Just heard from my Dr...

I had a D&C 4 weeks ago because an endometrial biopsy several months back revealed hyperplasia + atypia. We treated that (and lack of periods) with provera for 3 months, then the D&C. My D&C tissue was tested by 3 different pathologists and the final determination was hyperplasia + atypia again, even after the 3 months on the Provera. So my Dr. wants me to have an hysterectomy.

I am almost 45, overweight but losing (I've lost 55 lbs since March). I've also started working out and am getting stronger and more fit. I am told by me Dr. that I must have the abdominal type surgery. He recommends taking the ovaries because of my age and to elimate another place where cancer could start. He also said I should consider whether I want to keep my cervix or not. Any advice on that???? Pros and Cons?

Both my parents died of cancer so I am nervous about it, although I realize that what I have is precancerous and can be fully treated by having the hysterectomy. I am very grateful for that!

I am sure I will have a bunch of questions and have to say I am so glad that this support is here for me. Mostly right now I am adjusting to the idea of this surgery. After having the D&C I am less nervous about the anesthetic and such, but still apprehensive about the pain, esp. after when serious pain meds are no longer needed but I want to do things like walk or work out and it hurts!!

Thanks all for being here!

Mara

Hi Mara,

Welcome aboard - and congratulations on losing 55 lbs! I'm impressed.

I don't have any experience with cancer (thankfully), but I did have a TAH (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy), and it wasn't all that bad. A few pretty ouchy bladder and bowel cramps here and there, but overall I never felt really miserable. I think that walking (often, slowly, and short distances) helped my recovery go more smoothly.

I didn't find the pain from my incision to be disabling, or even especially bad (numb, mostly). I took Darvocet for the first few days at home, then switched to Aleve as needed - and I didn't need a whole lot of it. Prevention and basic nursing care help avoid a lot of pain - don't let yourself get gassy or constipated, use a heating pad for gas pains, drink hot water or tea, walk to keep the muscles from cramping, etc.

I had the whole uterus out - including the cervix. I never liked my cervix anyway. But really, it caused me pain (during sex, darnit) and cramping and concern, and I was glad to be rid of it. I didn't have any particular worry about cancer, but if I were in your position I'd want it gone. It's a part of the uterus, and if you're having cancer concerns with your uterus, well... But then your doctor offered you the option of keeping it, so maybe it just comes down to whether or not you like having it.

I'm sorry you have to have a hyst. Keep asking questions (of the Sisters here, and of your doctor), and make sure you understand all your options. Best of luck, and try not to worry too much.

Hi and welcome!

I'm so sorry about everything you are going through. I also have no experience with cancer, but I had a TAH (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy) two years ago, when I was 28, due to large fibroids.

As far as pain, due to an EXTREMELY sensitive stomach, I am unable to take pain meds. I was pretty uncomfortable for awhile, but I'm sure you will be kept much more comfortable with pain meds. Make sure you voice your concerns to your doctor, and he/she will work with you to keep you from being in pain. After the first 2 weeks or so, I only really hurt if I did something stupid (that I shouldn't have been doing anyway...) like lifting, stretching or turning.

Whether or not to keep your cervix is a difficult question to answer, each of us has to make a decision that's best for ourselves, but I can give you some things to think about. Discuss these things with your doctor, and between the two of you, you can make the best decision for YOU.

1. Cancer. Becauase of the history of cancer in your family, this is probably your primary concern. Removing the cervix drastically lowers your chances of cervical cancer (still a remote possibility due to the chance of some cells being left behind)

2. Bleeding. Some women who keep their cervix end up having "mini-periods" monthly (only if they also have at least one ovary). These seem to be rare, and are very light, but are a possibility.

3. Sex. There are many conflicting opinions on whether the cervix contributes to sexual pleasure. Ask 10 people, you'll get 10 different answers. I can say in MY case, at least, sex is wonderful after the surgery (I had my cervix removed). My doctor told me it wouldn't make a difference, and in my case at least, she was right - neither myself nor my husband can tell any difference.

Keep reading, talk to your doctor, and good luck with your decision!

Welcome to the site! First, let me just say that I am so sorry that you have to have a hysterectomy. Regardless of the diagnosis, this is an emotionally painful experience. My heart goes out to you.

I have some experience with the pre-cancer/cancer stuff. In March 2001, I had an abnormal pap result. Then in April, I had a colposcopy that revealed severe dysplasia. In May, I had a LEEP biopsy that revealed further severe dysplasia and invasive cancer. In July, I had a cone biopsy with more dysplasia and cancer, but thankfully the margins were clear. My doc recommended a hysterectomy as soon as I was sure that I was through having children.

I anguished for a year as I was only 31 with no children. Not really planning to have any, but that was my choice. No repeats of the bad results on the follow up paps (every 3 months, ugh!), and in the meantime, I got 4 other opinions. The oncologist, another gyn, my DS (a surgery resident), and my DBIL (a nephrology resident) all agreed - take it out - do NOT risk further cancer.

I finally had the procedure last week and I have to say that the hardest part was waiting for it to happen. Okay, the 24 hours immediately following the surgery were difficult, but they give you good drugs to ease the pain and help you sleep. I am now on day 5 post-op and doing well. You do have to take it easy, but as long as you prepare the fridge, it's not too bad.

I am not a doctor, but from my perspective, remove as much of the possibility for cancer as possible, while balancing your future health and well being. I did not keep my cervix for obvious reasons, but I did keep my ovaries in the hope of postposing menopause. Different situation, but hoping the thought process may be helpful!

-Mona