Borderline tumour, new diagnosis

[Richyrich12]

Hi,

I have recently had surgery to remove a borderline tumour that was growing off my fallopian tube. I am only 26 but wanted to connect with others that have been in a similar position.

I am very anxious about another one growing back, and worried about fertility. Has anyone been in a similar situation?

Thanks

[TealSong]

Hi! I had fertility-sparing surgery at 31 for what turned out to be stage 1a, grade 1 endometrioid ovarian cancer. I have worried a lot about recurrence and fertility, but am being monitored regularly and was told that my other ovary would take over after losing one. Less than 2 years later, I have had a baby! I don't know what treatment you have had, and our diagnoses aren't the same, but maybe this still offers some hope. I'd recommend speaking to someone about your anxieties, writing them down if you need to. These things can be so hard to process and take time. Best wishes to you! Xx

[Richyrich12 in reply to TealSong]

Thank you so much for your reply. I find it really helps talking to people who have been through a similar situation.

Just before Christmas Docs thought I had a borderline tumour from various scans and tests etc. Therefore I was booked in to have my right ovary and tube removed. But when I had my operation 4 weeks ago the surgeon thought it looked like a benign cyst as it had grown off and stretched my fallopian tube and hadn’t effected my right ovary. So he removed the cyst the left my ovary and tube intact. As he said it looked so benign he would have felt terrible if he had removed my ovary and tube and then it come back as benign!

Unfortunately it has come back as a borderline serous tumour which even he was shocked at. But has told me I don’t need any further surgery or biopsies which is good and the pelvic washings were all benign. I’m going to have an ultrasound scan and blood tests every 6 months to double check everything. Obviously I am in a better situation than I thought I would be as I thought I’d only have the one ovary now but still have 2. I just feel very anxious about the fertility side and if one was to come back etc. I guess it’s natural to feel like this, I’ll definitely try to get a referral for some reassurance.

Thank you, hope all ok with you.

Take care and best wishes

Beth

[TealSong in reply to Richyrich12]

No problem, I've found this forum really helpful since my diagnosis. People who are going through or have gone through similar things just have that extra insight and support to offer, which really helps, I find.

Do you have a nurse specialist you could talk to about your worries too? If ever there are any symptoms you're concerned about, they could arrange to bring a follow up appointment forward if need be, or refer you for support. How you're feeling is natural, but you've been through a really horrible time and it's hard not to worry about things when it feels like your world has been turned upside down. I still dwell on things from time to time and still don't think the cancer diagnosis has fully sunk in, it's surreal. Xx

[Mumsie13]

I had a large ovarian cyst removed when I was 31. I was pregnant at the time and the u/s scan showed an ovary bent over with a large cyst on it. I started to bleed quite heavily and the surgeon operated the next day and removed the cyst but left the ovary. Biopsy came back completely benign. Unfortunately I did miscarry and I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to carry another baby to term. Happily I had another beautiful baby girl two years later. No problems with fertility at all. The gynaecologist told me that ovarian cysts were quite common and seem to appear and disappear at will. Most of the time we are not aware that we have them . I hope this in some small way helps you come to terms with what has happened. I wish you the very best going forward. 🤗 Jackie.

[Jessiw]

Hi Richyrich! I'm in a very similar situation to you. Age 32, had a stage 1C3 borderline mucinous tumor removed, along with my right ovary, fallopian tube, and appendix three-ish months ago. And now have to have 3-month checks for 2 years, then every 6 months.

I was really worried too about fertility, but they've assured me one ovary is fine and won't affect it! But I'm the same as you, I really worry about it coming back on the other ovary too! I know we are really lucky that they will keep an eye on us with all these checks, and that it wasn't full blow cancer! But I still find it hard with the lingering worries and impending checks, makes me feel anxious! So I totally feel you!

I guess I don't have much advice but just wanted you to know I'm with you and feel you! It feels better just writing to someone who knows what I'm going through!

Thank you ❤️

[GinaThirteen]

Hi, just chiming in to say that I am in a similar position. Had a watermelon sized serous borderline tumour removed (taking my right tube and ovary with it). My consultant has referred me to gynae for fertility preservation discussions in case it reoccurs on the left side and it all has to be whipped out. Scary stuff but so glad there are options. Sending love.