And so it begins

Well, I was looking for a place to share and learn of others journeys and I found this site. For now I am going to assume it is a blessing. LOL. I am a serious novice in all this so far so please bear with me. I can only say what I myself have felt and experienced so far. It sorta started in April 2007. It was an abnormal pap smear. Not a big deal but needing to be dealt with. It was decided that a vaginal hysterectomy would take care of the endimitriosis and other interesting parts of my female body. Surgery was scheduled but then my aunt got real sick and ended up passing in Nov. So surgery was finally Jan. 16, 08. After surgery my gyn said one of the ovaries was suspicious and was sent to labs. She kinda said without saying that she felt there was cancer on it. But stated that since it didn’t show up on the ultrasound in April she wasn’t too worried. Follow-up for surgery confirmed that there was signs of cancer of the ovary(possibly stage IC) I was then scheduled with a onc/gyn. Well, that appt was last week and now I am scheduled for a laproscopy(sp?) at the end of this month. Taking out the tubes, other ovary and scraping some tummy. This Dr. doesn’t want to talk about what stage until the follow-up after these procedures. The funny part in all this is none of the doctors actually say drum roll please “You have cancer!” My first gyn is so cute though, she called me personnally to say she had looked up cases similar to mine and was raising survival from 83% to 92%. I have shared with my living with me family members what is going on, plus 1 bro and only sis. The mix of reactions is as varied as the people themselves. Kind of like the snowflake thing-no two alike. I have to say my favorite is the one that will crack jokes and she has named the remaing ovary Oliver. Upon her suggestion I am seriously thinking of bringing sound effects to the drs. offices from this point on. Like when the dr. is about to come in with results play the jaws music. This whole thing as you all know is surreal. I am the one who takes care of others, this isn’t supposed to happen to me. I helped my dad pass of cancer less then 5 years ago. I didn’t expect to live forever but I would like to at least hang around a few more years(Which I am sure I will just you know, you really don’t know) I am mostly just venting on this site and i hope I haven’t been too obnoxious-if I have say so and I am done. I think of all of you as awesome heroes and I applaud you. As a newbie, even if I never post again you have humbled me.

MikaLove:
I am so sorry you have to be here... It is an experience I am sure any of us would not miss. I had a D&C on Dec. 13 and heard just before Christmas that it was cancer.. Then I was told have a hyst. and that should be the end of it. Well that didn't work either.. so now I have an appt. with the gyn/onc at the end of Feb. I have learned just to take it one step at a time, and I am learning some patience.. ( A feat my mom wasn't ever able to teach me) I agree this does seem surreal. I like your attitude though and that will go a long way in your recovery process. (esp. like the jaws music). Feel free to e-mail me and I am sure other ladies will come along that are having similar situations.
Pattie

Mika,

I too am sorry that you have had to find yourself here, but I am so glad you have. I'm glad you are seeing a gyn/onc, they really are the experts when it comes to dealing with any possibility of gynecological cancer.

I'm hoping your appoinment at the end of the month brings forth a plan to really find out what is going on, and a way to treat it.

I know the waiting and the fear of the unknown are very difficult.
You will find awesome support here from the ladies that truly care.
We'll be here for you!

dear mikalove...you sound like such a sweetheart with you sense of humour and great attitude. as a caregiver, you will have to learn to step aside for a few weeks (again) and let others take over chores and help you out so you can heal in the beginning. remember to get copies of your medical records, ie. operative report/surgical report, pathology report, etc. when they become available.

i'm sure you'll have a few more questions as time goes on. come here any time to share your story and vent. good luck on your next surgery. best wishes to you.
colleen.

Hi Mika,
Welcome to the forum no one wants to join but filled with so many caring women who can offer first hand experience, gentle support, hugs; etc. which have helped many of us deal with the beast. A cancer dx certainly may seem surreal and is very scary and we all may cope with the initial info somewhat differently. As someone already mentioned, it is now your time to be the one cared for and for some even this can be hard to accept.
Please let us know when your surgery date is set and don't hesitate to come back to vent, ask question, etc. Someone seems to be here almost 24/7. I'll be keeping you in thought and prayer that the laparoscopy goes very well.
s

Sorry you have had to face this monster.

When you get your lap do they plan on taking nodes and a wash? This needs to be done if it was not done at your vaginal hyst.

Good luck,
Juanita

Mika:

I too am sorry to hear that you have to fight this monster, but you've come to a great place.

I'm so very glad to hear that you are seeing a gyn/onc as they are the specialists in this type of cancer.

As you continue on your journey, you will definitely find many different reactions from people. I've lost some friends that I thought would be there for me and some family members "shunned" me also. But, I have made so many more new friends (especially through this site) and consider all the Hystersisters family now. I was surprised at who ended up really being there for me through the worst of it all. I'm sure you will find that too. We all have.

You will also find that cancer patients and survivors come to have a "strange" sense of humor. It's how we deal with the day to day things and helps us get through. I've joked about things in a way that raises eyebrows with some people!

Please keep us posted on your progress.

Hugs and prayers.

Hi MikaLove! Sorry to meet you this way, but glad you found us! You've been on this journey for a while and you sound like you're doing really well!

I know what you mean about reactions from people - wide and varied and always interesting. I'm an ovarian cancer (1C) survivor and am so grateful to have had the cancer discovered at an early stage. I'll pray that your appointment goes well and that you get the best news possible -

Hey, sweetie!

Just wanted to send some more big hugs your way. Here goes!



monami

Hi Mika
Sorry you've had to join us but welcome anyway!
It does get less surreal as time goes on and everyone on this forum is here for you so post and vent anytime.
x x x x