I had a Laparascopic Total Hysterectomy

[OdieForever]

I had a Laparoscopic Total Hysterectomy yesterday as treatment for recently diagnosed endometrial adenocarcinoma. I'm 74 years old, never married and never had children, yet I am stunned by the feelings of emptiness I'm experiencing now, as well as a deep sense of hopelessness and loss. My uterus (which contained a 6cm. fibroid) was removed through my vagina. This morning, with the help of a mirror and flashlight, I worked up the nerve to take a look "down there", and what I saw repulsed me. My entire vulva is bruised and swollen, and my labia is hanging loosely on either side of a gaping hole that used to be my vagina, I had no idea it would look like this after surgery, and although I know the swelling and discoloration will fade away and that (hopefully) my wide -open vagina will eventually go back to a more normal shape and size, I am devastated by what I look like now. Why is it that some doctors don't discuss this ahead of time and give the patient at least a clue of the temporary, yet drastic change they're about to witness the first time they take a look? I know that in the face of a cancer diagnosis, I must sound very vain to be so concerned about how it all looks, but it really was a shocking discovery. Thanks for letting me vent.

[Kathy_SHARE Moderator Ambassador]

Hi,

You’re only a few days post surgery and you need to allow time for your body to heal.

We’ve all experienced a sense of loss and shock after a hysterectomy regardless of age, marital status and whether or not we have children.

In my experience, doctors don’t give us much information about what to expect after cancer surgery. The oncology surgeons do what is necessary to get the cancer.

I was 67 when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2015. I never looked at the surgical site but I knew it would eventually heal. I was more concerned about doing whatever I could to be sure the cancer didn’t return. I had chemo and brachytherapy.

Has your doctor given you a final diagnosis with staging and provided you with a treatment plan?

My advice would be to get your rest and allow your body to heal. Ask your doctor all of your questions and make sure you get your answers.

Don’t apologize for venting. We all need to do it once in a while!

You might be interested in participating in one of SHARE’s support groups for women who are newly diagnosed and in treatment. We have a great group of women all at different points in the journey. We share experiences and offer support to each other.

Here’s the link:

sharecancersupport.org

The site offers information about support groups, webinars and other resources for all women’s cancers.

Take a look and if you have any questions, let me know.

Wish you all the best!