tumors, surgery, and cancer

ria2283 · 08-29-2008, 12:22 AM

I got my MRI test back this morning and my dr said that I have a tumor and need to see an oncologist and discuss surgery options. The tumor is over 8 cm on my left ovary and the notes on the MRI said "follow up and recheck in 4 weeks unless patient has a family history". My sister had stage 4 ovarian cancer 10 years ago- she had tumor that was only slightly larger than mine- they said she would die within a year w/o a hysterectomy but she refused and only had the ovary taken out. She survived, I believe through sheer will alone, I don't think I can do that. I am scared and need some support right now. I would very much appreciate if anyone would be willing to share their stories with me on surgeries, tumors, or cancers- I would like to know about anything that has a chance of happening. THANK YOU

Eruanna · 08-29-2008, 01:24 AM

Hi Ria

I have had a tumor about that size removed from one ovary, and one a little smaller taken off the other one.

At first I had keyhole surgery to remove a 3cm growth on one side, and the surgeon was going to take the whole thing out as he suspected that the tumor was growing inside the ovary and destroying tissue rather than just connected to the outside. By the time I had the operation there was another one on the otherside and of course he didn't want to go and take both ovaries out seeing as I was only 27 at the time!

He ended up doing a biopsy (and fixing up a bit of endo at the same time). Then I had to wait for the biopsy results ... even though the doctor said because of my age there was almost zero chance of it being cancer, it was still tough waiting, as my mother has had cancer, and her mother too. Luckly for me it came back benign and I was so relieved. I hope yours does too.

I had to go back for a second operation that couldn't be done keyhole, so I had a big cut from one side to the other. But I was very suprised at how quickly I came right after that. I stayed in hospital for a couple of days, and wasn't back at work for two weeks ... but that was more because the doctor had signed me off and I think I could have started back a little earlier. I have no scar now - I used rosehip oil on the cut after it had healed and there is nothing left now. At first it looked a little puckered and there was a bit of fat hanging over it, but it soon was gone.

I have a small part of each ovary left, but am hitting menopause earlier because of this. I am not worried about not being able to have children as I never planned on having any anyway.

Keep us posted on how you get on

calmwaters · 08-29-2008, 04:08 AM

Hi Ria and Euranna-
I can understand how stressful this can be for you. Like Euranna, I also had an ovarian cyst. MIne was 11cm X 7cm. THe doctor was planning on taking my left ovary but was able to just remove the tumor from outside the ovary. Unfortunately, my surgery was midline (navel to pubic bone) and left a huge scar and my abs (now known as flabs) never fully recovered. I was in the hospital 2 days and out of work for 3 weeks. It took me a loooooong time to get my energy back and feel well again, as I returned to work too soon (had to pay the bills afterall!). THe cyst was benign, thank you Jesus! and the wait for the results was excrutiating. I was nervous because my sister when she was at the same age had a hysterectomy due to endometrial cancer. All of this was pre PCOS for me, and I wonder if somehow surgery affected my hormone balance.

The pain was tolerable, and I didn't use many of the narcotics they gave me. Ibuprofen helped a lot. I was so protective of my weak belly muscles for so long, and I was afraid to drive with the seatbelt across my lap. I just felt so, exposed and... weak/unwhole for lack of better way to explain it. In retrospect, I know my doc was being thorough and vigilant, but I wish I woud have pressed him NOT to do a midline incision. He wanted to in case it was cancer and he'd have a better view of my peritoneal cavity. But, it was not cancer afterall, and the huge incision was completely unnecessary. Oh well.

Best wishes to you. Take as much resting/healing time as you can, accept help/meals/money/chores. You can do this!

novachick · 08-29-2008, 11:06 AM

My aunt was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer 3 years ago......until they opened her up to remove the tumors, and discovered that although they were reaaaaally big, they hadn't invaded anything. She was only Stage 1! She went ahead and had everything removed, and I haven't heard her complain about anything since. She's happy and healthy and KNOWS she's damn lucky. Now I'm doubly cautious about my check-ups---I look very much like my aunt, and seem to have gotten most of my genes from her side of the family. I watch me like a hawk.

My advice? Listen to your docs. DOCS. Get a second, third, and maybe 4th opinion. I would worry more, since you have a direct female relative who also had ovarian cancer. You need to know EXACTLY what the risks would be for removing only an ovary, not the full deal. They may think it's fine, but you need to hear it from more than one person, either way.

But I'm sure it'll all work out for you. Your sister will be great for support---lean on her!

ria2283 · 09-01-2008, 12:57 AM

Thank you ladies for your responses. I appreciate you sharing your stories with me. I am planning to get a second opinion- my sister wants me to see her dr- but it is going to be a while before he has a space available.
Eruanna: What is keyhole surgery?

calmwaters · 09-02-2008, 02:40 AM

Ria- I think what she mean by "keyhole" is laporoscopic surgery where they only cut a couple of small holes.