Scared Newbie

auntbee · August 2009

I 've been reading this site for several days and it has been a big help. I went to a gyno last week for the first time in way too long (yep I'm an idiot). He found a large mass when he examined me. I went for an ultrasound and he said he can't be sure, but there's a good chance it's ovarian cancer. He said when a woman is postmenopausal and the mass is over 10 cm (mine was 14), cancer is likely. Tomorrow I have a CAT scan and Wednesday I see the doctor again. He has already told me he will refer me to an oncologist after we get the CAT scan results. He also said he would suggest having a complete hysterectomy which I will certainly do. Of course I'm scared out of my mind, but trying to think positive. Most of my questions have been answered by reading these boards, but I do have a couple more.

Are any of you here diabetic? I am type 2, but well under control. I only take one Metformin a day. They told me I can take my Metformin in the morning since the CAT scan is in the afternoon, but I'm wondering how the Redi-Cat that I have to drink will affect my blood sugar. I know it's important to drink a lot of water to flush it out afterwards so I'll be sure to do that.

I probably sound calm and collected while I'm typing this, but I'm actually a huge bundle of nerves.

groundeffect · August 2009

Newbie
My first word of advice would be this: relax. At this point, you don't have much control over your situation. Make sure you get a good gynecologic oncologist for your surgery, regardless of how your CT scan reads. They're the ones who really know their way around, and will give you the best results, regardless if it's cancer or not.

I'm sure the CT technicians will be able to advise you about the blood sugar situation. Be sure to call before you go in for the scan! They will probably call to tell you about not eating and whatever you need to prep for the scan.

Meantime, you would do well to do some deep breathing exercises, and practice them prior to the scan. If you haven't had one before, don't worry-they really aren't bad at all!

Carolhodnett · August 2009

Here to help
Hi auntbee. I just read your post. I hope I can be off some hope and help for you. First of all you don't know if you have ovarian cancer yet so like groundeffect said take deep breaths. I had a similar case to yours. I too am type 2 diabetic. In my case my tumor was 12 cm and I had a total hysterectomy in October. I was diagnosed Stage 1C and I did have six rounds of Chemo. I only had trouble one time after Chemo with a blood sugar spike but I was able to get it under control with my oral medication. I took my metformin before my chemo treatments. I also drank lots of water. Fighting cancer was my main concern and I tended to neglect my diabetes. Luckily I did not have any issues. I am happy to tell you that now I am cancer free and in remission. I am paying more attention to my diabetes which is under control. Please feel free to come here often with your questions and concerns. There are remarkable women on this site and they have helped me so much. Let us know how your tests come out. If you have any more questions about anything at all someone here will be there for you. You'll be in my thoughts. Carol

TDodds68 · August 2009

Carolhodnett said:
Here to help
Hi auntbee. I just read your post. I hope I can be off some hope and help for you. First of all you don't know if you have ovarian cancer yet so like groundeffect said take deep breaths. I had a similar case to yours. I too am type 2 diabetic. In my case my tumor was 12 cm and I had a total hysterectomy in October. I was diagnosed Stage 1C and I did have six rounds of Chemo. I only had trouble one time after Chemo with a blood sugar spike but I was able to get it under control with my oral medication. I took my metformin before my chemo treatments. I also drank lots of water. Fighting cancer was my main concern and I tended to neglect my diabetes. Luckily I did not have any issues. I am happy to tell you that now I am cancer free and in remission. I am paying more attention to my diabetes which is under control. Please feel free to come here often with your questions and concerns. There are remarkable women on this site and they have helped me so much. Let us know how your tests come out. If you have any more questions about anything at all someone here will be there for you. You'll be in my thoughts. Carol

Help
I too am type 2 diabetic also high blood pressure. CT done May 4th in ER the technicians knew and had to drink it anyway had no problems they found a 15cm mass on one ovary and .08 on the other had full hysterectomy on May 7th and started chemo June 12th after healing from surgery. I do also suggest gyno/onco the survivor rate what I see online is much higher with them with ovarian than just a regular onco. or gyn. I have my 4th chemo tomorrow. Good luck and you will be in my prayers.

