Scheduled TAH on June 11 re-scheduled due to Magnesium Citrate pre-op but changing my decision

bgomnltn
bgomnltn Member Posts: 1
in Ovarian Cancer #1

Hello,

I have been lurking on many ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and hysterectomy websites for a while now since my ob-gyn recommended a hysterectomy last month.

I have been battling severe endometriosis for 13 years now. I am turning 43 next month and I have accepted that I will not be able to bear a child of my own. My ob-gyn prescribed birth control pills and Lupron. I decided not to take birth control pills because of my desire to have children. I tried Lupron once but I developed severe allergic reactions to it. Aspirin and acetamipophen are the only pain medications that have helped me endure the pain for 13 years. In between, I had a LEEP procedure done about 6 years ago due to pre-cancer cells on my cervix and two laparoscopies. My mother died of ovarian cancer and a younger sister had a LEEP procedure done as well. Two of my sisters have children of their own.

Two months ago, I had my routine PAP smear, ultrasound, and my CA-125 taken. The first CA-125 was elevated so my ob-gyn requested another one in 3 weeks. The second drawing of blood yielded another elevated reading. My latest laparoscopy was last October and cancer was not detected. From that time on, I noticed that I gained weight and my abdomen bloated all of a sudden. I have been experiencing intermittent night sweats, too. My ob-gyn recommended a TAH due to my elevated CA-125. When I asked him what my ovarian cancer risk is, he said that it is low. 

So I went to see the gyn-oncologist that my ob-gyn recommended. When I saw her, she did not really look at my history. Her office just scheduled me for the TAH which was supposedly last Thursday. Due to the magnesium citrate that kept me in the bathroom until yesterday and blood in my stool (I apologize.), I called the gyn-oncologist and hospital to cancel the surgery and re-scheduled it.

However, I have been reading many sources and I came to the conclusion that I need a PET-CT scan first to confirm whether I really have ovarian cancer. Both doctors have not found cancer in my system yet but they decided that I undergo a TAH right away. My intuition is telling me that I have to confirm first if I am really sick of cancer before I choose to remove my diseased reproductive organs.

I will meet with the gyn-oncologist this Monday to suggest to her about the PET-CT scan. If she does not agree, I have already spoken with another hospital for a second opinion.

I am interested of your thoughts. Your enlightenment and words of wisdom will go a long way.

Thank you.

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,486 Member
    #2
    bgomnltn, I am sorry I can't

    bgomnltn, I am sorry I can't be of much help. 

    I do have a quesiton.  Since you mentioned you are turning 43 and accepted that you will not be having children would the hysterectomy aleviate all the pain you have been living with?  My only advice is in the event there is any cancer there that they NOT remove your uterus by morcellation.  I don't know if anyone is doing that anymore, but it is worth checking. 

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #3
    I would push fo rthe PET-CT,

    I would push fo rthe PET-CT, although your insurance company will probably deny it.   They may just let you do a CT first.   

    With me, I was having severe pains and then was told I needed a total hysterectomy.  I asked for the tests, etc., but they said I didn't need it.   I was put on Lupron for six months to put me in menopause and so that the surgeon would be able to remove the lesions better since he indicated they were like cement.   I still had asked for the scans and was told no.   I had the total hysterectomy done and then when I went for my follow up I was told they found cancer in my uterus and in my left ovary.   I was 45 years old at the time.  (Diagnosed with Grade 2, Stage 3a Endometrial Adenocarcinoma)  Although they were unable to determine the origin of it so they treated it like ovarian.

    Given your family history, I would definitely ask.  If you are not satisfied, I would get a second opinion from another facility and doctor.

    Kathy

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