Abdominal Hysterectomy - Cancer: Endometrial - TAH/BSO - Molly's Story

		HysterSisters > Princess Stories Articles
Abdominal Hysterectomy - Cancer: Endometrial - TAH/BSO - Molly's Story

Abdominal Hysterectomy - Cancer: Endometrial - TAH/BSO - Molly's Story

From the Princess Stories Articles List

HysterSisters Articles

Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

Hello, Dear Hyster Sisters!

I haven't been around the boards in a long time and thought I'd just pop in and offer those of you just starting on your journey some HOPE.

As the "old-timers" in the group will remember, I had a TAH/BSO with omentectomy for stage IIIa endometrial Aden carcinoma on August 25, 1999. I received my tentative diagnosis on August 12th, and all I could think was "GET THAT ALIEN OUTTA THERE AND DO IT NOW!"

For me, the waiting was the hardest part of it all. I wanted to take action immediately, and I guess I was lucky because we did move pretty darn fast. My surgeon assured me he got the entire alien - but after discussions with him, a radiation oncologist and a regular oncologist, we decided there should be some additional treatment to make sure there were no alien dust bunnies scurrying about anywhere.

Following about six weeks of healing, I had 25 external radiation treatments to my abdominal region, followed by three inter-vaginal Brach therapies on an outpatient basis, spaced two weeks apart. Thank God, my most serious side effects were mild diarrhea and fatigue. Oh, the intervaginal treatments were awkward and a tad uncomfy - kind of like having a mega-tampon inserted - but not painful at all.

And I got over being embarrassed about anything very early in this journey. A pelvic exam is a breeze now, after all the poking and prodding associated with the hyster, etc.

I also take Megace, a tumor-inhibiting drug, and will probably continue to take it till I reach the five-year mark. The worst side effect of Megace for me is weight gain. Like I needed any help with that! But I'm grateful to be waddling around cancer-free, and if it takes Megace to insure that, okay with me.

Anyhoooo.... to the HOPE part of my message:

Dear Sisters - you'll get through this. Take each day as a gift and LIVE IT fully...and know that there is sunshine on the other side of those clouds you may be under right now. It took me about a year to really, truly feel like myself again - mentally and physically.

I wasn't in the best shape prior to surgery, so I certainly didn't expect to be running marathons afterwards, but it did take a little longer to come back than I thought it would... I'm still working on the physical recovery...the weight gain is a factor, for sure. But I'm walking the dog longer and longer each day, and doing exercises to increase flexibility, and if I need a nap, I take one!

With the support of your families and friends - and the wonderful, courageous, caring, compassionate women here at Hyster Sisters you CAN get through this.

I look at my cancer as a gift, believe it or not. It helped me get my head straight about a lot of things; I don't sweat the small stuff anymore, and I always take time to smell the roses. My family comes first. And I remember to thank God often for His many blessings, including this experience.

Hang in there...I continue to hold all my dear HysterSisters in my prayers...
HUGS!
Molly

Printer Friendly Version

Related Titles

Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery

The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:

The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy. "Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."

Abdominal Hysterectomy - Cancer: Cervical - TAH jenny1119's Story

Abdominal Hysterectomy - Cancer: Ovarian - TAH/BSO - Maria951's Story

Find A Doctor Near You

Byungyol Chun, M.D. Northern Essex Women's Health 360 Merrimack St Entrance G Lawrence MA 01843 978-557-9060	Clifford Rogers, M.D. The Everett Clinic, Dept. of Surgery and Gynecology 1330 Rockefeller Ave, Suite 120 Everett WA 98201 425 339 5424	Melvin Ashford, M.D. 2603 White Bear Avenue N Maplewood MN 55109 651-600-3035
Gretchen Makai, M.D. 4735 Ogletown Stanton Rd MAP II, Ste 2103 Christiana Care Health System Newark DE 19713 302-623-4410	Devin Garza, M.D. 12201 Renfert Way, STE# 215 Austin TX 78758 512 425-3830	Megan Bird, M.D. 364 SE 8th Ave, Suite 205 Hillsboro OR 97202 503-681-4145
Debra Richardson, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673	Terry Grogg, M.D. 4461 S Broadway Suite 200 Suite 200 Grove City OH 43123 614-875-0444	Amie Napier, M.D. Medical City Hospital 7777 Forest Lane Suite A331 Dallas TX 75230 9725667760

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: