questioning my decision for hysterectomy

Hi madeline,

This is definitely a personal decision.  I think that some of the side effects you mention, such as reduced sexual pleasure, are related to removal of the ovaries, rather than the uterus.  I don't know what leads to a prolapse; are you referring to the bladder?  But in my case, I used to experience some bladder leakage when I sneezed, but after my debulking, I never had that issue again.  If it was me, I would lean towards having it taken out so that I did not risk having another surgery to do so.  

As far as HRT, I would suggest that you do some research before committing to it.  Many cancer paitents have too much estrogen, which promotes cancer growth.  Therefore, HRT can cause problems.  It is certainly a bad idea to add more estrogen to the mix if you have too much already.  And if you are estrogen dominant, even just adding progesterone can boost estrogen because the body will convert one to the other.  Since you have been diagnosed with adenomyosis, I think it would be wise to have your hormones assessed after your surgery to see if you have too much estrogen, before deciding on HRT.  My tumors were not hormone receptive, but my naturopath did not want me to take HRT, even thought my estrogen is low.  She felt it was too risky.  I am also BRCA positive.

Tethys41, thank you for putting it so beautifully.  

LorettaMarshall said:

Madeline~It's now Dec. 16~the day after surgery-Praying 4 U

Dear Madeline -

None of us expect to hear from you right away.  Yesterday was the big day.  (Surgery - Dec. 15th) Hope you got all the Christmas goodies baked and had an early family celebration.  I'm sure others that have followed your story are praying for you as well.  I know that for the first few days after my Cytoreductive Surgery, (July 2013), I wondered about my own survival.  Of course, I was ready to meet the Lord, but I had hoped the surgery would prolong my stay here on Earth.  I remember that when I went to the University of Pittsburgh for my surgery, I carried along at least a dozen favorite Bible verses that gave me hope and assurance that God was not going to abandon me in my hour of need.  But about 2:00 A.M. in the morning, and a bit dazed soon after the surgery, I called in a night nurse, told her where to find my verses in my night table.  I asked her to READ THEM TO ME!  She sat by my bedside and read each one, and shared some of her own experiences of having to hold on to her faith, when the path ahead seemed so uncertain.  Believe me, there are times when you are past "feeling" and definitely have to cling to your faith in His presence to keep you encouraged.  I know that you were besieged with doubts the closer the day of surgery approached.  But I believe that at "crunch time", you must rely on the research you did, and the doctors that you put your confidence in to make the right choices. 

         Now no matter the final outcome, you DID your best upfront to get the best care, and make the right choices.  So in the operating room, it comes down to the doctors and the Great Physician.  Just know that I, for one, and others as well, prayed a special prayer that God would keep you in His care.  Let us hear from you whenever you feel like it.  Here's hoping that your recovery from the surgery itself will have no complications.

Love & prayers,

Loretta

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer Stage IV and still here one more year to celebrate Christmas

Hi Madeline ~ Just want you to know that you've been on my mind for two straight days.  Am wondering how the surgery went.  Don't expect you to answer till you feel like it.  But like I say, "No news isn't always good news."  Sometimes I've thought about people but didn't get in touch with them, and when I did the news wasn't good.  So just want you to know that you're still in my prayers.  I haven't forgotten you, and I'm certain God hasn't.  Check in whenever you're up to it.  Somehow I think if things had gone smoothly, we would have heard that by now. 

Love & prayers for sure,

Loretta