Out Patient DNC

Spydergal

Hi Ladies, I want to thank all of you for your suggestions to avoid getting a biopsy which my doctor canceled today, Yay. I told her that I don't want the oncologist she's sending me to, to miss anything, or need to turn around and do a DNC anyway. She said she suggested the biopsy because it's easier and less invasive but if I prefer the DNC she understands. I'm waiting for the oncologist to call to schedule an appointment.  The doctor told me that sometimes a polyp can bleed but is benign And can make the lining look thicker in a sonogram even though it's not. Also, if there is no polyp but the lining is thick they will scrape it out and send it to the lab to test. I am so glad that I came on here because I would have gone about this journey completely blind. I will update you all, I ask you all to please pray for me that they find no cancer.

Harmanygroves

Praying for You!

Oh, Spydergal! You are just taking it one step at a time, and how perfect! You are now on your heroic journey. You are a strong woman, an adventurer who seeks information and uses advice to her advantage. I am so glad that you are sticking around. Let "us" know when your D & C is scheduled.

When I had the hysteroscopy / polypectomy / D& C / Biopsies, I signed a permission for all of those. Hard to know what's standard, and we're all in different states and countries anyway. Best wishes to you!

Love,

Deb

cmb

Yay! for the D&C

I'm very glad to hear that you'll be having the D&C instead of the biopsy. As I've mentioned before, my first D&C years ago found a benign polyp that, once removed during that procedure, resolved the vaginal bleeding I had at the time.

I hope you have the same result, but at least you'll have a more defintive diagnosis of the problem and will have saved yourself from an 'iffy" biopsy. Be sure to let us know the result.

misstaylor84

D&C

I had a hysteroscopy with D&C on July 27th. It was my first surgery and I was very scared. My team was great and when I first woke up was when I felt the most pain but it wasn't untolerable and I didn't need any painkillers in recovery. I think after an hour and a half I was able to go home. 

The first day after surgery I pretty well slept the rest of the day. The following day I spiked a fever, had a lot of pain and pressure and it was a very hard day. But the D&C allowed my OBGYN to discover the cancer cells. I also had 2 polyps which were benign so I am glad she at least wanted me to do the D&C. This is the first OBGYN who even suggested it. Having the best doctors, nurses, etc on your team is so important and I hope you have family, a loved one, etc who can help you through this ordeal, that means the world of difference, and if you don't, I'd be more than happy to email or go old school and write cards to you!

Spydergal

misstaylor84 said:

D&C

I had a hysteroscopy with D&C on July 27th. It was my first surgery and I was very scared. My team was great and when I first woke up was when I felt the most pain but it wasn't untolerable and I didn't need any painkillers in recovery. I think after an hour and a half I was able to go home. 

The first day after surgery I pretty well slept the rest of the day. The following day I spiked a fever, had a lot of pain and pressure and it was a very hard day. But the D&C allowed my OBGYN to discover the cancer cells. I also had 2 polyps which were benign so I am glad she at least wanted me to do the D&C. This is the first OBGYN who even suggested it. Having the best doctors, nurses, etc on your team is so important and I hope you have family, a loved one, etc who can help you through this ordeal, that means the world of difference, and if you don't, I'd be more than happy to email or go old school and write cards to you!

D&C

I kind of figured that a D&C couldn't hurt too much more than the un-Godly menstrual cramps I used to have before menopause, I welcomed menopause, lol. My gynecologist is very nice and referred me to her partner who is an oncologist but they haven't contacted me for an appointment yet to talk about the DNC and schedule it.  If I have cancer I would like to get Dr When at Moffit an hour away from me as my oncologis, He is supposed to be excellent. I faxed my medical records to him, when I called to try to get an appointment I was told that if Dr When decides to take me as a patient they will call me. Wow, I never heard of a Dr that picks the patients he wants, I guess he's that good. A woman in my gynecologist office told me that her hysterectomy was cancelled because the hospital won't do elective surgerys due to COVID, I didn't know a hysterectomy was an elective surgery . I am nervous about not being able to have the DNC and if they find cancer being denied a hysterectomy. It's insane in Florida right now, SHANDS in Gainesville Has stopped taking patients because their out of beds. I was told this by a close friend who is an RN across the street from SHANDS at the VA hospital where the ICU beds are also full. I really don't want to have to wait to get a diagnosis and get the polyps and lining removed. My gynecologist wanted to do an in office biopsy but thanks to everyone on here I told her I prefer a DNC because I didn't want anything to be overlooked. Unfortunately I may have no choice but to get a biopsy since it's an in office procedure. Email would be awesome, I do use snail mail to with a couple of my friends because it's still fun, especially since I'm a stamp collector and love saving the stamps.

