Lymph Node Question

I have a question that hopefully someone can answer: received ct scan results and it says "highly concerning metastic disease in the interaortocaval region 3.2x3.2 cm; round solid masses in both iliac regions 3.2x2.8 and 2.3x1.9cm. Abdominal aorta is normal in caliber."  Does anyone know what this means?  My dr says she is concerned by this.  Also it has myometrium estimated at 50-75% of its thickness.   Maryanne

Comments

  • MAbound
    MAbound Member Posts: 1,168 Member
    I don't know if you've ever

    I don't know if you've ever had prior surgery or not, but increasing your anxiety beforehand by teasing yourself with the implications of pre-op tests is probably not a good idea. Nothing is certain and all is subject to change until the pathology on the uterus, lymph nodes, and whatever else gets removed during surgery is done and your staging is finalized to help your doctor determine what will be the best course of treatment for what's going on with your cancer. It would be better to focus your questions on what to expect for your post-op recovery and how to optimize that at this point in time. This is the step you have to focus on getting through before worrying about the next. Don't get ahead of yourself or you'll make yourself crazy.

    I'm not sure what type of surgery you're having, but I had a radical abdominal hysterectomy. You need to appreciate how important getting up and moving around after that is to prevent complications like ileus. You'll want to ask your doctor how long he expects you to be in the hospital and if you'll be going home with any tubes like a urinary catheter or drainage tube. You probably won't feel like having people come to "visit" with you, but will greatly appreciate having someone with you during waking hours to help with your recovery both in the hospital and at home for awhile. 

    Your pre-op CT scan is a guide for your surgeon for where he/she needs to focus during surgery. Your's sound like it telling that the para-aortic lymph nodes definitely need to be removed for testing as well as examining surrounding tissue for the presence of tumors. That's not uncommon. I believe it's rcredman's mom who is going for a 2nd surgery because they didn't do that for her during the 1st. In any case, for your type of cancer, whatever stage, chemo and radiation are probably what you are facing once you have a chance to recover a bit from the surgery, whatever the staging turns out to be. Prepare yourself mentally for that, but focus mainly on having the easiest recovery from your surgery. Keep telling yourself one step at a time and you'll get through this.

  • Mmpeterson
    Mmpeterson Member Posts: 124
    I am having a total abdominal

    I am having a total abdominal hysterectomy with removal of cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.  My dr will be exploring my abdomen and will try to get the lymph nodes out.  After surgery she said definately chemo but as of right now no radiation.  I am 5 hours away from the hospital and my surgeon so the ride home will be interesting.  Hopefully I will sleep most of the way as my dr knows how far we are driving. I take baby steps but getting closer to surgery on Friday I am noticing my anxiety going up so I am trying to fill my mind with reading a bible an amazing friend is letting me use and reading up on a healthy diet from Radical Remission to help my recovery.  Everyone says after surgery I will start to feel much better to tackle and win against this cancer.  I am praying for some good news for a change just like I am sure everyone here does as well.  Thank you for the encouragement.   Maryanne

  • beccabtown
    beccabtown Member Posts: 234
    edited October 2016 #4
    I know how hard it is to not

    I know how hard it is to not worry about this kind of thing, but MAbound gives you good advice.

    Before my surgery I spent a lot of time cleaning house and cooking food to freeze. I still worried but at least I was doing something that took my mind off it for a bit. Good luck!!!!! I'm sure you will do great. 

  • beccabtown
    beccabtown Member Posts: 234
    P.S. You will probably want

    P.S. You will probably want some pillows to hold on your stomach on the way home. So sorry you have such a long car ride. 

  • Mmpeterson
    Mmpeterson Member Posts: 124
    edited October 2016 #6

    P.S. You will probably want

    P.S. You will probably want some pillows to hold on your stomach on the way home. So sorry you have such a long car ride. 

    It is a long ride but if my

    It is a long ride but if my dr can get this all out with the help of God then we will drive to the ends of the earth.  I am taking a pillow and my blanket I always use that way I have something from home that is comforting.  I do pray that this will go well and recovery will be a slow process but I plan on resting and moving a little each day to get stronger.  Thank you for the good luck wishes! Maryanne

  • brissance
    brissance Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2016 #7
    Home Will be So Nice

    I had a short ride so I was lucky.  I did get a belly band from the hospital (it helps when you sneeze, coughs or bump) sort of hold you in.  It was not that bad and I was so happy to be in my house I progressed so much quicker being at home.  Here's wishing all the best my dear!

