A very scary thing happened..

Hi, Ladies. I had a very scary thing happen to me yesterday. Some of you may recall that I had a TAH BSO hysterectomy in April of 2003. Result was a diagnosis of both ovarian and uterine cancer. Both were far enough advanced for me to have to do both chemo and radiation therapy (external and internal).

So, here I am more than 2 years from surgery and almost two years from the end of my treatment (I did chemo and RT at the same time). I have been doing so well: feeling great, lots of energy, I've lost 15 pounds (of the many pounds that I gained once my treatment was over), good follow-up reports from my doctors. Needless to say, I am very grateful for the life I have today.

Well, I was doing a bit of running around yesterday a.m. I had my dd with me and was running home after a meeting as my little girl needed a nap. I ran upstairs to use the bathroom and before I flushed the toilet, saw that I had passed some blood! It was about the size of a silver dollar. It was definitely not "fresh". It was more like a clot. I couldn't believe what I was looking at!!

My hands were shaking as I got my dd's bottle of milk and put her in for her nap. I called my gyn onc (who I should have called anyway to set up my next visit). I explained the situation to the receptionist and wanted to go in to see my doctor that day. Unfortunately, he was already gone for the weekend! I'd have to wait till Tuesday before someone got back to me.

My next call was to my regular gyn (whom I see on an alternate follow up basis with my gyn onc). She was in the office but wasn't seeing any patients that afternoon. I explained the situation to this doctor's receptionist and asked that my gyn call me. Well, my gyn did call back in about 15 minutes. She said that while she didn't know what she could do, other than to take a look and see what was going on, she could tell that I was concerned and would be willing to see me right away. So, I woke Isabel up, dropped her off at my sister's and drove to the gyn's office. (Thank God the holiday traffic was going in the other direction.)

Thankfully, upon examining me, she told me that there were absolutely no lesions or tears or tumors breaking through the vaginal walls. She also made note that I had last seen her in February and everything was fine. In addition, my last cat scan was in March and that came back clear. My last CA-125 from March was also real good. With all these, it would be very unusual to see something developing this fast.

She did a pap smear and a urine analysis just to eliminate any questions about the bladder. In addition, she showed me her surgical glove to show me that there was absolutely no blood on her fingers. She said she did a fair amount of poking around and there was no bleeding.

Our assumption is that perhaps this was the result of recent sexual relations. Because of the uterine cancer, I cannot take any hormones so the tissues of the vagina are getting thin and fragile.

You know, I was on auto pilot. When things like this happen, I am so much better if I am "doing" something. I did not even call my husband at work. I told him about it last night when he came home from work. I think my dh was a little hurt that I didn't call him when it was all going on. I realized then (and I shared this with him) that I am a girl who sits very comfortably in "denial". I told him that if I had called him, it would be as if I were admitting to myself that this is "bad". Concerned? Of course. Taking charge and getting my needs taken care of? Sure. Panic? No need to go there yet. (Nonetheless, I am independent to a fault.)

I told dh that I've learned from my dear HysterSisters not to waste a good panic. And I didn't.

I thank God for my wonderful gyn. She really helped put me at ease yesterday. I will be hooking up with my gyn onc on Tuesday and will bring him up to speed. We'll see what he wants to do next.

Boy, stuff like this really throws you for a loop, doesn't it? I'll keep you updated, ladies. Thanks for listening.

jeeez what a scary day you had!!!! I'm so glad it turned ok. Lucky you were able to get in to see a Dr. so quickly, so you didn't have time to really think about what might be going on.

(((Maureenie)))
What a very scary episode and you certainly handled it all very independently. I am glad your gyn was able to see you the same day and give you peace of mind; she is the type of caring, dedicated doctor everyone seeks. Please let us know how your gyn/onc visit goes.
, peggiesue

s Maureenie

I am glad that everything was okay and that your gyn was able to put your mind at ease. I can imagine how panicked you felt when you saw that blood.
Please make certain that you set up your regular appt with your gyn oncologist. If you last saw him in March and last had testing in March, shouldn't your next appt really have taken place in June?
When I was two years out from my diagnosis, I had checkups every three months.
Sometimes it is easier to make your next appt when you are leaving your gyn onc's office. That way you don't have to remember to call and make an appt in a timely fashion.

oxoxoxox karenann

Maureenie
So glad you were able to see your doctor and received good news.
Enjoy the holiday.

Cindy

My heart was beating faster too as I read your post. Thank God everything is fine.

I think that is how we (cancer survivors) live the rest of our lives. Every pain, ache, especially blood will cause us to shake and wonder: Is "it" back?

I'm just so glad that you got to see your doctor so quickly - I HATE all this waiting!!!

Enjoy your 4th of July!!!

s to you!

Whew! Maureenie!
What a scare. I'm glad that everything is ok...but man, those few hours must have been a nightmare.

I totally commend you for "not wasting a good panic!"

Thanks, as always, for being such a positive influence.

xoxoxo

K9

Wow, I think my BP shot up 50 points reading the first part of your post. Thank God you were able to see a doctor and that the results are good!

Go celebrate on this holiday weekend!

Blessings.
Marlene

Wow Maureen, what a scary situation. We all know how quickly our minds wander into the wrong direction.

I am glad that it turned out to be nothing but would be interested to see what our oncologist/gynecologist has to say. You really should be seeing him every three months. I know that you like your regular gynecologist but remember, he or she is not the specialist you really need right now.

After my visit at Sloan, I am on a cat scan and ca125 campaign. I know first hand how quickly things inside of our bodies can change even when all internal and external exams are normal.

Please keep us up to date.

Rosalie

Maureenie, I'm so sorry you had such a big scare, but I'm so happy that it turned out to be nothing. I hope you can see your gyn/onc when he gets back from vacation.

I've had a few incidences of semi-reddish urine . . . but it's always turned out to be too many raw beets on my salad. :-)