Facing TAH in 5 days

I am 60 and am facing TAH on 6/14 due to "early endometrial cancer." I wanted to get it over with ASAP. My DR was twice named one of the ten best gyn oncologists in the country so I know I'm in good hands and shouldn't worry, but I still do. Went through menopause 10 years ago so have dealt with hot flashes already but I know my type of cancer is "estrogen dependent" and worry about a sort of "instant aging" when they remove my ovaries completely. I think the estrogen I've been producing is what's kept me looking a lot younger than I am... I hate to think about my skin suddenly sagging and looking old and wrinkled. I'm not only apprehensive about the surgery and recovery but about what they may find beyond that. I've been on a few websites but I'm not finding them uplifting. A friend who had TAH several months ago recommended this site. I'm taking a few days of comp time in advance to get my life a little organized 'cuz I know I won't be able to lift things or do much for awhile afterward. I'm fortunate to have an extremely supportive hubby who is ready to wait on me hand and foot... and a daughter who's an ob/gyn RN for medical support. I had a c-section years ago and am guessing recovery is similar to that. Any pre-op advice would be most welcome.

Hi inkerdoodler!

Welcome to HysterSisters! There is tons of info here, along with support, advice, opinions, and s when you need them.
On the home page, on the left side about halfway down: under Hints-Articles, there are hints and histories for pre & post op.
Here is a link to the Pre Op Articles.

And also be sure to check out Hyster Sister Resources.

And when you have a minute check out the FYI located at the top of this forum for a list of abbreviations used here and other helpful info for navigating the site.

Best wishes!

Hi and welcome to Histersisters, it's the BEST site on the web IMHO. It sure did help keep me sane before and after my hyst 10 months ago.
I was 54 when I had my tah/bso and have not instantly aged, so it's not a "done deal" in my opinion. I think that if you keep on taking care of yourself, you'll find that it stays pretty normal for you. Follow your drs orders and I'm sure that you'll do well.
If you go to the top of the pre op forum, you'll find links to lots of info and pre op suggestions. Reading posts helps too, you'll find others with the same feelings and fears as you. Believe me, you'll never be alone here.
Also could you please go to your profile and add your surgery date? We'd like to make sure that you're included in the best wishes list for that day.
I noticed in your profile that you like rubberstamping - I do too. I've been stamping for about 3 years now, mostly cards and gift bags.
s

Hi,

Well, the worst part is the waiting. If I had to do it over, I'd ask for a surgery date the next day! I too had an early endometrial cancer. I think the good part.. actually there are several.. one, if it is early (and my doc knew it going in), it's a done deal. The surgery is the cure. Mine turned out exactly as she had said it would. Stage 1A grade 1. All pelvic washings were clear and free and nothing anywhere else. The second good part of this is that you don't have to make a decision. It's also a done deal. "Get it out!". If I had done this to eleviate symptoms of other gyn stuff, I'd ponder it and wonder if I was making the right decision. It's also a done deal about the ovaries and cervix.. just get it out. Nothing left to get in trouble with.

The surgery was just that. Hospital care has gone downhill since I was last in, so have your hubby there and don't count on much help from the staff. You'll be glad to get home to your own bed and believe me.. it will feel real good for awhile.

This website is awesome and the advice is right on. Follow it. Plan ahead with the little things you might want in a week or two. Also, go through your clothes and get all your nighties and undies in a drawer you can get to without bending over. Find comfortable clothes for when you finally feel like getting up.. you won't feel like digging around for that pair of cotton pants with the drawstring you think you have somewhere. Husbands can never find anything, so plan for that.

Otherwise, my doc told me since I'd already hit that magic mark as far as hormones/menapause, I shouldn't experience any kind of symptoms. So far, so good. I had a few night sweats but I think it was from pain meds. Otherwise.. I lost 15 lbs. and my skin feels great.

Good luck with your surgery and keep us all posted...