Op Date and Another Question

Hi, I finally got the date of my surgery. May 8. I could have gone with April 29, but the class I teach at our local community college won't be ended until the 30th. Also, my best friend in the whole world, a guy I've hung out with for six years and who I adore, is moving to Miami May 6. I figured I wouldn't miss him quite so much if I were all involved in the surgery at that time, whereas if I had it before he left, I would just be miserable on top of miserable.

I'm scared though! My whole life seems to be changing and there's nothing I can do to stop the changes. And on top of it all, my warantee must have expired and my body is falling apart. (I just had to have a breast biopsy less than two weeks ago, after my very first mammogram turned up with an abnormal finding. Thank God it was nothing, but talk about stress!)

Anyway, enough rambling. I do have a question. What are the benfits vs. drawbacks of keeping your ovaries and cervix? I have the option of keeping both or neither.

Thanks so much for the information. I love this site!

Hi, Shashi -

I had to laugh at your warranty expiring comment - my husband made the same joke about me (between my hysterectomy and upcoming thyroid surgery, I think he's right). My aunt, who has ovarian cancer, quipped to her husband that he can't even trade her in for a new model, cause she doesn't have much trade-in value right now :-). Gotta keep that attitude up!

It's normal normal normal to be scared.

As for your question, it's a difficult decision to make, particularly about the ovaries. They do produce hormones which do certain good things (usually) for our bodies, so if you're a long way from normal menopause age (you didn't mention how old you are), that may be a consideration. Some women prefer to remove them because of cancer risks. I suggest doing a search for "ovaries" on this web site, and you'll probably get lots of pros and cons and opinions - perhaps they will help you reach a decision.

Glad your breast biopsy turned out ok!

I have got to have a total hysterec. on the 19th.
From what I hear the deal with the ovaries is if you have to have them taken also then you have to go on hormones....OH BOY. I was really hoping I could keep them. I am a wreak anyway I don't need to have hormone adjusting problems but I am trying to be positive about it and hope for the best. As far as the cervix...I am not sure. I will be keeping an eye for what others tell you.
Good LUck and Keep us informed.

~RuN-AbOuT~
(Lynne)

I let the ovaries go because my doctor was afraid I would continue to have problems with them which might require additional surgery. I just turned 43 and her usual guideline is 45. However, I had large cysts and had had endo removed from them before and I figured I might as well get it all over with. As far as hormone problems, my hormones have been whacky for some time and I'm hoping with HRT I will finally get straightened out. I know it may take some adjusting at first, but I'll persist until it's right. They gave me a shot during surgery which is supposed to last a month and so far, I've had a few night sweats and one crying jag. Other than that, I haven't really noticed a difference yet.

At any rate, I would suggest you get all the info you can and this is a great place for it!!!