The waiting game.

[emmarocky]

Not sure about typing this tbh I feel like a bit of a fraud. I don't have a cancer diagnosis but I'm really scared. To shorten a long story since easter this year I have been suffering with pain on my right side, bloating, constipation the works after the usual negotiations with my gp at the beginning of August I was diagnosed with a 9.5cm by 8cm complex cyst which they think is attached to my right ovary. I had an MRI in early sept and a ca-125 test. Dermoid cyst has been mentioned a few times but when I saw my consultant a few weeks ago they called it something else and now I can't remember what it was he said. he said my ca-125 was within normal range I have since learned I should have asked for the number but I didn't. I'm scheduled for surgery on Monday 16th Nov they are going to attempt keyhole (I thought my cyst would be too big for this but I'm no expert lol) they will take my right ovary and tube and they said if the left looks suspicious (I have two small cysts on the left) they will take that too. He said it's unlikely to be cancer but there is a chance. I'm 36 this month and I guess I wouldn't be so worried but I lost my mum to aggressive Breast cancer when she had just turned 37 I just can't get it out of my head thatnwhat is going on with me is more then a coincidence. I've kept my feelings inside I have 2 very young daughters, a great husband who just doesn't 'get' it and says I'm fine. I have good friends but the minuite I mention I may have the c bomb they seem to shy away. I have my pre-op tomorrow and I'm not sure what to ask does anyone have any pointers? Gosh I'm so sorry this is SO long lol. I'm not very good at expressing my feelings to my friends and family and after spending this morning in tears I feel better for writing something down lol x

[Lily-Anne]

My CA125 was within the normal range when I had a cyst that was 5x7cm when removed, this was keyhole and not apparently suspicious, however they do need a biopsy to be sure. Unfortunately mine was stage 1 cancer. Having said that, try not to worry, it is most likely a simple cyst. I would ask when you will get the results and what their plans are for follow up.

I'm afraid from my experience men are not very good at dealing with this until the results are in. My husband and I were confident everything would be a case of whip it out and lets carry on, after my hysterectomy it took a while for him to realise I was tearful due to hormones and shock.

Good luck with the surgery, listen to your body, read lots of nice things and be kind to yourself until you know for sure either way.

LA xx

[Hidden]

Best wishes with the pre op assessment, its just basic check up really and wanting to know if you are allergic to anything, latex, antibiotics, asthma etc. Husbands do tend to be like ostriches at times like these. Because if you are running around getting things sorted, they dont accept you could be ill, That is their normal. Ask how long will the op, take, will you be in icu after and for how long. Sometimes you go straight back to the ward, They will advise you how long you have to fast for before the op, I wish you the best and hopefully the diagnosis will be benign

[Caroles1]

Hi Emma rocky,

I know it's hard,but don't be scared just focus on yourself and getting better,what happened to your Mum,bless her will not necessarily be you.My Mum lived well into her 80's and never had a sniff of Cancer! Not my experience!

Men Definately bury their heads in the sand and family members too because they are in denial,I am lucky,have some very supportive friends,but no one knows what you are going through but the people who have been there already.

You don't have a cancer diagnosis and that is a positive,I am sure all will be fine, but let us know how you get on

Xxx

[LittleSan]

Hi Emma.

Friend are probably short, sharp and positive because they're too scared to be anything else. They love you and want everything to be fine and don't even want to consider the c bomb. Hubby is just being, apologies for stereo typing, typical of most men, I'll only deal with health matters if I really really really have to!

Try to focus on the statistics. It is unlikely to be cancer. If in the rare chance it is, it is scary but doable as all us ladies on here are witness to.

But, with our most realistic head on, it's important to keep worry to a minimum. Stress messes up the body and ruins a perfectly good today - let tomorrow look after itself. How many times have you said to yourself "well that wasn't worth worrying about, it wasn't as bad as I thought"?

So sorry you lost your mum when she was so young. It's no wonder your anxiety is heightened because of this.

Good luck with the op.

Let us know how you are.

Sandra x

[thesilent1]

Hi, you have a lot to contend with. I think if the cyst is over 10cm they can't do keyhole.

My husband was a bit like yours, his response was always, the surgeon said he can't be certain until he operates. However once I got told, he was so string and has been my rock ever since.

I hope you have told your surgeon about your mum, and I would like to think you could be tested for the BRACA gene mutations.

At pre op you will just be seeing nurses and an ECG tevhnician for a heart trace. You might get to see an anaesthetist too. Think of the pre-op as an MOT for cars, it is to check that you are fit enough for surgery. They usually weigh you, might take your height, take blood and perhaps urine samples, do a heart trace and BP measure and that's that! Try not to worry about it.

All the best.

Ann x