Help...cancerhead returns

Hi everyone I just need a little reassurance and to vent. I recently started having severe abdominal pains. When I went to my gyn she said it may be adhesions and you need to see your gyn-onc. So two weeks later I was ablt to get into see him. In the mean time I was on pain killers and laxatives...not exactly my idea of a good time. So I had my appt. and he is concerned that my cancer may have spread since my pain is right at one of my incisions from the laproscopic tools. SO he ordered a CT scan. This is my first one, so I am not real sure to expect. Of course cancerhead has invaded my life once again. I am worried, scared and angry! I am so tired of hearing "OH don't worry everything will be fine!"

If the CT comes back normal he is going to assume it is adhesions. Well, the only way to solve adhesions is surgery, which can cause MORE adhesions. ACK!!! I am at a loss. I am only 36 and I can't spend the rest of my life not eating any fiber and taking laxatives!

OK I feel better having vented. If there is anyone out there who has any advice or experiences, I would greatly appreciate it.

I'm sorry scared.... living life with no fiber, pain killers and laxatives doesn't sound like fun.

A CT is no big deal, except for the contrast solution they make you drink. GaGa says to put it in the freezer and get it really cold. I recommend the orange flavor (avoid the banana!!!) It is not the worst thing in the world, but the faster you can drink it down, the better

The CT is kind of like a donut ring. You shouldn't feel claustrophobic in it. When is your scan? I hope that it is soon, so that your mind will be eased.

Thank you for the advice. My scan is on 3/26 and I find out the results on 4/1. As we all know...WAITING SUCKS!!!

Oh, I'm so sorry you have to worry about this! But it seems from what my doc has been saying that adhesions are not all that uncommon. I know it's not the same thing, but my husband had some on his colon 2 years after heart and gallbladder surgery, and it was perfectly fine. Surgery is never fun, but one year later there are no painkillers, no laxatives, eating pretty much anything he wants (unfortunately . As always, if that's what it is, a second opinion from a general surgeon might be worthwhile. I don't know if gyn oncs do a lot of adhesion surgery -- or as much as other surgeons. But good luck and try to stay calm (I know, a ridiculous thing to say!)

Hugs,

Katherine

Cancerhead totally !

Wolfie did a great job giving you the particulars of the exam itself. Drinking the sludge is by far the worst part. Blech! I agree the quicker you get it down, the better. It's NOT something to be savored!

Try not to worry too much. I know, I know, easier said than done. Hopefully, it helps to know you're not alone and that your sisters here truly understand.

Hang in there, sweetie!



monami

Hi Scared,

Just want to chime in that I can totally relate to what you are going through. I just had a CT scan today and as the others said, the drink is the wor st part, though doable. The WAITING that comes afterwards is truly the worst part. I had stage IIB grade III endometrial cancer and am being treated for a recurrence right now (in the middle of chemo). I am having severe stomach pain as well (though it is on and off) and they keep asking me about constipation. I'm just scared as well, wondering if the cancer has spread. I just wanted to let you know you are not alone...this disease IS A BEAST (as some one here always calls it) but we can join hands with the others here and find some strength, encouragement and inspiration needed to fight this beast. Sending you hugs and love.

Beth