 Hysterectomy Done, Starting Radiation |
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TAH starting 3rd week post-op
Pelvic Radiation
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I wanted to share my story hoping other sisters can benefit. I had been bleeding for 4 years. Started out as spotting and progressed to discharge/bleeding 24/7 in year 2. I was diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma in Oct 09 as a result of a D&C. Cancer was determined to be grade 3, which is an aggressive cancer (grading occured prior to surgery). All testing (including endometrial biopsies) prior to Oct 09 had been negative. Had a daVinci total hysterectomy on 24 Nov 09. DaVinci is the only way to go! My wonderful GYN oncologist used the daVinci robot to detach everything internally, then all was removed from my body vaginally. I had no vaginal discomfort after surgery. Spent 1 day in the hospital. Took it easy the first week to allow the 5 small incisions in my abdomen to heal. I had no stitches...incisions were closed internally with dissolvable stitches and "butterfly" bandages were used on my abdomen to close the incisions. Week 2 I was doing light chores around the house. I wasn't allowed to lift anything over 15 pounds for 6 weeks, but I felt good. It was hard to stand up straight for the first 2 weeks, and I walked a little slower than normal. This is where a belly band would have been very helpful. When I walked, it felt like my insides were going to come out! I had a very small amount of bleeding for 4 days after the surgery. Pathology after surgery determined my cancer to be Stage 1C (staging occurs post-op). Stage 1C means some of the cancer had penetrated 60% of my uterine wall. I think this might explain the pain I had in my right, lower abdomen for 4 months prior to the surgery, but doctors can't confirm this. 13 lymph nodes and their channels, my ovaries, and tubes were clear. Therefore, I'm starting external radiation therapy next week (5 days/week for 5 weeks), with internal radiation therapy (3 treatments) to occur after external radiation. The internal radiation will be specifically to treat the vaginal cuff. At week 8 post-op, I felt GREAT! I have much more energy now than before surgery, and I feel much better. I didn't realize the toll the cancer was taking on me.
I was terrified before the surgery as we all are. I really thought I was going to be told I was going to die. When we arrived at the hospital, I asked my daughter to take me back home...good thing she refused. Deep down, I knew I had to do this. I was mainly frightened of the robotics to be used (fear of the unknown), that doc might find something worse once inside, and the pathology results. I knew prior to surgery I was going to have radiation treatments, which was another stressor (I've had these due to another cancer in the past). Radiation treatments can be worse than surgery (side effects). We'll see.
DaVinci is the only way to have a hysterectomy, as long as your doctor says you're a candidate. Seek a GYN oncologist (or ask your OB/GYN to refer you) skilled in this technology. More and more doctors are using this fairly new technology for certain kinds of surgery. I've had 3 C-sections, so I know first-hand about vertical incisions and recovery...no fun! With daVinci, initial recovery time is 1-2 weeks, and I was fully recovered at 8 weeks. To see how small the daVinci robotic arms are, Google "daVinci hysterectomy and orgami bird."
Good luck to all sisters out there!
Related Titles
TAH starting 3rd week post-op
Pelvic Radiation
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."
Terry Grogg, M.D.
4461 S Broadway Suite 200
Suite 200
Grove City OH 43123
614-875-0444 |
Jennifer Hayes, M.D.
Visionary Centre for Women
2695 Ulmerton Rd
Clearwater FL 33762
727-540-0414 |
Bret Lewis, M.D.
5780 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste 295
(#2 Location) 11975 Morris Rd., Ste. 310 , Alpharetta, GA 30004
Atlanta GA 30342
404-255-3633 |
Francisco Garcini, M.D.
1870 Silver Cross Blvd
Suite 210
New Lenox IL 60451
815-463-3000 |
Kimberly Newman, M.D.
10030 Edison Square Drive
Suite 100A
Concord NC 28027
704-403-7670 |
Quanita Crable, M.D.
8160 Walnut Hill Lane
Ste. LL-001
Dallas TX 75231
(469)364-3764 |
Mini Somasundaram, M.D.
4845 Knightsbridge Boulevard
Suite 220
Columbus OH 43214
(614) 583-5552 |
Elizabeth Stevenson-Gargiulo, M.D.
9101 North Central Expressway
Suite 250
Dallas TX 75231
214-826-2979 |
Marshall Bovelsky, M.D.
200 Banning St
Suite 320
Dover DE 19904
302-674-0223 |
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Hysterectomy Checkpoints
Hysterectomy News May 23,2013
