I'm new w/ cancer concern

Hi, I just got diagnosed today with a large (11cm) ovarian cyst. I am 51, considered post-menopausal and I had breast cancer 11 yrs ago. I was told by my oncologist last July that I was cured of the breast cancer. It was a stage 1 with no lymph node involvment. All my blood tests (tumor markers) and the ultrasound are showing no indications of cancer-a big SIGH of relief, but my history and age and fact that is a large cyst on ovary increases the chance of cancer involvment. My doc is pretty positive all will be ok, and I mostly feel ok, esp since the ultrasound pics came back so good. But having been thro one cancer, well, it is hard not to think about it. She wants to do a complete hyst and remove both ovaries as well. I really think I am okay with it as I am all done with those parts, and, well, just never having to mess around with any more potential problems is a big relief to my mind and soul. Just wanted to say hi, this site is very comforting.

My surgery is scheduled soon, for Feb 3 as we want to get this big sucker outta me!

I bet you want this out!. I wonder, what was it that sent you to doc. in first place? Did you notice symptoms at all or was it part of a routine check?

Ovarian cancer is still a rare disease so take heart from that and if you find questions keep revolving in your mind, write them down and ask your gyn so you can stop the endless 'what if'.

you're quite right, this site is marvellous, I don't think I have ever come off this site without feeling better from reading posts and being able to 'vent'

Wishing you all the best for your surgery. If it helps I am just recovering from paraovarian cyst and right ovary removal through lap. surgery and am starting to feel pretty good. I had no vaginal bleeding, no drains, no cath, so different from my hyst op. Thinking of you, Linda

s Sandy

Is the doctor performing your surgery an ob/gyn or an gynecologic oncology surgeon? If the slightest possibility of ovarian cancer exists, you need to consult with a gyn/onc doc at the very least.
Quite often even very large cysts prove to be benign.
Wishing you all the best.

karenann

Hi, to reply to ?'s. I found the mass, I started out thinking I was having a bladder infection, had some pain for a week. That went away, but over 4-5 months I could "feel" something was not right as my abdomen did not have any give to it. 3 weeks ago I began to feel what I thought was my uterus, below my belly button.

I don't think my gyn is oncologist specialist, but she is from a large group of doctors-they are a womens clinic-and one of her assoc. is that. He will be assisting with surgery. I feel really good that she is preparing for every possibility. I have several friends who are her patients. She does not recommend hysterectomies as a normal course of treatment, but in my case, well, we talked it all out and I feel pretty okay with it. I am still talking with her about leaving the left ovary for future. thanks for your words of encouragment.

Sandy,

All the best to you. Sounds like all indicators are pointing to a non-cancer diagnosis, and hopefully the actual biopsy results will confirm that. We'll all be supporting you and praying for you.

This site is wonderful! And addictive! And especially on this Cancer Concerns forum, there are some truly valiant women.

All the best. Let us know how things are going.

Blessings.
Marlene

Dear Sandy,

Do ask your doctor about having a gyn/onc on call, since they really are the experts in dealing with cancerous situations. I hope that your cyst is just that -- a big cyst! -- but just in case, it would be better to have someone trained in dealing with cancers available.

I'm glad you found this site and are finding comfort in some of the information posted here. As others have said, the women here are great! I don't know how I would have gotten through last year without them.

I wish you the very best of luck with your surgery. Please let us know how it all turns out.

s!