Unknown · August 2009

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

auntbee · August 2009

I had the CT yesterday and
I had the CT yesterday and saw my gyno again today. He said the CT looks suspicious and he sent a copy to the gyno/oncologist who agreed so I'm seeing the gyno/oncologist in the morning. He said it doesn't appear that it has spread from my ovary, but of course they can't be sure until I have surgery. There was also fluid in my abdomen. I forgot all about the CA-125, so I don't know the results of that.

saundra · August 2009

Moving fast
Be grateful that your referrals are moving rapidly. Be calm and roll with the punches. Saundra

auntbee · August 2009

saundra said:
Moving fast
Be grateful that your referrals are moving rapidly. Be calm and roll with the punches. Saundra

I saw the gyno/oncologist
I saw the gyno/oncologist this morning. He said that because of the shape and size of the mass, it looks like cancer to him. Of course, he has to wait until he gets in there to be certain and to see if it has spread. I will be having a hysterectomy on Aug. 31.

aboli · August 2009

newbie- 2
I have read some postings here, a couple of times and thought let me get in too. wish you all the best auntbee. And thanks to all of you, for kind words of support and advises.

I am diabetic too. But I did not have CT scan. I had ultrasound and colonoscopy.

I am going for pre op tomorrow on 14 th aug and for hysterectomy on aug 17th. I am a post menoposal.

I have an ovarian tumor 12x12x14 cm as on 6/11/09 ultrasound findings. since then areas and kinds of pain have increased. Probably there are some changes in the size or position of the tumor. yes ca-125 is high, but I am told that is not definite indicator of malignancy. It took long to see a gyn-onc. And now surgery is going to be open exploratory in addition to hysterectomy.

It looks like only after I will wake up from the anesthesia that I will know what is there in the pandora's box. stage 1,2,3, or 4 or whatever or just a non malignant tumor.

I am not scared of surgery or cancer or whatever it is that I have to face to. Of course i do have some vision of what I am heading into.
However I have a strange uneasiness about me being asleep and someone exploring into my body and chopping of this and that part that he found malignant or at risk. I will not be able to know or have say in all that when that will be happenting and when I will wake up probably I will have some clumsy bags hanging out of my tummy! I mean some major and drastic changes to my body! without my knoweledge while I am asleep!

I asked If I can have local anesthesia and be awake during my surgery. I was told a surgery of this magnitude has to be under general anesthesia only. And that it is mandatory.

Now who mandates this? well what can i say?

Surgery is going to be the way they do no matter what. 'Boy Is not that awful! I am curious if anyone felt the way I feel today.

oh! I am not going to make an issue out of it with doctors or fight for it. Just curious if this bothered to anyone else.

Any suggestions on how I need to prepare for my surgery? or for post surgery recovery days.

If there is any lesson avilable on how to tell my nose not to sneeze for a couple of weeks?

Carolhodnett · August 2009

aboli said:
newbie- 2
I have read some postings here, a couple of times and thought let me get in too. wish you all the best auntbee. And thanks to all of you, for kind words of support and advises.

I am diabetic too. But I did not have CT scan. I had ultrasound and colonoscopy.

I am going for pre op tomorrow on 14 th aug and for hysterectomy on aug 17th. I am a post menoposal.

I have an ovarian tumor 12x12x14 cm as on 6/11/09 ultrasound findings. since then areas and kinds of pain have increased. Probably there are some changes in the size or position of the tumor. yes ca-125 is high, but I am told that is not definite indicator of malignancy. It took long to see a gyn-onc. And now surgery is going to be open exploratory in addition to hysterectomy.

It looks like only after I will wake up from the anesthesia that I will know what is there in the pandora's box. stage 1,2,3, or 4 or whatever or just a non malignant tumor.

I am not scared of surgery or cancer or whatever it is that I have to face to. Of course i do have some vision of what I am heading into.
However I have a strange uneasiness about me being asleep and someone exploring into my body and chopping of this and that part that he found malignant or at risk. I will not be able to know or have say in all that when that will be happenting and when I will wake up probably I will have some clumsy bags hanging out of my tummy! I mean some major and drastic changes to my body! without my knoweledge while I am asleep!

I asked If I can have local anesthesia and be awake during my surgery. I was told a surgery of this magnitude has to be under general anesthesia only. And that it is mandatory.

Now who mandates this? well what can i say?

Surgery is going to be the way they do no matter what. 'Boy Is not that awful! I am curious if anyone felt the way I feel today.

oh! I am not going to make an issue out of it with doctors or fight for it. Just curious if this bothered to anyone else.

Any suggestions on how I need to prepare for my surgery? or for post surgery recovery days.

If there is any lesson avilable on how to tell my nose not to sneeze for a couple of weeks?

