new here

[BHPM]

hi,

I’ve been reading your posts with interest as I’m in between diagnosis at moment and trying to gain as much information as possible. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last March had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. Towards end of chemo started with severe back pain which oncologist was great at following up. Long story short after pet scan, mri and bone scans then ultrasound they found a large complex cyst on my right ovary.

saw gynaecologist who thinks the cyst is likely to be cancerous but thankfully my cancer bloods are normal. However recommended total hysterectomy including omentectomy and surgical washout. Not sure if this is debulking surgery or not? How long should I expect to be in hospital for? I’m 54 now and live alone so trying to arrange family to come and stay post surgery.

I’m totally in shock that this is happening one year post breast cancer (also had breast cancer 20years ago) none of these cancers are linked!

just hoping I don’t need chemotherapy.

I wanted to share my story so far as I found the forums a great help when going through breast cancer.

any advice about what I need to take into hospital or for first few days at home appreciated

Thank you for reading x

[Joanne59]

I had the op recommended to you and was in hospital for 3 nights, I just took all the normal stuff to hosp.I shopped before I went in and stocked up with ready meals and easy food like cereal bars etc.it was around 6 weeks before I felt anything like normal and my daughter stayed with me until then.I did have 6 rounds of chemo afterwards. during that 6 months I had paid help with gardener and cleaner. Good luck 😘

[BHPM in reply to Joanne59]

thank you x

[wendydee]

Hi!

Whilst it’s good that your medical team have picked this up early, it’s a worrying time for you……the waiting for treatment is, in my view, the worst time.

I had a radical hysterectomy and omentectomy, and it was at an early stage (traces found in both ovaries and the omentum) and I didn’t have to have any follow up chemo. Just monthly check up appointments for 3 months, then 3-monthly for 12 months, then 6-monthly for a year, then yearly.

Thankfully I’ve been ok so far🤞.

However, things have changed since then, and often a follow up of 3 months chemo is suggested to make sure there are no cells left. My op was 20 years ago.

The op wasn’t bad at all, and my recovery was good. I was very tired though, after the op , for a few weeks.

I’m sure other members on here will be able to offer more up to date advice and reassurance.

The Ovacome website has some very good information, I recommend you have a look and maybe ring their helpline.

Good luck.

Love Wendy xx

[BHPM in reply to wendydee]

thank you x

[Hidden]

HiI was diagnosed with complex cyst in December 2022, I had laparotomy in January and removed all my ladies bits and omentum, had abdominal wash too.

Luckily for me the cancer was in one ovary and all other tests showed no spread.

Be prepared to be off your feet for 3 weeks. By week 6 I was up and driving, felt great!

I am on 6 rounds of chemo to make sure all cancer has gone and any fairydust (as my doc calls it) is zapped!

My hospital was great, didnt really need anything as all supplied. My main must have were...

Lip balm (dry lips after anaesthetic)....books...head phones to watch films in bed...face wipes to freshen up.. pens...paper...puzzle books...cereal bars.

Hope this helps x

[BHPM in reply to Hidden]

thank you x

[Fluffyjumper]

Hi. I had the same operation that you will be having. I was in hospital 4 nights because I got an infection. I think the usual stay is 3 nights.

Take a nightie to wear was you’ll probably have a catheter after your operation.

You will be encouraged to get up walk a little the day after your operation. I wore soft waisted loose yoga trousers, a pull on soft sports bra and loose t-shirt. Take a dressing gown, slippers, nibbles, a book, headphones, phone charger. I took my iPad so I could watch movies, my own coffee, fruit teas.

First few days at home - don’t try to do too much. Take short walks, eat healthily, have an afternoon nap.

I wasn’t allowed to drive, push a supermarket trolley etc for 8 weeks. I ordered good quality frozen food (from Cook) and recipe boxes so I knew I had easy to cook food for after my operation. I was also 54 and living alone. I had my operation in mid-December and went to stay with family afterwards so I wasn’t on my own over Christmas. I found it frustrating relying on family, but escaped by taking frequent short walks.

You’ll probably have to wear compression socks for a couple of weeks (very attractive for me on Xmas day) and have daily heparin injections. I did my heparin last thing at night.

[BHPM in reply to Fluffyjumper]

thank you x

[lesleysage]

Hello and sorry your health means you are at this site ... Like Wendy, I suggest Ovacome information booklets ovacome.org.uk/about-ovaria... and their Support team 0800 008 7054

You mention you live on your own, so thinking through who of your friends, colleagues and neighbours would be the best members of your 'A Team' in addition to your family who are helping out, maybe useful before going into hospital?

As you feel in shock, please try to be kind to yourself and not be uncomfy if you feel fragile and vulnerable - everyone on here recognises those feelings.

Tale care and warmest wishes. x

[BHPM in reply to lesleysage]

thank you for suggestions will have a read of that x