Morcellator question

Something's been bugging me since my 3 week check-up (there will be no more). When my doc came to see me the day after surgery, he told me he'd had a difficult time (not the MOST difficult surgery, but not the easiest either) removing my uterus and had to use a morcellator. At my 3 week exam, he walked into the room and announced he'd saved my life, and that they found the "tiniest" bit of cancer and that it was all gone, no more treatment, but that I'd have to have an annual PAP smear (I have no cervix, what do they sample?). I guess I need to know if using the morcellator could possibly leave cancer cells in "the void"?? Does it pull tissue in and grind it (ickk! - sorry) or what? Does anyone know how this instrument really works?? thanks -- I can think of so many things to stew about it's unreal!

s Jonan

When in doubt, get all your records copied and go see a gynecologic oncologist for a second opinion. They are the experts with all gyn cancers.
Once your cervix is removed, all future PAP smears are done from the vaginal cuff. The vaginal cuff is a frequent spot for cancer to recur.

oxoxo karenann

Thanks for the advice. I don't know why I'm so hesitant to ask for these path reports. The doctor who did my surgery didn't ask for or see the path report from my D&C...he had only a letter from the OB/GYN stating the results were endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. I failed to mention the 1st doc said there were a few areas that looked "suspicious". I guess they were the areas that had the cancer. I've looked for morcellator on the web and have seen some pretty disgusting (to me) photos, but I haven't really found a clear picture of how the thing actually WORKS. So, I will heed your advice and talk to a gyn/onc...there must be one around here somewhere!! Thanks again.

(((Jonan))) in our Resources directory, there is a link to a webcast of an LSH. It's quite well done - one DR narrates while another does the procedure. If you watch that, you'll be able to see up close how the morcellator works on an actual uterus. Here's the link from Resources:

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/lin...=jump&lid=1022

BTW... no with this movie

s,
-Linda

I had a LSH done almost three years ago. I personally had to stop my mind from visualizing what exactly they do.

I was told that the cervix had to stay to have hyster done that way. Which was fine by me.

I'd too would want answers to that question too.. thus would go get another opinon from a gyno/oncologist.

You can always have the nurse or receptionist send for a copy of the reports prior to you seeing the onco/gyno.. so you don't have to go and gather them yourself.

I would imagine that all is fine.. but never the less.. why not just put your mind to rest?

xo Donna

Thanks, ladies. I'm going to get the reports and take it from there. Perhaps I'll do a 6 month visit with a gyn-onc, just to be safe. Thanks for your input. ( I visited one site with lots of pictures and they aren't kidding when they say "gross"!)