I understand
aboli: You are not alone with your fears of surgery and a possible diagnosis of cancer. It is a very frightening and uncertain time and your thoughts and emotions are all over the place. I sympathesize with you for I have been there just this past October. I had a hysterectomy and removal of a 12cm. tumor. Believe me aboli, you do not want to be conscious for this operation. It is major surgery. My advice for you to get over the fear of them removing organs when you are asleep is to think of it in a positive way. If those organs have any sign of cancer you want them out! Your surgeon will not take out anything that isn't compromised. Hopefully you will just have one big old benign tumor in there that will be removed. You will feel so much better when it's gone. I was staged at 1c and had six rounds of chemo and now I'm cancer free. In answer to your question about recovery, Plan to take a few weeks off your feet. There is some discomfort but there are pain medications that work. Have some meals prepared ahead of time . Welcome any help from friends and neighbors. Drink a lot of water and take stool softeners to ward off constipation. Get plenty of rest and read a few good books. You will be fine and whatever you have to face in the future you will overcome it. You have found a good source of support on this board. The lady warriors here won't let you down. Let us know how you are doing and stay strong. I will be thinking of you. Carol

auntbee · August 2009

aboli said:
newbie- 2
I have read some postings here, a couple of times and thought let me get in too. wish you all the best auntbee. And thanks to all of you, for kind words of support and advises.

I am diabetic too. But I did not have CT scan. I had ultrasound and colonoscopy.

I am going for pre op tomorrow on 14 th aug and for hysterectomy on aug 17th. I am a post menoposal.

I have an ovarian tumor 12x12x14 cm as on 6/11/09 ultrasound findings. since then areas and kinds of pain have increased. Probably there are some changes in the size or position of the tumor. yes ca-125 is high, but I am told that is not definite indicator of malignancy. It took long to see a gyn-onc. And now surgery is going to be open exploratory in addition to hysterectomy.

It looks like only after I will wake up from the anesthesia that I will know what is there in the pandora's box. stage 1,2,3, or 4 or whatever or just a non malignant tumor.

I am not scared of surgery or cancer or whatever it is that I have to face to. Of course i do have some vision of what I am heading into.
However I have a strange uneasiness about me being asleep and someone exploring into my body and chopping of this and that part that he found malignant or at risk. I will not be able to know or have say in all that when that will be happenting and when I will wake up probably I will have some clumsy bags hanging out of my tummy! I mean some major and drastic changes to my body! without my knoweledge while I am asleep!

I asked If I can have local anesthesia and be awake during my surgery. I was told a surgery of this magnitude has to be under general anesthesia only. And that it is mandatory.

Now who mandates this? well what can i say?

Surgery is going to be the way they do no matter what. 'Boy Is not that awful! I am curious if anyone felt the way I feel today.

oh! I am not going to make an issue out of it with doctors or fight for it. Just curious if this bothered to anyone else.

Any suggestions on how I need to prepare for my surgery? or for post surgery recovery days.

If there is any lesson avilable on how to tell my nose not to sneeze for a couple of weeks?

aboli, I hope your surgery
aboli, I hope your surgery goes well. My is also going to be an open exploratory. If it removes the cancer, I don't care what they take out of me. I know it's going to be tough, but I'm trying to prepare my mind for the surgery and the aftermath.

carol2dogs · August 2009

aboli said:
newbie- 2
I have read some postings here, a couple of times and thought let me get in too. wish you all the best auntbee. And thanks to all of you, for kind words of support and advises.

I am diabetic too. But I did not have CT scan. I had ultrasound and colonoscopy.

I am going for pre op tomorrow on 14 th aug and for hysterectomy on aug 17th. I am a post menoposal.

I have an ovarian tumor 12x12x14 cm as on 6/11/09 ultrasound findings. since then areas and kinds of pain have increased. Probably there are some changes in the size or position of the tumor. yes ca-125 is high, but I am told that is not definite indicator of malignancy. It took long to see a gyn-onc. And now surgery is going to be open exploratory in addition to hysterectomy.

It looks like only after I will wake up from the anesthesia that I will know what is there in the pandora's box. stage 1,2,3, or 4 or whatever or just a non malignant tumor.

I am not scared of surgery or cancer or whatever it is that I have to face to. Of course i do have some vision of what I am heading into.
However I have a strange uneasiness about me being asleep and someone exploring into my body and chopping of this and that part that he found malignant or at risk. I will not be able to know or have say in all that when that will be happenting and when I will wake up probably I will have some clumsy bags hanging out of my tummy! I mean some major and drastic changes to my body! without my knoweledge while I am asleep!