Spydergal

Harmanygroves said:

Praying for You!

Oh, Spydergal! You are just taking it one step at a time, and how perfect! You are now on your heroic journey. You are a strong woman, an adventurer who seeks information and uses advice to her advantage. I am so glad that you are sticking around. Let "us" know when your D & C is scheduled.

When I had the hysteroscopy / polypectomy / D& C / Biopsies, I signed a permission for all of those. Hard to know what's standard, and we're all in different states and countries anyway. Best wishes to you!

Love,

Deb

Thank you Harmanygroves

I appreciate all the information and support, it really helps, the not having a diagnosis yet really sucks.

Kathy G.

MissTaylor & Spydergirl...

MissTaylor & Spydergirl...

Welcome to this board where this is such a wealth of good information and the most caring and helpful group of women!

I didn't join here until after I had my office biopsy and my cancer was confirmed. I did not know a D & C was an option...nor was it recommended.  I definitely would have gone that route had I known...

My office biopsy was uncomfortable but do-able. I point this out because I have major anxiety regarding pelvic exams due to a history of sexual abuse. Fortunate my gyno was able to get enough tissue.

I am one of the lucky ones who only required surgery...stage 1...grade 1. That was in 2013. I come back here often though because I want to give back similar to how I was blessed with so much support and information during one of the most confusing times  in my life.

In terms of a hysterectomy being an elective surgery I would think if it was due to cancer that would not apply. They have to get it out. 

Just my opinion in a world that has been transformed by covid, and not in a good way!

 

I wish you both the best as you navigate your journey. I will say cancer has some good points if you are willing to view things that way. I had weight loss surgery and lost 120 pounds, have eliminated as much sugar from my diet as I can, found I could deal with a serious illness much better than I ever imagined and grew closer to God.

Hope you can find your own silver linings as you move along on this path.

 

Kathy

 

Harmanygroves

Spydergal said:

D&C

I kind of figured that a D&C couldn't hurt too much more than the un-Godly menstrual cramps I used to have before menopause, I welcomed menopause, lol. My gynecologist is very nice and referred me to her partner who is an oncologist but they haven't contacted me for an appointment yet to talk about the DNC and schedule it.  If I have cancer I would like to get Dr When at Moffit an hour away from me as my oncologis, He is supposed to be excellent. I faxed my medical records to him, when I called to try to get an appointment I was told that if Dr When decides to take me as a patient they will call me. Wow, I never heard of a Dr that picks the patients he wants, I guess he's that good. A woman in my gynecologist office told me that her hysterectomy was cancelled because the hospital won't do elective surgerys due to COVID, I didn't know a hysterectomy was an elective surgery . I am nervous about not being able to have the DNC and if they find cancer being denied a hysterectomy. It's insane in Florida right now, SHANDS in Gainesville Has stopped taking patients because their out of beds. I was told this by a close friend who is an RN across the street from SHANDS at the VA hospital where the ICU beds are also full. I really don't want to have to wait to get a diagnosis and get the polyps and lining removed. My gynecologist wanted to do an in office biopsy but thanks to everyone on here I told her I prefer a DNC because I didn't want anything to be overlooked. Unfortunately I may have no choice but to get a biopsy since it's an in office procedure. Email would be awesome, I do use snail mail to with a couple of my friends because it's still fun, especially since I'm a stamp collector and love saving the stamps.

