Had a hysterectomy 6-1/2 years ago, not for cancer, but
Posted By: Wannie on 2007-02-02
In Reply to: Update on ovarian cyst removal that turned out to be tumor. See messsage. - MTSO
by far, one of the best decisions I ever made. I did get to keep my ovaries, but knowing what I know now I still would have it done even if it meant both ovaries being taken out, too. I know it's a tough decision and my prayers are with you. I'm glad the cancer was contained to the one ovary.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
Had my hysterectomy 13 years ago, and
although they are not as bad as they used to be. And no, I am not ERT.
Had a hysterectomy 20 years ago
Still have my ovaries, though, and am going through menopause. That sure doesn't help matters! 
Had hysterectomy years ago and not dried up per se but
my face was doing exactly as yours, the flaking of the eyelids. My surgery was in 1984 so it was not that. My dermatologist told me to never ever again put regular soap or those good smelling products on my face and told me to use Cetaphil soap (get at your drug store, Wal-Mart, etc) and I was not believing her but it works. The dry flaky eyelids went away as well as the other dry parts on my face. I tried a lot of the other things the people mentioned on MTs to me but finally found the answer. Try it, I do not think you will be sorry. Hey, by the way, my eyebrows even had dandruff (none on head) in them and that was terrible. Good luck!
Had ablation 3 years ago, having hysterectomy
I first asked my GYN about a hysty when I was 38. I was very irregular and never knew when I would start, except that I figured out that the days I stood in the shower and cried my heart out was always the day prior to starting. He said I was too young.
Fast forward to age 43. GYN recommended lap supracervical hysty but agreed to trying Novasure ablation to buy some time. For the past 3 years, I had only light spotting for half a day and my emotions were better, but still I felt I was overly emotional than what I expected from the surgery.
In January I had to take a Medrol Dosepak for something. On the same day as my last dose, I had a full-blown period. I have now had 3 in 40 days. They are worse than ever. I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy on Monday.
If you do consider an ablation, my advice is to stay away from steroids! It did buy some time for me, but combined with another health problem I have had (IBS/celiac sprue), I have been miserable for a year and I'm eager for this surgery!
hysterectomy
Can't speak for everyone, but my hysterectomy was the BEST thing I ever did! I had it almost 4 years ago due to severe abdominal pain after spending a few years in and out of surgery for D&C's, uterine ablation, etc. I had a vaginal hysterectomy and was home within 36 hours -- no pain! I don't regret it for a moment. I still have my ovaries (my choice and doc's recommendation), so I still go every year for my annual physical. I had some adhesions from my appendectomy, but it didn't seem to be a problem. My advice - git 'er done!
hysterectomy
I just had a hysterectomy done a couple months ago - and for me personally it was one of the best decisions I have made. I have tons more energy now, no pain, and even have more of a sex drive (which of course my husband loves!). In saying that, every individual is different. There is a website called HysterSisters dot com - check it out - very helpful with information and answers to questions you may have. Good luck to you whatever you decide.
Hysterectomy, my story sm
I had to have a TAH-BSO. My fibroid was the size of a soccer ball, so that was the only way it could come out. My doctor recommended, since I was over the age of 45, to remove the tubes and ovaries to prevent future possibility of ovarian cancer. I was on estrogen for a little while (first estradiol patch - didn't like it, then Cenestin), but I didn't notice any hot flashes or anything really different, so I stopped taking the estrogen. It was so nice not bleeding so much any more. I was out of work for 6 weeks, though. Also, if you have stress incontinence or any other problems in the area, they can fix that all at the same time, so it really was worth it. I had umbilical hernia surgery in the past so don't know about the adhesions, but I was fine. Also, won't need yearly Pap smears any more, just once every 5 years or so (according to my doctor). Good Luck
Your upcoming hysterectomy
I agree with the other posters. Best thing I ever did and I, too, was 42. Actually had gallbladder out in April 1998 and hysterectomy in July 1998:( I had everything removed so did not have to worry. I had the vaginal surgery, almost had to have abdominal because of size of uterus. Thank God it went well vaginally. I agree with Janet, I could have gone to work the next day. Felt absolutely GREAT!! What is more, I was working in-house for a clinic and had sick time built up and my doctor was gracious enough to give me 8 weeks off, during the summer have you and.........I was paid for doing it. Good luck!
