abdominal vs laproscopic

I was diag. with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium 3 wks ago and scheduled for hysterectomy on 9/21. Dr. said that my pathology report said that it was well differentiated to moderately differentiated. She said that it had to be one way or the other. Dr. ordered the d&c pathology slides to be sent to her so she could make a decision. She said that if it was well defined that she could do the surg. laproscopically. If not, the old fashioned way. I just want it, the alien, out of me. I've researched sites but I'm not sure if I should just have the old fashioned way just to make sure that everything is found and pulled out. I know that if done lapro. then recovery time is easier. I just don't know. I'm just a little worried and confused. Help with any advice you can send my way. I'm 40 with a great DH and 2 kids, one a sr. in high school and the other a soph. in college. I will have plenty of help at home from friends and family.

Although I knew I'd be having an abdominal incision, I didn't know whether it would be vertical or horizontal - that was decided in the operating room after I was asleep. The type of surgery you'll have will ultimately be decided by the doctor, but I'm sure she'll do what she feels is best for you.

My doctor (head gynecological/oncologist at a big research hospital) said it was going to be abdominal in my case because the fewer cuts the less chance of cells spreading. Laps work with lots of little cuts. Of course, my issue was ovarian cancer so that might make a difference. He's an older doc and probably conservative and I'm very overweight so maybe that makes a difference. My recovery hasn't been bad at all, but I know an entirely lap surgery does make a big difference, a LAVH less so. I think a lot of that has to do with the skill of your surgeon. So, I don't know. It would be nice not to have a scar, but given the problems so many other women have, I'm glad mine went the way it did.

Tori, my "alien" was endometrial adenocarcinoma - but they didn't really know that till they got in there and took it out. The CT scan showed a mass "suspicious for ovarian neoplasm" - ovarian cancer. My "alien" had engulfed both ovaries and tubes, plus my uterus. I had a vertical incision from just below my breastbone to the top of my pubic hair. My oncology surgeon removed the omentum, plus ovaries, tubes, uterus and cervix - the kitchen sink and all the plumbing. He did about a bazillion biopsies (actually 15, I think) while he was in there to reassure himself that it hadn't spread anywhere in my abdomen - which it hadn't, thank God. I was glad he opened me up like a flounder so he could see and touch and feel anything that looked suspicious. I'm sure your doctor will do what she feels is the most efficient and effective procedure for your particular case. Ask questions and be an active participant in your care and recovery...and please visit us often to let us know how you're doing!
You're in my prayers.

I found out that my hyst. will be abdominal of which I am really relieved. I think that it is the best way to make sure that everything is removed. Thank you all for your responses and prayers. D-day is the 21st and even though I'm a little nervous I am actually looking forward to it!

I'll give you some advice that made me sail through surgery. I talked to my anesthetist and he let me listen to a tape during surgery. I made my own healing tape but there a number of them that you can buy with soothing music and reassuring messages. I sailed through surgery. I woke up feeling in a wonderful mood. They needed less anesthesia to put me under. I was ready to leave the hospital a day before they had expected. I'd read about it on Dr. Weil's website. I think making the tape helped me too. I thought of soothing things to say to myself.

I have a lot of skeptical friends but they were totally convinced after they saw how well I did. At the very least, I'd get one/make one and listen before and after surgery. Decrease those stress endorphins.