This Delta 5 Variant Must be Picking Up Bigtime in Fla.?

Guessing a lot of folks there did not get their vaccinations?

Waiting is horrible.

In your most diplomatic (but assertive) way, keep pushing for what you need. I am not sure of what kind of insurance you have, or how things are working in Florida.

Here, when my gyn onco so terribly disappointed me (and I'll deal with that emotional aftermath until I finish writing my book - not kidding!), I contacted my insurance and made a plea for 2nd opinion, completely changing care team, everything. I did it, too.

If you are in a corner and feel you have to get a biopsy first, I understand that sense of urgency. The waiting is so hard. Have they sent you for the CT scan yet? I'll read back through.

If you're past menopause and/or haven't had a baby through that tight cervix, they might have a hard time getting a biopsy. If that's the route you take, make sure you figure out how to get plenty of pain relievers and/or sedatives into your system. Just a word to the wise, and that would be you, good Spyder. 

We are in your corner, here at home on the Discussion Board. 

XXOO Deb

ps if you message me your address, I'll send you some snail mail with some cool stamps!

 

cmb

Biopsy preparation

Spydergal,

COVID has caused so many delays in care over the past year. I really hope you can get your D&C soon. But if you decide to try the biopsy in the meantime, ask for a prescription for Cytotec (Misoprostol) to take the night before the procedure. This softens the cervix and makes it easier to perform the biopsy in women who have never had children.

I was never given this before my three (failed) attempts at a biopsy, but I was prescribed it before both of my D&Cs. To make sure it was lodged near the cervix, I used a tampon plunger.

Forherself

Spydergal said:

D&C

I kind of figured that a D&C couldn't hurt too much more than the un-Godly menstrual cramps I used to have before menopause, I welcomed menopause, lol. My gynecologist is very nice and referred me to her partner who is an oncologist but they haven't contacted me for an appointment yet to talk about the DNC and schedule it.  If I have cancer I would like to get Dr When at Moffit an hour away from me as my oncologis, He is supposed to be excellent. I faxed my medical records to him, when I called to try to get an appointment I was told that if Dr When decides to take me as a patient they will call me. Wow, I never heard of a Dr that picks the patients he wants, I guess he's that good. A woman in my gynecologist office told me that her hysterectomy was cancelled because the hospital won't do elective surgerys due to COVID, I didn't know a hysterectomy was an elective surgery . I am nervous about not being able to have the DNC and if they find cancer being denied a hysterectomy. It's insane in Florida right now, SHANDS in Gainesville Has stopped taking patients because their out of beds. I was told this by a close friend who is an RN across the street from SHANDS at the VA hospital where the ICU beds are also full. I really don't want to have to wait to get a diagnosis and get the polyps and lining removed. My gynecologist wanted to do an in office biopsy but thanks to everyone on here I told her I prefer a DNC because I didn't want anything to be overlooked. Unfortunately I may have no choice but to get a biopsy since it's an in office procedure. Email would be awesome, I do use snail mail to with a couple of my friends because it's still fun, especially since I'm a stamp collector and love saving the stamps.

Dr. When

Might specialize in certain gyne cancers.  You do not have a diganosis yet so maybe that is the reason they told you if he accepts you.  Elective surgeries are not cancer diagnosing surgeries.  You should be able to get that done.  It may be a result of your insurance however.  Some doctors have a. limit on patients from certain insurance policies.  

An elective hysterectomy would be one that the patient wants but not medically indicated, for instance for heavy bleeding.  Having said that, my insurance was not accepted by the local gynecologists so I had to wait for the hospital doctor to do it and waited 3 months for my first appointment with the gyneologist.  I never had children so didn't have a gynecologist before needing the biopsy.  I was given the pessary to insert the night before and it was quite painful.  I finally took Tylenol and that solved the pain.  Just FYI.  I had D&C and laparoscopy under general anesthetic.  Surgery is delayed in Washington State too.