Please help. Had a hysterectomy last year
and ever since I am drying up like a prune. My sinuses are always clogged and the top of my eyelids are so dry I can hardly put eyeshadow on because it just flakes off. Has anyone else had this problem after a hysterectomy or while going through menopause? Is there a miracle cream out there for my dry skin? I've tried a few but so far nothing works.
Hysterectomy question
Hope you do not have to. You are way too young. I had one 10 years ago, had cervical cancer, so abdominal with bikini cut. I had a long recovery, 5 days in hospital, 8 weeks out of work. I was very sore and tired for about the first 2 weeks. It was very tiring just to blow dry my hair. Then 3 years ago had to have ovaries out through a vertical midline incision. That recovery was much better. My sister-in-law also just had a hysterectomy, vertical midline and she recovered very quickly. Was out of the hospital in 2 days and really felt great a few weeks later but had to be out of work for 4-6. I all depends on your tolerance and I think the incision if abdominal.
Good luck and take care of yourself. Definitely get a second or even third opinon since you are so young.
MT with the hysterectomy - are you back among us yet?
s
If you are referring to me, I had the hysterectomy. sm
I posted here and got a lot of great advice from everyone. I am the one who had the left ovary removed first and then found out I was borderline cancer and the doctors recommended a complete hysterectomy. Well, I did have the hysterectomy and thankfully, all went well. Nothing had spread anywhere and all turned out fine. I am doing very well. Had my procedure laparoscopically and robotix assisted so less invasive. I spent one night in the hospital and actually was back at my computer the next day....on a limited basis of course...but I must say I have been lucky so far. Only hot flashes here and there, but other than that I have felt pretty good. Thanks for asking, if you were referring to me.
The 50 pounds after the hysterectomy? (sm)
I have gained a lot in the last 6 months and wonder if it is related to my hormonal issues. Did you lose weight after your hysterectomy?
I just had a supracervical hysterectomy last
However, I felt pretty good after a week. I was back typing right away, pretty much, but not an 8-hour shift. I'm an IC, so I can kind of type when I want. Hubby had to do deliveries, but he worked it into his lunchtime. I am just glad I did it because I was tired of suffering. D&C didn't work either. Birth control didn't work. I had adenomyosis though confirmed after surgery, so I guess that was my biggest problem. There was something wrong and it was causing problems for me. So, I'm glad to have it done with.
The reason it is called a hysterectomy is sm
in Victorian days, doctors, of course were male. They thought women were hysterical, in the psycho sense. They freely did "hysterectomies", removing reproductive organs, and even a woman's clitoris, hoping it would calm them down. (probably make them more like men).
Still trying to decide whether to have a hysterectomy. See message
I posted last week about my dilema about whether to have a hysterectomy or not after my left ovarian cyst (which was removed along with ovary) came back with a pathology report stating papillary serous tumor, borderline. Doctor says I should have hysterectomy for "insurance" and preventative measures. However, according to their group discussion, my tumor was borderline, but "more on the benign side". I am so confused. I'm 42 and I don't want to have a hysterectomy, but yet, I don't want to have a problem with cancer either. I have the option to follow every six months. Is this safe? Am I better off getting a hysterectomy? I just don't know what to do!!!!
Update on hysterectomy for anyone who is interested. sm
Hi everyone. Well I had the hysterectomy this Tuesday done laparoscopically assisted and robotix assisted, so less trauma to the surrounding tissue. Have 5 very small cuts on my abdomen and uterus, tubes and right ovary (the only one remaining) were removed. It all went well. Stayed overnight at the hospital and came home Wednesday morning. Feeling really well. Was sore for the first couple of days and only had to take Motrin. Feeling really good today with hardly any soreness. I have to take it easy for a few weeks without any exertion, but otherwise feeling well and am so relieved it is over. So far no symptoms of hot flashes or anything, but I'm still waiting for that to happen, so we will see. I am happy to say I am please with the outcome so far and now I feel I can move on without worrying about that issue any more. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and words of wisdom.
My physician never brought up about hysterectomy, I told him
I wanted to see about this but this situation different. I had ongoing bleding that could not be controlled and then another person in medical field told me how their friend almost hemorrhaged and not being able to stop the bleeding in the nighttime. I immediately called my physician and asked for a hysterectomy. So glad I did. This was in 1986 and loads of typing then on AIDS patients and how blood could be responsible. I did not want a transfusion at that particular time. My view only. No problem with the surgery at all. Now there are other means of controlling but past childbearing, saw no reason to just have the periods.
Hysterectomy. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and opinions. I have decided to go ahead with t
After obtaining the opinions of different physicians, the concensus is that my safest bet to avoid developing cancer given my borderline ovarian tumor is to proceed with a total hysterectomy. After pondering and fretting, although I am not thrilled with having a hysterectomy at age 42, I also don't want to be faced with developing cancer in the future, as they tell me I have a 20% probability of developing problems in the other ovary with my history. So full speed ahead....hysterectomy it is. If anyone of you has had a complete hysterectomy, I would love to hear from you regarding how you fared after the whole thing, if you required hormones, felt good, felt bad, etc. Thanks in advance.
New Cancer Vac.
 Frankly it scars me and I have had cervical cancer myself. I work part-time on a onocolgy account and they say it "may" prevent cervical cancer. You still have to screen for this type of cancer and if you screen every year it would be caught early and can be cured -- as was in my case. We don't know what the long-term effects are. What if this drug would make your child/grandchild not able to have a child of her own? There could be and are some side-effects. To me the side-effects sound worse than maybe getting the cancer. I had to have LEEP surgery and go for screening every 4 months for the following year. If the shot had been available for me in my younger years, I still would not take it evening knowing that cancer was in my future. A lot of times these new drugs are worse than what they are supposed to cure/prevent.
Cancer
I had a close relative go through this and I also did work for an oncology doctor for a few months. I would not do the surgery. That is my personal opinion. It is major surgery and you don't just bounce back like nothing took place. It is a well-known fact in my state that doctors operate just for the $$$$. I know this is not the case with most, but there are some doctors out there just to make as much $$$$ as they can. My relative was told to have the surgery or die. She didn't have the surgery, went to another doctor who agreed she did the right thing. What cancer she did have was gone. It has been years and she is healthy. Why be cut up for something that may or may not happen? To each his own, but I would not jump into this without a ton of thought. I wish you good health. I am also a cancer survivor -- cervical. No more surgeries for me. Again there was a doctor only out for money and I looked for another opinion. I had LEEP the cancer is gone and has been gone for almost 5 years. Did you know that if it doesn't cancer does not return in 3-5 years it most likely will not return at all? Wait and see. I did and I am glad I did.
HELP!! CANCER
Hi,
My uncle has Ductal Eccrine Adeno Carcinoma. The Doctor's say they do not know much about it and do not know how to treat it. Does anyone know of anyone who has it ( it is rare) and any info. you can give on the subject will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
MT
Cancer vaccine
I do NOT agree with this either. I lost a daughter to cancer. One thing I learned while she was being treated was that the side effects of the chemo and radiation were cancer. I do not agree with this. This vaccine has not been around long enough to just start making it mandatory and I for one do not like the government making medical decisions for me.
New Cancer Shot
I saw it on the evening news here in PA. Unfortunately, it is for real. There are two ways parents can opt out, but they have to jump through hoops to do it.
Cancer injection
But this particular injection only protects the cancer which supposedly comes from a virus. It does not protect from all cervical cancer. It does not protect from the cervical cancer not attributed to the STD. You are correct, not all cancer comes from having sex, but this injection only protects from the kind that does and even that is a debate.
Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Thurs. and will have a lumpectomy this week followed by six weeks of radiation therapy. Are there any ladies who have been through this and can you tell me how soon you were able to get back to work and did it affect your ablility to work and focus. My brain won't work and my feelings are all over the map. I'm an independent contractor with my own clients. Thanks for any help or advice. PinkLady
Breast Cancer
Thanks for you kind response. I will get the book today. I don't know what happened to the rest of the responses. I emailed the moderator to ask where they went, as I would like to reread them. My head is spinning, but putting one foot in front of the other is all I can do, plus yesterday I used the push mower to mow about an acre of my 5 acres out back. That did wonders for my anxiety. Didn't do much for the owie where I had the biopsy, but at this point, that bruise doesn't matter too much. Blessings to you for your care and concern.
Breast Cancer
Gosh - Sometimes it just seems so overwhelming. My thoughts and prayers are with you. The waiting can make you CRAZY. Please let me know your results and how you're holding up. What part of the country are you in? I'm in Virginia, south of Roanoke.
Breast Cancer
I know exactly how you feel. I was diagnosed with an occult breast cancer 13 years ago. I did not have a lumpectomy but I did chemo and radiation afterwards. The radiation was a breeze. I didn't find that I had any symptoms from the radiation. I wish you the best of luck. I did have prophylactic bilateral mastectomies 7 years later and for me, it was the best thing I ever did. That relieved a lot of the anxieties. Once you are done with all of the treatment and they say that you can just follow up at certain intervals you'll feel much better and relieved. Try to think about that part of it.
What are we doing for men with breast cancer?
nm
Don't know about cancer or anything, but it does make me
.
esophageal cancer
Does anyone have any experience with family/friends and esophageal cancer? I want the good, the bad and the ugly. My DH was dx'd last week and given a very poor prognosis. I would like some idea of how others have coped and what to expect. Thanks in advance.
I feel the same as you with cancer or other
Also, I really don't think there are "huge pot heads" out there robbing banks for their next J to roll.
I'm for legalizing it for everyone (drinking age of course). Why not? Booze is allowed and drunk drivers kill innocent people every day. There are crosses along the road in my state to prove it. I say legalize it and save the jail for the real criminals.
I'm not into a pickled liver, so I stay away from the booze. But definitely decriminilizing is better than jamming the jails up and using our taxes to pay for 3 hots and a cot for a pothead... 
cervical cancer injection.
Me too! I agree with everything you have said. If I have to home school to avoid this I will. It was mentioned that this is being done in case a girl is rapped as well. Well the shot doesn't protect against all the other STDs so why not do something to all the males in the world then so that they cannot rape? We all know that will never happen. That would be crazy and so is forcing our daughters to do this.
Breast cancer posts
Only one message moved over to Gab from Main. Please get your hands on Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, it will help. Also get other opinions. Perhaps this is on here somewhere but I know you only have today to prepare. Be strong and positive with positive vibes all around you.
men with breast cancer reply
Honestly I don't know, I just follow for the women, since my diagnosis last year. I'm sure there's something out there though. If not maybe you can start something up for the men... Best of luck.
Anyone who has had cervical cancer (not dysplasia)? (sm)
I have been dismissing symptoms as perimenopause but now I am VERY concerned I might have cervical cancer. I am going to the doctor today. But if there is anyone who has had cervical cance before, can we please talk?
Moh's procedure for skin cancer
Pancreatic cancer is almost always fatal,
has already spread. Same with ovarian cancer.
Hemp Kills Cancer
Check this out, these people claim to be cured from their cancer by using THC oil.
http://www.youtube.com/chrychek "Run From the Cure-The Rick Simpson Story" (if you look on the left column there are PubMed Study numbers you can check to back this up)
Simple FAQ's if you don't want to watch the video:
http://sites.google.com/site/phoenixtearsmovie/faq
My friend sent me this info recently, what do you all think about this?
