel a little less scared, thinking of you.

Love Kaz xx

[Khan246 in reply to kaz14]

Thank you for your reply.

I'm also worried about sex life after a hysterectomy.

Are the orgasms the same ?

[kaz14 in reply to Khan246]

After recovery, everything's just the same, so no need to worry about that xx

[Khan246 in reply to kaz14]

Thank you. That's helpful to know.

So glad you are better.

[wendydee]

Hi! Sorry you are having this worry. You maybe need some reassurance and maybe factual evidence. Why don't you have a look at ovacome.org. Uk On there you'll find Factsheets, under the 'resources' heading. There is also a helpline number for you to ring to speak to a nurse who has lots of experience. I had a word with my surgeon pre-surgery, and explained my fears about a diminished sex-life. He made sure it's fine....better if anything.

I hope the info helps. The op and recovery were much less frightening than I expected, and I'm still here, 11years on. Good luck.

Love Wendy xx

[Khan246 in reply to wendydee]

Thank you.

I'm having my consultation at the Hospital this week. I have been referred from another hospital.

How soon after this will they operate ?

[wendydee in reply to Khan246]

It depends what the surgeon thinks is going on. In my case it was the next week after the Gynae appointment. I had a very raised CA125 blood test result too, which made them think it was OC. They didn't tell me that till after the op though. It was all quick and painless. You have to take care after a big op like that, but it's manageable. Have a look at the hystersisters website (US) It's got lots of good advice pre and post op. Good luck xx

[Laurie277]

Hi there: I had exactly the same diagnosis and same treatment as you; and worries about the scar and sex too.... If you PM me I can send you my email or mobile no if you want to talk. I'm not that comfortable writing about sex, but be assured it's good as it ever was!!! Xx

[Khan246 in reply to Laurie277]

Thank you

[Lily-Anne]

I have had no issues as far as my sex life goes, it was something that worried me as at the time I'd only been married 3 years. Mentally it held me back for a while as I was convinced it was different, and I got upset and frustrated chasing an orgasm, once I took a step back and relaxed it was fine. I have had no problems with dryness, I did have some pain for a while which turned to be nerve damage from the op, 18 months later everything is just fine. So don't worry about that.

Good luck

LA