What To Ask/Expect?

Hello all -

I hope this is the right place to post this... I'm scheduled for TAH on 11/12/07, after a failed ablation on 1/15/07. I have endo, PCOS and bleeding that just refuses to stop (I've had ~20 non-bleeding days this year so far, this being after the ablation).

My gyn ordered labs, u/s and a biopsy - the labs were only CBC and to check iron (I've had severe anemia), and they came back "fine" (I didn't get exact counts). The u/s didn't show anything that we didn't already know (thick lining, cysty ovaries). The biopsy, however, came back as "insuffient".

When my gyn called with that information, she told me that of course, she cannot guarantee that there aren't any cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions, but she feels we should proceed with the TAH as scheduled. I agree with the TAH but I wanted to know if the biopsy had come back with any indication of cancer, what the difference would be, or why she couldn't do a repeat biopsy. She said that she cannot do another biopsy - it would have to be a D&C. I ended up with a referral to the oncologist (which I should have early next week, pending insurance approval).

I guess my question to the group is - what should I expect from the oncology visit? Will there be an exam, history? What kind of questions should I ask? Any advice on where to start?

Hi and to cancer concerns. I hope your referral to the oncologist is with a gyn/oncologist? They are the experts when it comes to gynecological cancers, and will know exactly what to look for.

I'm sorry you've not been feeling well. The bleeding could be caused by something that is not cancer. Hopefully, there will be a easily treated reason for your symptoms, and cancer will not be a worry for you.

I'm glad you are being proactive and looking further into this....let us know how things go.

xoxo
k9

I definitely hope your appointment is being made with a gyn/onc. They will know exactly what to look for and hopefully will be able to answer any questions you have. Good luck with your upcoming surgery. I'm hoping that no sign of cancer will be found.

Blessings,

As the others here have already said, if he doctor you will be seeing is not a gyn/onc, and it is at all feasible, please consult with a gyn/onc as they are the gyn cancer experts. Likewise if there is no way to rule cancer out, and you have the surgery, it would be wise to have a gyn/onc at least on stand-by ready to take over should cancer be lurking as there are procedues which should be done, etc. and generally a gyn will not be well versed in these.
Of course I am hoping that they can determine you are cancer free. Pls keep us updated.
Good luck with your appointments.
s