BTW, Rick Simpson makes and gives the medicine away for free (he's not looking to make money on this or "scam" people)
Too bad that all of those with cancer are just too stupid to see the light...
smoke a little pot and - presto - you're cured! I imagine with all of the hippies coming down with cancer these days that, if this actually worked, we would all know by now, but I might just say that to make my not-a-pothead-self feel better about the cancer I will someday not be able to cure because I don't smoke weed, right?
Most vaginal bleeding is NOT d/t cancer.
Often it's related to hormonal changes associated with menopause, thyroid problems or even obesity.
It's not unusual for a woman in her 40s to develop irregular or prolonged periods, but you need to be aware of blood loss over time. When my mother was a few years older than you she had an episode of vaginal bleeding between periods that lasted for a couple of weeks. At some point she started feeling weak and asked me to take her to the ER, which I did. She had an emergent D&C and was sent home with iron pills, and that was that. She never had another period and had completed menopause lol.
Cervical cancer is highly treatable and even in invasive stages doesn't necessarily require hysterectomy or chemo. I've had 2 friends with invasive cervical carcinoma; both had only conization procedures and both are well years after the fact.
You're doing what you're supposed to do by following up with your doctor, but until then try to keep things in perspective and not worry!
We should be outraged at the prevalence of breast cancer.
I am so sorry you have to go through this right now.
I understand how you feel. As posted earlier, I am awaiting results which will be delivered tomorrow after bx on Thurs morning. I am on my knees and praying this will be benign because I am going through the tragic and unexpected death of my 51 yr old brother and only remaining immediate family member, just over a month ago.
And like you, my thoughts are "can I work through the treatment," and "where is my support system that should be in place but isn't?"
As one woman said to me, just take it moment by moment, try to join a local breast cancer support group where you will undoubtedly make life-long friends, I am sure of it. Nothing can bond two women more than going through this together.
What I have done is get supplies that can last (dog/cat food, frozen/canned food for myself, etc), pay some of my bills ahead of time in case I end up drifting through the days, and I try to do things that will allow me a few months of inactivity such as leaving the house for anything other than leisurely walks with the dogs and the appointments this will require. I have read it is important to drink plenty of water and to apply 100% aloe vera gel on skin that is irradiated immediately, get an anti-depressant and an anti-anxiety med to get you through this.
Get plenty of rest and eat right. (You could line up back up help just in case.) Also: Try to enjoy a favorite hobby be it reading or gardening, sewing. Try to walk each day.
I have read the first two weeks of this are the hardest and that is due to the overwhelming realization of the seriousness of this disease.
Also, I have read that it is important you have confidence in your M.D. Second and third opinions from specialists were encouraged.
I will think of you often. E-mail me if you'd like to correspond.
This is one web site and there are more where women with breast CA ask questions and find others who understand exactly how they feel.
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=23
And as my surgeon said, remember all of the survivors, there are very many actually.
Especially if you have a family history of breast cancer sm
You might even want to start earlier than age 40 with your mammograms. You can start at age 30 or 35 and have them every two or three years until age 40, and yearly after that. It is particularly important if members of your family have had breast cancer at an early age.
As a former x-ray tech, I can tell you that a mammogram should be no more uncomfortable than having your blood pressure taken, unless you are already having breast pain. Sometimes your skin can get pinched at an awkward angle under the pressure plate, and that will hurt. If that happens, TELL the mammographer immediately, and she will adjust it.
I did hundreds of mammograms while I was an x-ray tech. I always took a little extra time to smooth out the skin and try to make sure that my patients did not experience discomfort. Some patients had fibrocystic disease or other breast issues which made it painful no matter how careful I was. So I tried to work as quickly as I could to minimize the discomfort.
The point is, a mammogram should not be an unpleasant experience. The mammographer is a professional; you should feel no more uncomfortable exposing your body in a mammography room than you would in the examining room of your doctor's office. The mammographer wants your experience to be pain-free and as pleasant as possible; sometimes that may require some communication on your part.
