Two calls??? (WARNING: Cancer and Feminine stuff)

[NotSoInnocent]

I'm assuming you had your appointment on the 6th.

Any news, or are you waiting for the other appointment on the 12th?

I'm still a little freaked. The appointment on the 6th was supposed to happen -after- the 12th, but the nice doc did discuss what was going to happen.

It seems that my fallopian tubes didn't close properly after my tubal ligation 2 1/2 years ago. So the tubes will be removed in another surgery.

But!

We have to do the BRACA testing on the 12th. The results of those test will be back in about 3 weeks. If it's negative, then only my tubes will be removed and they'll take a peek at my insides for obvious cancers while they're in there.

If it's positive (and the doc said it's about 80% chance that it will be based on family history of positive tests) then I will be having surgery to remove both my tubes... and my ovaries.

If my ovaries are removed, then I have two choices: Take hormone replacement or not.

If I take the hormone replacement, then I will be more likely to develop estrogen-receptive cancers. (Like my mother's breast cancer or my cousin's cervical cancer.)

If I do not take the hormone replacement, then I will be more likely to have a heart attack. (Like my father, grandfathers on both sides of the family, uncles and cousins.)

Sort of a lose-lose situation there, really.

I'm trying not to freak out, but it's not easy.

[Mikkel]

I think I would go with the hormones, there's no difference from the situation you are in now except that the hormone treatment probably will be a bit more controlled.
There is this too, a heart attack has a much higher risk of being fatal or at least do you lasting harm. A cancer found early on will probably be treatable. You should ask the nice doc for advice, perhaps the risks can be minimized.
I'll remember to think of you Monday, the best of luck with the test and operation.

[DGoddessChardonnay]

Good grief, Girl!

All I can say is take things one step at a time. It's a lot to have thrown at you at once, no doubt. But still, the number one thing right now is to think positive thoughts.

Hard? Sure it is, but it's better than driving yourself and your family crazy with worry.

Just remember: you've got your "heathens" to think about and chances are you'll be around for them for a long time yet.

Even though it's difficult to not think about, the decision on whether or not to go with the hormone replacement therapy is some time off. There's good and bad points to it, so when you cross that bridge, discuss the pros and cons at length with the doctor so you can be better informed and make the best decision for you on whether or not to have it.

But again, wait on that until you get to that point. First thing is to get through your appointment on the 12th and then find out what the results are.

Have you discussed any of your recent appointments with your family? If not, you may want to: family support can be a wonderful thing to have.

And you also have us here. Either way, just know that you're not alone and that you have someone to lean on whenever you're worried and just can't hold it in.

[NotSoInnocent]

So... It's official. They're not just taking my tubes... or my ovaries. They're taking the whole kit-n-caboodle.

Apparently they -did- find something. (Abnormal cells, non isolated something-or-other... big words that just aren't making it through to my brain yet.) Joy of joys.

I'm a little bit shocked, but it's not like it was unexpected.

Surgery is scheduled for May 25th early in the morning.

I guess I get to do some more research about the pros and cons of hormone replacement for women my age. I have a month to make the decision.

They went ahead and did some bloodwork today so that they'll have more info on some stuff.

Sorry I'm being vague, but I'm not entirely sure how I'm thinking right now.

I'm scared. I'm nervous. I'm even a little angry.

Grief. That's what this is called? Damn, it sucks ass.

I'll be fine, though. I'm tough. I'm strong. I can handle this.

...

...

I'll cry later.

[Cookie]

I'm so sorry! Go through the grief process and don't try to stifle it. Otherwise, it will come back in other, more painful ways later. That being said, you can handle this. We're all behind you here, and so is your family.

[Elspeth]

oh sweetie I am very sorry you are going through this *hugs* My mom had the whole thing removed about 16 years ago, for fibor cysts (I think)

She was in for about 5 days but she had problems with being allergic to one of the pain meds they gave her.

[r2cagle]

Dang. So sorry, a month doesn't seem like long enough to get ready for permanent life-changing surgery. You can do this, and cry whenever you need to, just don't let it keep you down.

[Magpie]

, and keep posting here if it helps. We're always happy to offer you an electronic shoulder to cry on.

[NotSoInnocent]

Thanks, guys. I know that I'll get through this. Mostly because I don't really have a great attachment to my internal woman-hood.

Expecting something to happen "eventually" and being faced with the immediate reaction of "it's happening -now-".... are very different things.

[Becks]

*oodles of hugs*

[trailerparkmedic]

I've seen Hyster Sisters recommended for women facing a hysterectomy. Give yourself lots of recovery time and see if someone can help with the kids for at least the first few days.

I hope everything goes well for you.

[ArcticChicken]

I'm so sorry. *hugs*

Cry as much as you need to, it'll help in the long run. And remember that we love you and are here to support you.

[NotSoInnocent]

I've seen Hyster Sisters recommended for women facing a hysterectomy. Give yourself lots of recovery time and see if someone can help with the kids for at least the first few days.

I hope everything goes well for you.

I'm there right now.... Thanks.

[Der Cute]

Hey, NSI, hugs.

My mom had her factory removed when I was 2, 3? years old. Something happened causing lots of bleeding and stuff, so a hysterectomy was performed.

I remember being in someone's care for a week while mom recovered. (was in the 70s tho.)

Please, plan ahead and plan accordingly for this. Casserole dishes now, cook & freeze. Big batches of spahgetti and chili, cook & freeze. Have the munchkins assume roles in Helping Mommy After Surgery (one's a laundry meister, one's a sorter, one's a gofer, one sets table and the others warm dinner up) and make sure everyone gets treats for doing good (freeze oj in cubes, cheap and easy thrill)

Call ahead to the clinic and see if there are any support groups on base tied to this? Any other wives in the group you know, willing to help/pitch in ?

Good luck, and hope there's enough room in the freezer.

Cutenoob

[Mikkel]

Expecting something to happen "eventually" and being faced with the immediate reaction of "it's happening -now-".... are very different things.

It certainly is, and a month isn't really time enough to get used to the idea.
I'll be thinking of you.