TAH: My journey so far. It has been quite a roller coaster.

Well, my journey has been a little different than most. I really didn't think anything through the past 10 years or so of having heavy periods. I just thought it was OK. I will say I was the bad girl not going to my yearly exams. I HATE the gyne worse than the dentist.
In Sept. I was being treated for pneumonia that had made me really sick. I was almost over it and decided I needed to get a few things done around the house that had been neglected for the past few weeks. (even though my kids and BF tried to keep up with the chores) I couldn't do much because I would loose my breath and become exhausted very quickly. So I would take frequent breaks.
Later that day after eating I had become sick. I went to sit down after and felt really dizzy and had a really bad pain in my abdomen.
I told my bf that something was not right. I needed to get to the ER. (we only live about 15 mins away.) By the time we got there I was in so much pain they took me right away into a room. Started me on morphine for the pain and did a bunch of tests. Starting with a pregnancy test, (came back neg.) then xray, MRI and ultra sound. After a few hours Dr came in and said we found that you have a HUGE cyst on your left ovary. You need to follow up with your GYNE. Made the appointment and of course had to wait two weeks. During my appointment the Dr was concerned with my symptoms and the finding of the cyst because it was 6 cm. He wanted me to get blood work and an ultra-sound done. So off to the lab I went. Then a week later for my ultrasound I had a trans-vaginal and regular done. went back a week later and reviewed everything. My CA-125 was slightly elevated and I no longer had a cyst on my right side but now on my left the same side. I was still losing weight and throwing up and bleeding now for almost 4 weeks straight. He wanted me to go to see an OB-GYN Oncologist. He set up the appointment for the following week. Lets just say that was a week of nerves and being sick to my stomach. Just the fact of hearing "oncologist" was scary enough. The thoughts that ran through my head were horrible. I came home and did some research on the Dr. come to find out a few friends of mine and my bf use the same Dr and are in awe with him. Telling us he is a great Dr. I also found out that he has been in the field for 31 years as a specialist. This brought me some comfort.
The day of the appointment I was scared and felt horrible. The hospital is about an hour away and i am so glad I had my bf drive me there because I would have never made it. I walked in the office feeling out of place. Looking around most of the woman were much older than me. Seeing woman with no hair and walkers and Foley bags. It took my breath away. Well I was there for a reason regardless of what I saw. I took a deep breath and looked at my BF and said I am scared. He gave me a big reassuring hug and said you will be OK.
The dr came in and did his exam, IT HURT SO BAD. I must say I tried to pull his hand away because i was in so much pain. He ended the exam and said well..... you have an enlarged uterus, fibroids and a cyst on your left side. I want you to have a hysterectomy. I was in shock not thinking that was what I was going to hear. I asked him a few questions about the surgery and he then told me because of my other symptoms he would also be doing a biopsy while I am on the table for cancer. Well I am just under two weeks away from the day of surgery and I have to admit, it has been quite the roller coaster. I have some good days and some not so good. I have been on bed-rest for the past month because I am so weak and have lost so much weight. I am just starting to get a little appetight back and able to keep the food down. My family has been great with taking care of me. I just want this done so I can have some answers. i went for my pre-op blood work and everything. But my WBC came back a little high so I had to get that redone. I am hoping it comes back back to normal and get ready for the surgery. I am a little disappointed because I will miss Thanksgiving with the family. But If it means getting better I will be happy. This whole thing has been going on since Sept. But I am sure it has been longer than that if I would have been diligent with going for my yearly visits. Keeping fingers crossed for no cancer. I have researched a lot and have read many stories and post from here. Along with getting my free book that also helped answer many questions. Thank you Hyster-sisters for listening and helping through this crazy journey.

WOW Wendy....I am so sorry you're going through such a rough time. I think roller coaster is not quite descriptive enough for your experience.

I went through several years of not getting yearly exams as well....I'm like you. After I had my 9 year old I was just DONE with the whole thing, especially since I had my tubes tied, and my pregnancy was so stressful. I actually had to start seeing my gyn again about 2 years ago when my periods started going haywire on me. I've since been through every treatment known to be less invasive, ablation, birth control pills....patches... Nothing's worked. My hysterectomy is scheduled on the 29th.

I wish there was something I could say or do to make things easier for you. I can't personally imagine what you must be feeling right now. I am so glad you have great support, and that you are getting the help you need to get well and go on with your life.

Please keep us posted, and know you've got a whole network of great Sisters here to help you along.

Hi Wendy,

I'm so sorry that you are going through this awful time. It's good that your surgery isn't too far away now, so the waiting will soon be over.

This site is really good and you will get a lot of support from other sisters.

Thinking of you and sending hugs and all good wishes for your surgery and recovery,

Gosport Fox

So sorry you have to go through this but know that you are not alone. There is so much support from your sisters. I was really bad about going for my regular visits as well but don't kick yourself too hard for that..just concentrate on moving forward and getting this behind you and getting healthy! BIG HUG

Thank you very much everyone for comforting me and my situation. I am so glad I was told about this site. I actually was told about it during my pre-op exam from the EKG tech. She is part of the site and said it would be very helpful.

Wendy,
((hugs)), the waiting is the hardest part. First they thought I had cancer,now after the ultrasound they are pretty sure I don't. Of course they can't say 100 percent until a biopsy. So....I too am going for a total abdominal hysterectomy in less than 2 weeks. Cysts can make our bodies do weird things, they aren't supposed to be there.
Take one day at a time and try to stay busy. Praying for you.

Abby

O bless you, so much to go through in a short space of time. Our procedures are the same date, will be thinking of you x