But please, PLEASE have regular mammograms. It breaks my heart when I transcribe reports on young women in their 30s who have metastatic breast cancer. I always wonder how many children they will be leaving behind without a mother.
My cat has bone cancer in her jaw, I'm not thinking clearly and need opinions please
She is near the end of her life I think. The vets (we have taken her to a total of three) said we would know when the time was right to put her to sleep. The last vet gave her some pain pills but she has ALWAYS hated pills and of course she definately wants nothing to do with it, can smell it coming a mile away, and I just can't force her to take it. However, they say that kind of cancer is painful so I know she is in pain. I want to know if you think it is more humane for me to let her have her wish and not be traumatized at this time of her life or if it would be more humane for me to somehow get her to take that dang pill twice a day. Last time I tried she started foaming at the mouth even though I don't think the pill got anywhere near her mouth (I had it disguised in a piece of chicken but she wouldn't open her mouth for it).
Thanks....
Sleepwear during treatment for breast cancer.
A close friend of mine is going for bilateral mastectomy on January 2nd for grade IIa invasive ductal cell carcinoma. I will be doing some caretaking after she get home and am currently shopping for sleepwear for the hospital and postoperative convalescence.. I was wondering if there is anything I should know about the type of sleepwear that is especially appropriate for postoperative mastectomy/chemotherapy patients? I am planning to get natural fiber only but beyond that, I am wondering about the pros and cons of gowns versus PJs versus front-closure robes. Any tips from BC survivors, family, caregivers, etcetera, out there?
Patrick Swayze has terminal cancer
http://www.ogpaper.com/news/news-01750.html
Patrick Swayze Cancer Diagnose: 5 weeks to live
Sad news reports coming from Hollywood today, actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. According to a report first published by the National Enquirer, Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze has only 5 weeks to live, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in January and the cancer had spread to other organs of his body. According to an insider, there is little hope left for Patrick Swayze, after the cancer failed to respond to the treatments. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor within the pancreatic gland and each year over 30,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with this condition. The prognosis is generally regarded as poor, with only few still alive five years after diagnosis, while complete remission still extremely rare.
"For the past month, Patrick, 55, has been traveling to Stanford University's prestigious cancer center in Palo Alto for radical chemotherapy, but his doctors are no longer optimistic that the treatments will be successful," was published in the gossip magazine. The story has not been confirmed by Patrick Swayze or his representatives and fans of the actor could only hope that the cancer story is one of the false stories, which often find their way to ink.
Here is the news from Associated Press on Swayze...Yes, he has cancer, but doing well. sm
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Patrick Swayze's doctor is "optimistic" about his prognosis for battling pancreatic cancer, and the "Dirty Dancing" actor's upcoming cable pilot is still in contention to become a series.
With the writer's strike over, the A&E pilot "The Beast," starring Swayze as an unorthodox FBI agent, is being considered to be turned into a series by the cable network. If that happens, the "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" star hopes to continue to be part of the show, his representative Annett Wolf told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Swayze has been undergoing treatment for the disease, Wolf confirmed in a statement. The National Cancer Institute estimates there will be 37,680 new cases of pancreatic cancer in 2008 with 34,290 deaths in the U.S.; only five percent of patients live more than five years after being diagnosed.
"Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far," Swayze's physician Dr. George Fisher said in a statement released by Wolf. "All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic."
Wolf said Swayze, 55, shot "The Beast" pilot last December and isn't currently working on any new projects. A&E issued a statement Wednesday stating "The Beast" was still in contention to become one of the network's new original drama series and wished Swayze a speedy recovery.
---
Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis.
They may publicly say he is "doing well," but that may just mean his pain is under control. I'm sure they (his doctor/family) don't want to come up and say yes it's true, he will die soon. If he does indeed pancreatic cancer, my guess is he doesn't have long.
not being circumcized promotes penile cancer
during "creation"
John Kerry given update on his wife's cancer
the breast cancer has moved to her bone, had a rib fracture, possibly lytic? Edwards says better that it is in the bone now ??? Yee gads, not good.
|
