Afraid of unexpected Diagnosis

Hello,

After a diagnostic Lap, I was told I had endo, Ovarian Cysts, Large Fibroid and adhesions. My husband asked, "So, that means, No cancer?" The Dr (kindly) told him that he doesn't have Xray vision, so he can't be sure. Isn't that what a diagnostic Lap should reveal? I hate the unexpected! I want to relax and expect a NORMAL hysterectomy. Do most women diagnosed with Cancer know before the hysterectomy? OR do some not know until after the surgery. Has anyone in this forum gone into a hysterectomy to find out (unexpectantly) that they have cancer?
Just looking for reassurance that all is well,

K

P.S. I am so fearful because of a strong family history of cancer. I have 6 kids and I don't have time for such a journey.

K,

I'm sorry you're living in this limbo right now and know how scary the word cancer is. I hope once the surgeon gets in there to remove things it will turn out you have no cancer whatsoever.

You don't say what type of cancer you may be expecting they'll find. Mine was diagnosed pre-surgery through an endometrial biopsy, so I knew it was there but didn't know how badly until afterward - which is the way it goes because there's no way to know before everything is biopsied. Seeing as you have that family history, you may want to consult with a gynecologic oncologist. They are the doctors to have performing surgery if there is a hint of cancer because of their added schooling and knowledge.

All that said, why don't you hop on over to the Cancer Concerns board. We have plenty of sisters there who woke up to the surprise diagnosis of cancer post-op and perhaps they can help you.

I don't know, Pen2paper2. It's one of the things I fear when I wake up and I'll hear the words you, have and cancer in the same sentence. I have a family history of cancer (though not any uterine, ovarian, or cervical that we know of but I have three female relatives who have all been diagnosed with breast cancer) so it's on my mind as well.

I have my surgery on the 12th as well.

Sorry, I can't provide reassurance. In fact, I'm a case exactly as you describe--someone who was surprised, after the surgery, to find she had had cancer. I can honestly say it's not the end of the world, though, even if you do get a cancer diagnosis.

The dr's can have a good idea going in whether you have cancer or not, based on how things look, but, unfortunately, dr's are not infallible. They truly cannot tell exactly what's in there until they open you up (even then, they may not know til the final pathology results come in). If there's any question in your mind, it might be helpful to be consulting with a gynecologic oncologist (or at least have one on reserve) and not just a gynecologist.

My gyne was concerned enough about cancer that she called in a gyne oncologist to do the surgery (assisted by my gyne).

Before surgery, my gyne oncologist told me that there was a 1 in 200 chance that there was cancer. My uterine mass was so big and looked a certain way so it was "almost definitely not cancer" so I was feeling more optimistic, but not out of the woods.

Well, it was my "lucky" day because my uterine mass was more complex inside and I did have cancer, though a small amount and early stage. The initial pathology results during the surgery showed that. However, with endometrial cancer, early stage cancers are very treatable/curable/survivable. I don't even need chemo or radiation, just the TAH and now quarterly dr visits to monitor the situation.

So, if they think there's no cancer, there probably isn't any, though there could be. Even if there is, it might not be as bad as it seems to be, at first glance.

Sorry you have to wait to find out that would be horrible hun. big hugs and prayers for you
hugs
lisa

I feel for you. My Doctor sent me to a cancer specialist they will send my parts away to have tests ran. My family history on the female side is terrble for cancers. I would not let them poke and prod any more I told them if they want to do it when they have it out then tell me that was what I would deal with I have been very ill with all of this as it is and could not stand more tests.I hope it goes well for you and it is all clear *S*