Was already indecisive about laparoscopy or "watch and wait" with follow up scans, and now a new twist has been thrown in the mix.

[starrynight5626]

Had my 3 month follow up U/S last week and today finally had a phone call with the doctor. The endo remained the same size which is good, but she basically told me the same thing as before that the chance of cancer is low because I have no other symptoms, but the only way to be sure is surgery.

She FINALLY agreed to let me have the CA125 test, even though I went and paid for one on my own two weeks ago because they were so hesitant to give me one and it turned out to be in the normal range at 18. I didn't tell her I had one already because I wanted to get the test thru the clinic where they can see the results. I went and did that this morning and I'm sure the results won't be any different. I told her I'd do that and then have another follow-up scan in 3 months.

What swayed my choice this time, after weeks of agonizing what to do, is that my husband told me over the weekend he wants to go to inpatient rehab for alcohol. He needs it and I'm glad he recognized it, but he will be there for 28 days (starting next week) followed by probably another month of intense outpatient treatment and probably won't return to work until January. So me having surgery is not yet another issue we need to throw in the mix right now because we need him to get better. There's no other family around so I'm pretty much his lifeline.

By the time of my next scan in January I will hope things are back on track to be normal with him and at that time perhaps I'll choose surgery.

Right or wrong choice on what to do for myself in your opinion??

[N-A-58]

I’m glad that things are looking good for you and these issues. With respect, you are asking an ovarian cancer forum if you should have your ovaries etc removed. On previous posts alot of the women said they would if they were you and yet you keep asking this question.

If you feel not having the operation is the best thing for you then that’s your answer.

Good luck with everything.

[starrynight5626 in reply to N-A-58]

I know, I'm sorry. I was leaning towards the surgery and then the issue with my husband popped up so now I don't know.

[N-A-58 in reply to starrynight5626]

I can only give you my opinion. Ovaries and fallopian tube removal for my mum at 60 years old was done via a laparoscopic operation. She was up and ‘running’ relatively normally the next day. You have to do what’s best for you. Good luck.

[hazelnut50]

Hi Starrtnight5626 Your husband going into rehab is such good news. He is taking that nearly impossible initiative to get better and get help. Even if you are alone, this may be the best time for you to get surgery over and done with. Then hopefully by January you will have more information and more direction- for YOUR health. Ask a friend to bring you home after the surgery, which should be a day or two after the procedure. And ask them to check on you for a couple of days. Cook and put healthy food in the freezer and the fridge- making your re-entry easier. I had a nurse come to the house to give me anticoagulant shots post surgery but not everyone needs that as long as I did. I live in a city so this is a normal service. Isn’t it easier to take care of one person - you- instead of two? And what can you do for your husband while he is an inpatient at the rehab? Not much, right? Seems like this could be an ideal window to cross over to the other side and put aside this ongoing question, tormenting yourself and causing so much stress. If you end up needing treatment after the surgery, you may very very well NOT need it, it is what comes after that requires more help.

So- You got this! Believe in yourself, and take care of yourself. You are stronger than you think! Hopefully a week of so after your surgery, you’ll be like “what was I hesitating all that time for.” Also, get better and more proactive doctors, don’t let anyone who is not oncology gyn surgeon operate on you. At least try your best. If we don’t take the initiative to make these hard choices - even at inconvenient times- no one will. And the perfect time NEVER seems to come by when we are waiting for it. All the best!

[Sunsetime]

hi , I understand this is a really difficult time for you and your husband and tough to make decisions. We are all different, not sure if this helps but I had laparoscopic surgery and although anxious , the process and recovery was so much easier than I anticipated. I was in and out of hospital the same day and after about 3 days of rest and taking it easy I was fine. Maybe talking through what to expect with a specialist nurse might be helpful too. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Saintgermain]

I would definitely seek a second opinion with a gyno/oncologist I don't mean to scare you but CA125 is not always a good indicator it can be in the normal range. I had stage 3 no symptoms I completely understand your situation being your Husband's lifeline, in my case my recovery was not bad 5-day hospital stay was able to go up and down stairs when I got home. I had an open hysterectomy, but some are able to have it done laparoscopy. This disease can be relentless but curable in the early stages.

[Leniko]

wrong. Let him go to inpatient Rehab, while you take care of Your health!

[hazelnut50]

How are you, Starrynight5626?

[starrynight5626 in reply to hazelnut50]

I'm doing well. Husband is actually doing outpatient, rather than inpatient, treatment M-F 9 to 3, so not inpatient. He says he is getting things out of it so that's good.

I am still waiting until the next U/S in January to see what it shows, but I imagine it won't show anything different. Still not sure what I'll decide to do.

[hazelnut50]

Good to hear things are on the right track. Hang in there. Best of luck and good health to you both!!