hysterectomy recommended, not sure

hello ladies,

I've never posted here before, (or anywhere else for that matter)so I hope I adhere to the protocol. I will be forever grateful that i found this site because nobody in my life understands where I'm coming from right now. I know no one here can dispense medical advice, but I'm just looking for insight based on personnal experience.
I had a baseball sized fibroid removed on Aug 27th, 2004. I was so relieved because I thought my problems were finally over. However when i went for my post-op check I was informed that the pathologist felt my tumor was most likely benign but could not definitively rule out STUMP (spiral tumor of unknown malignant potential). My gyno had already consulted with a gyno-oncologist who said that COULD mean pre-cancer. His opinion is since I am done having children a hysterectomy, soon, would be the best option. I allowed him to schedule the surgery for Oct. 8th, but am having many second thoughts. I do have an appointment with a very good gyno-oncologist on Sept. 27th. to get her take on the pathology report. Everyone I know says since I'm done having children I should just do it. As you all know, though, this is major, life-changing surgery with a long recovery. I think I need better than maybe a pre-cancer. My 2nd opinion isn't for 12 more days and I'm very confused. I was just wondering if anyone's ever been in a similar position and would maybe have any insights for me. Any thoughts would be very welcome.
Thank you all and have a great night.

Lisa

Lisa,

It sounds like you're doing the absolute right thing by consulting a specialist in this field. I know it's tough to wait but the gyn-onco should be able to allay any fears you have with the direction you're going to go in.

How was the tumor removed? An abdominal myomectomy usually offers a better "clearance" of tumors because they can see so well, whereas a laproscopic procedure sometimes leaves small bits behind. Was your doctor able to tell you about how clear the margins were on the tumor.

You might also want to request another pathologist look at the tumor to get his opinion. (I had a malignant tumor diagnosed when I was a child and later had the pathology slide taken out and looked at nearly 15 years later and found that it was a benign tumor ... sometimes it helps to get a second opinion with a specialist.)

I know the worst part is the stress of waiting. Please know that our hearts are with you and want to help you through this difficult time.

Take care.

Lisa:
I think it is a verg good idea to get the second opinion. You might also reserach alternatives to hysterectomies. I say this because I always feel better about whatever choice I make when I know I've weighed all the options.

I didn't have cancer but I did have fibroids. My undertanding is that they are almost always benign, but in rare instances can be malignant. I had other cancer fears like ovarian cancer since I have a strong history of breast cancer in my family and I had developed an ovarian cyst. I knew I had to have my uterus out to get rid of the fibroids and I elected to have my ovaries removed so I don't have to worry about ovarian cancer, and because they weren't working well (in terms of producing hormones).

I did have the complete hysterecomy and I'm glad I did. It is not near as difficult as I thought it would be. Of course I went through quite a rough time for about six months prior to the surgery.

I am not quite straight on my hormones, but I am on the doctors first guess (close, but no cigar), and am awaiting my saliva test results so I can adjust as needed. That's about the extent of my challenge right now.

I wish you well in making your choice.
Jan

Lisa,
I am so sorry about your situation. Having just been through a LAVH, I know I would rather have surgery than a looming fear of cancer. I hope the specialist can help you.

You are in our prayers.
Beth