  • Mmpeterson
    Mmpeterson Member Posts: 124
    brissance said:

    Home Will be So Nice

    I had a short ride so I was lucky.  I did get a belly band from the hospital (it helps when you sneeze, coughs or bump) sort of hold you in.  It was not that bad and I was so happy to be in my house I progressed so much quicker being at home.  Here's wishing all the best my dear!

    Thank you so much for the

    Thank you so much for the wishes!  I am looking forward to getting this disease out and getting home to recover.  I will ask about the belly band before I get to go home.  Maryanne

  • LindyLu
    LindyLu Member Posts: 72
    edited October 2016 #9
    waiting is the worst

    Maryanne, you are stronger than you think!  I had total hysterectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed exactly 6 weeks ago today.  I live about 2 hours from my doc and surgery/chemo center, had daVinci robotic surgery and went home the next day.  One of the things that helped me with recovery was drinking LOTS of fluids. Also, starting the first day home I made myself walk around the house, taking just a few steps to start but increasing as time went by.   This helped me with getting my strength back and keeping my body functioning.  I found I slept more soundly, too.  Waiting is the pits.  Try to focus on something that brings you joy, and take one day at a time.  You'll get through it...we females are tough!  I'm sending a prayer and good wishes your way...~LL

  • Mmpeterson
    Mmpeterson Member Posts: 124
    edited October 2016 #10
    LindyLu said:

    waiting is the worst

    Maryanne, you are stronger than you think!  I had total hysterectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed exactly 6 weeks ago today.  I live about 2 hours from my doc and surgery/chemo center, had daVinci robotic surgery and went home the next day.  One of the things that helped me with recovery was drinking LOTS of fluids. Also, starting the first day home I made myself walk around the house, taking just a few steps to start but increasing as time went by.   This helped me with getting my strength back and keeping my body functioning.  I found I slept more soundly, too.  Waiting is the pits.  Try to focus on something that brings you joy, and take one day at a time.  You'll get through it...we females are tough!  I'm sending a prayer and good wishes your way...~LL

    Waiting is the most terrible

    Waiting is the most terrible part, not knowing what my dr will find and the path report.  I am trying not to focus on those 2 things but it is so difficult not to.  I will be relieved when this surgery is over and at least I know I won't have the heavy bleeding and clots anymore because I got severely anemic last month and had to have a 3 unit blood tranfusion.  What a mess!!  Thank you for the prayers and good wishes, that helps more than you know!!!!  Maryanne

  • janaes
    janaes Member Posts: 799 Member
    edited October 2016 #11
    Maryanne, you are going to

    Maryanne, you are going to make it.  Keep thinking of your blessings.  My cancer was pushing on my blatter before surgery and i was having a leaky blatter for a time.  I had to wear a pad  all the time and hated it.  That was one thing i kept thinking about.  I said to my self, " at least i wont have blatter problems when its done." 

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 789
    edited October 2016 #12

    I am having a total abdominal

    I am having a total abdominal hysterectomy with removal of cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.  My dr will be exploring my abdomen and will try to get the lymph nodes out.  After surgery she said definately chemo but as of right now no radiation.  I am 5 hours away from the hospital and my surgeon so the ride home will be interesting.  Hopefully I will sleep most of the way as my dr knows how far we are driving. I take baby steps but getting closer to surgery on Friday I am noticing my anxiety going up so I am trying to fill my mind with reading a bible an amazing friend is letting me use and reading up on a healthy diet from Radical Remission to help my recovery.  Everyone says after surgery I will start to feel much better to tackle and win against this cancer.  I am praying for some good news for a change just like I am sure everyone here does as well.  Thank you for the encouragement.   Maryanne

    Good luck to you, Maryanne!

    Good luck to you, Maryanne! I agree with Beccabtown, you'll want to have a small pillow that you can hold up against your stomache. It may be a little bloody so be sure that it's covered in a sheet or blanket that you don't mind throwing away. My nurses gave one to me and it was my best friend for about 2 weeks after my surgery. I was back to work about 2 weeks after that so don't worry too much. You can do this! 

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,353 Member
    MAbound and beccatown said it

    MAbound and beccatown said it all. Is your doctor removing your omentum as well?  My recommendation is to take it one step at a time, try not to get too far of yourself.

  • Editgrl
    Editgrl Member Posts: 903 Member
    I second the belly band

    sometimes called an abdominal binder.  That was a great help.  I have to agree with not trying to analyze things until you get the pathology after surgery.  Hard to do, I know, but they will have so much more and better information after surgery that it just saps your energy to try to suss things out now.  Just concentrate on getting through surgery and healing from that.  Others have already given great info.  You will do great.

  • Mmpeterson
    Mmpeterson Member Posts: 124
    edited October 2016 #15
    janaes said:

    Maryanne, you are going to

    Maryanne, you are going to make it.  Keep thinking of your blessings.  My cancer was pushing on my blatter before surgery and i was having a leaky blatter for a time.  I had to wear a pad  all the time and hated it.  That was one thing i kept thinking about.  I said to my self, " at least i wont have blatter problems when its done." 

    Thank you Janaes!  What an

    Thank you Janaes!  What an ordeal with your cancer pushing on your bladder.  I keep thinking that so many ladies are going through this and they are all blessed because they are still strong.  Maryanne

  • Mmpeterson
    Mmpeterson Member Posts: 124
    edited October 2016 #16

    MAbound and beccatown said it

    MAbound and beccatown said it all. Is your doctor removing your omentum as well?  My recommendation is to take it one step at a time, try not to get too far of yourself.

    My dr didn't mention removing

    My dr didn't mention removing my omentum so I don't know if that's good news or she is waiting to see what she finds.  I keep doing my baby steps so my anxiety stays away because it can put me in panic mode very fast.  Maryanne

  • Mmpeterson
    Mmpeterson Member Posts: 124
    edited October 2016 #17
    Editgrl said:

    I second the belly band

    sometimes called an abdominal binder.  That was a great help.  I have to agree with not trying to analyze things until you get the pathology after surgery.  Hard to do, I know, but they will have so much more and better information after surgery that it just saps your energy to try to suss things out now.  Just concentrate on getting through surgery and healing from that.  Others have already given great info.  You will do great.

    Thank you editgrl!  I

    Thank you editgrl!  I actually printed what everyone has told me so it keeps my mind more focused.  I always put the cart before the horse so to speak.  Getting the surgery is the first thing to get done then go from there.  Thank you for the encouragement.  Maryanne

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member

    I am having a total abdominal

    I am having a total abdominal hysterectomy with removal of cervix, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.  My dr will be exploring my abdomen and will try to get the lymph nodes out.  After surgery she said definately chemo but as of right now no radiation.  I am 5 hours away from the hospital and my surgeon so the ride home will be interesting.  Hopefully I will sleep most of the way as my dr knows how far we are driving. I take baby steps but getting closer to surgery on Friday I am noticing my anxiety going up so I am trying to fill my mind with reading a bible an amazing friend is letting me use and reading up on a healthy diet from Radical Remission to help my recovery.  Everyone says after surgery I will start to feel much better to tackle and win against this cancer.  I am praying for some good news for a change just like I am sure everyone here does as well.  Thank you for the encouragement.   Maryanne

    Hi, Maryanne

    you already have a lot of good informations, so I don't have much to add.  I had a 3 hour ride home following both my radical hysterictomy and an open bowel resection and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  One idea if you,are going to be there for a few days, bring a favorite regular pillow along,  hospital pillows are awful.  Also I had a Sherpa throw that I laid on because the sheets rubbed my back side.  Once ths is over you will feel better and will know-about what you will have to do to beat this monster.

    Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

  • Mmpeterson
    Mmpeterson Member Posts: 124
    Lou Ann M said:

    Hi, Maryanne

    you already have a lot of good informations, so I don't have much to add.  I had a 3 hour ride home following both my radical hysterictomy and an open bowel resection and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  One idea if you,are going to be there for a few days, bring a favorite regular pillow along,  hospital pillows are awful.  Also I had a Sherpa throw that I laid on because the sheets rubbed my back side.  Once ths is over you will feel better and will know-about what you will have to do to beat this monster.

    Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

    I appreciate the hugs and

    I appreciate the hugs and prayers Lou Ann!!!!!  I will definately bring my pillow and I am taking my favorite blanket too. I am looking forward to the surgery being over and then gaining more strength for the path report.  Maryanne