is it imperative an oncologist perform the 1st surgery

Brigitte
Brigitte Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi-
I have all the classic symptoms of ovarian cancer- hugely bloated tummy, cramping, gas, pain, pressure and they just discovered a tumor on my left ovary. I am scheduled for surgery with my regular OBGYN. I have a gut instinct that I could have OC -- my stomach looks SO weird!. Is it wise to allow the OBGYN to do the debulking operation or should I have an oncologist do it? If it is not imperative since I ma not yet diagnosed I am fine with my doc -- but I wanted to know what you all think given your experiences. Thank you!
B.

Comments

  • agale
    agale Member Posts: 4
    #2
    Absolutely -- have a gyn. oncologist do your surgery!!!!! They are highly trained to identify gyn cancers and are far better prepared to do the cancer staging procedures if necessary. Please don't trust this to an obgyn or a general surgeon.
  • Airwayqueen
    Airwayqueen Member Posts: 14 Member
    #3
    Hello!

    Two years ago, I was in your shoes. I had my OBGYN do my surgery. The CA125 blood test showed that I did not have cancer. I had a complete hysterectomy. The pathology report showed that I did have ovarian cancer after all. I see no probem with having your OBGYN to the debulking. I was turned over to an oncologist after my diagnosis. Two years cancer free and going strong!! Do you have any questions? I'd be happy to answr any of them.

    Good luck!

    Gayla
  • ellen62
    ellen62 Member Posts: 10 Member
    #4
    Hello Brigitte,
    My ob/gyn was the primary on my surgery, but he had a gyn/oncologist on stand-by. Turned out to be a good thing. He went in expecting to find endometriosis, but it turned out to be ovarian cancer. They were able to call the oncologist in to remove the cancer right then and there. It's been one year, and I'm still on chemo but doing well. Best of luck to you!
    Ellen
  • TealRibbon
    TealRibbon Member Posts: 44 Member
    #5
    Brigitte,

    PLEASE, if you have surgery, have it done by a Gyn/Oncologist. Here is a link with some good info: Copy and paste this link into your brower window.
    http://www.baymoon.com/~gyncancer/library/weekly/aa032201a.htm

    I have Ovarian Cancer, stage 3 and was inoperable at the time of my diagnosis. Thank God, one of the residents sent a GYN/Onc to see me. He sent me for chemo (5 rounds) and after shrinking my tumors did a successful debulking surgery. The first doctor thought I would be dead by now but I am alive and doing well. Still taking chemo under a clinical trial but my CA125 (cancer marker)is at 16. Normal is 35 or below. RUN. don't walk to the Gyn/Onc Surgeon!
  • als26
    als26 Member Posts: 46 Member
    #6
    Based upon the attached article, I believe it's necessary for you to see an gyn. oncologist...

    http://ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/newsletter/winter2003/features.cfm#article1
  • mirtle
    mirtle Member Posts: 32 Member
    #7
    Brigitte, A GYN/Oncologist knows what to look for and also that further exploration is necessary to make sure that the cancer has not spread beyond the ovaries. I believe it is called "optimum surgery" which means that they open you completely up and make sure that all the other organs are clean and cancer free. When I was diagnosed in 1993, the surgeon performed this type of operation and when I went for my first consultation with the oncologist, he said that if my surgery had not been done this way, they probably would have had to open me back up. If I can be of any further help, please let me know.
  • Brigitte
    Brigitte Member Posts: 3
    #8
    Thank you all SO much for your input. My surgery is tomorrow. I have an oncologist lined up to be "on call" in case it appears the cancer has gone beyond the ovary. Of course, I am still praying that I don't even have cancer. I feel I am in good hands and am hoping for the best. May you all live long and wonderful lives. Here's to surviving!
    Brigitte
  • mirtle
    mirtle Member Posts: 32 Member
    #9
    Brigitte said:

    Thank you all SO much for your input. My surgery is tomorrow. I have an oncologist lined up to be "on call" in case it appears the cancer has gone beyond the ovary. Of course, I am still praying that I don't even have cancer. I feel I am in good hands and am hoping for the best. May you all live long and wonderful lives. Here's to surviving!
    Brigitte

    Brigette, by now you have had your surgery and I am hoping and praying that you are cancer-free. If not, its not time to give up. There are millions of us out here that are fighting the good fight. Please let me know how you are doing.
    MIRTLE.
  • Brigitte
    Brigitte Member Posts: 3
    #10
    mirtle said:

    Brigette, by now you have had your surgery and I am hoping and praying that you are cancer-free. If not, its not time to give up. There are millions of us out here that are fighting the good fight. Please let me know how you are doing.
    MIRTLE.