I asked If I can have local anesthesia and be awake during my surgery. I was told a surgery of this magnitude has to be under general anesthesia only. And that it is mandatory.

Now who mandates this? well what can i say?

Surgery is going to be the way they do no matter what. 'Boy Is not that awful! I am curious if anyone felt the way I feel today.

oh! I am not going to make an issue out of it with doctors or fight for it. Just curious if this bothered to anyone else.

Any suggestions on how I need to prepare for my surgery? or for post surgery recovery days.

If there is any lesson avilable on how to tell my nose not to sneeze for a couple of weeks?

Definitely NOT Local
Aboli,
I do not want to repeat the wonderful advice you have already been given here. I so agree with it. I just want to comment on the anesthesia part. I got my first port taken out (turned out to not be such a good decision, have since had another put in) under local anesthesia. It was not bad at all - just a little uncomfortable. However, in terms of magnitude of pain and time, this is like trying to compare a gnat to an elephant. There is no way at all I would ever want to have major surgery under local anesthesia. You cannot risk your life by having the medical team trying to manage your emotions and your physiological reactions while also trying to do surgery. There are some excellent reasons why general anesthesia is mandated for this type of operation.
I understand that giving up control over your own body is extremely scary. Please continue to come here to work through some of that anxiety. The waiting truly is one of the worst parts about this process. We are praying for you and sending you lots of virtual hugs. Carol

lindaprocopio · August 2009

carol2dogs said:
Definitely NOT Local
Aboli,
I do not want to repeat the wonderful advice you have already been given here. I so agree with it. I just want to comment on the anesthesia part. I got my first port taken out (turned out to not be such a good decision, have since had another put in) under local anesthesia. It was not bad at all - just a little uncomfortable. However, in terms of magnitude of pain and time, this is like trying to compare a gnat to an elephant. There is no way at all I would ever want to have major surgery under local anesthesia. You cannot risk your life by having the medical team trying to manage your emotions and your physiological reactions while also trying to do surgery. There are some excellent reasons why general anesthesia is mandated for this type of operation.
I understand that giving up control over your own body is extremely scary. Please continue to come here to work through some of that anxiety. The waiting truly is one of the worst parts about this process. We are praying for you and sending you lots of virtual hugs. Carol

You will definitely be glad you were 'UNDER'.
I had that same 'open her like a sandwich and take a look at every organ' kind of surgery you will be having. Honestly, you MUST be under deeply for that. My heart is with you, knowing what you are about to go through. As rough as I felt, I made myself get up (with help!) and walk the halls the very next day, and I kept the pain meds to a minimum over the next weeks so that I wouldn't get too constipated. I was able to be discharged after 2 nights in the hospital (although I lied about 'bowel function' in order to make that happen.) I found the most comforting thing I could consume was glass after glass of hot tap water in the days following my surgery, so give that a try if you are having trouble staying hydrated when you come home. You can do this. Look at all the women here who have had this surgery and woke up to new knowledge about what's happening in their bodies. Knowledge is power. ((((HUGE HUGS)))))

BonnieR · August 2009

auntbee said:
I saw the gyno/oncologist
I saw the gyno/oncologist this morning. He said that because of the shape and size of the mass, it looks like cancer to him. Of course, he has to wait until he gets in there to be certain and to see if it has spread. I will be having a hysterectomy on Aug. 31.

Prayers
Hi Auntbee,

So glad to read a gyn/onc is doing your surgery, your doc has done all the right things and moved you along fast. Sending lots of prayers n hugs your way. Bonnie

aboli · August 2009

thank you very much,
carolhodnett, auntbee, carol2dogs, lindaprocopio, all of you for your response. yes slowly the idea of being asleep is sinking into me. It is true it will be difficult for surgical team to deal with a patient's reactions and emotions. I sure will not want them to be distracted from their main task of removing the tumor and other at risk tissues and organ.

thanks again for your kind words.

Pre-op was okay. Monday 17th is the d-day. I have a feeling it will be just nonmalignant tumor and I will be back home soon.

I have cooked some food and packed in singleservings and freezed. Atleast first two weeks after surgery I will have home made healthy food without doing anything. And I have some help after surgery so things would be okay.
All else will be dealt with as it presents it self. There is a long way to go, step by step it will be spanned.

I have found you guys and I feel very good about that. Lot of support, information and
warmth. I feel really very much relieved too.

Scared Newbie

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