    Mirtle-
    I had the surgery, have been recovering and was waiting to hear from the doctor today whether or not I had cancer. What a long wait that was - almost 3 full days. She just called and identified my mass by some long name that I can't remember, but all I heard was the word "benign"!!! That's all I needed to hear! I do not have ov/ca. I have learned so much about it though and feel for those of you who are fighting it everyday. I will remain ever-vigilant in checking to see that my remaining ovary is cancer-free --- and I will keep all of you in my prayers from now on. Thank you for being so wonderful while you are fighting such a battle.
    Brigitte
  • mirtle
    mirtle Member Posts: 32 Member
    #11
    Brigitte said:

    Mirtle-
    I had the surgery, have been recovering and was waiting to hear from the doctor today whether or not I had cancer. What a long wait that was - almost 3 full days. She just called and identified my mass by some long name that I can't remember, but all I heard was the word "benign"!!! That's all I needed to hear! I do not have ov/ca. I have learned so much about it though and feel for those of you who are fighting it everyday. I will remain ever-vigilant in checking to see that my remaining ovary is cancer-free --- and I will keep all of you in my prayers from now on. Thank you for being so wonderful while you are fighting such a battle.
    Brigitte

    That is absolutely great news!!! I am so happy for you. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

    MIRTLE
  • clightfoot
    clightfoot Member Posts: 7 Member
    #12
    Let your regular Gyn diagnose you but by all means have an Gynecology Oncology Surgeon do you surgery if you need it. I am lucky enough to live by a university medical center and had my surgery there. God Bless Dr. Anil Sood (he is now at MDAnderson in Houston). I am two years out and doing fine. Use the heavy artillery if at all possible.
  • ashuma1
    ashuma1 Member Posts: 12
    #13
    Brigitte said:

    Mirtle-
    I had the surgery, have been recovering and was waiting to hear from the doctor today whether or not I had cancer. What a long wait that was - almost 3 full days. She just called and identified my mass by some long name that I can't remember, but all I heard was the word "benign"!!! That's all I needed to hear! I do not have ov/ca. I have learned so much about it though and feel for those of you who are fighting it everyday. I will remain ever-vigilant in checking to see that my remaining ovary is cancer-free --- and I will keep all of you in my prayers from now on. Thank you for being so wonderful while you are fighting such a battle.
    Brigitte

    I am thrilled for you!! Best of luck in the future.

    In my case, I was referred to a gynecologic oncologist and was diagnosed even before surgery, via sonogram, CT scan and exam. He did major debulking surgery that he is well experienced in doing, and started me on chemo while I was still recuperating in the hospital.
  • msouders
    msouders Member Posts: 5
    #14
    I hope you receive my response prior to your surgery. (I'm a discussion board virgin) I just wanted to share my experience. Had symptoms - had hysterectomy (5/2001) Bilateral OVCA finding them laparotomy (7/2001) I wish I knew then what I know now. I definately would have spared myself the additional surgery!!
  • Ceara
    Ceara Member Posts: 2
    #15
    Airwayqueen said:

    Hello!

    Two years ago, I was in your shoes. I had my OBGYN do my surgery. The CA125 blood test showed that I did not have cancer. I had a complete hysterectomy. The pathology report showed that I did have ovarian cancer after all. I see no probem with having your OBGYN to the debulking. I was turned over to an oncologist after my diagnosis. Two years cancer free and going strong!! Do you have any questions? I'd be happy to answr any of them.

    Good luck!

    Gayla

    Hello, I am a new member and don't know exactly how this works, but I have 6 of 9 symptoms that were listed in a OV cancer article and I'm scared to death. My appointment isn't until Oct. 16 and I know what tests to ask foretc., but I'm just looking for others that can tell me how they felt physically before they were diagnosed. I would appreciate any help. Blessings, Kathleen

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