24 years old, no kids, and i might have a hysterectomy. :(

Hi,

Im new here. I just need some advice, tips, support from anybody. I am 24 years old. I have no kids. I work and go to school. I was diagnosed with a large tumor. Doctors dont know if its a fibroid or something else. They also dont know if its attached to the outside wall of the uterus or to one of my ovaries. What they do know is that its bigger than a basketball. And that i have a high risk of having a hysterectomy because the tumor size and location. I've never had kids. I know that once they remove everything, i cant never get pregnant. Im scared. I have surgery this coming thursday the 14. any tips or anything would help. I dont know what to expect with surgery. Will i be able to go back to school by monday? I dont want to miss summer school. I dont want to stop and just do nothing because then im afraid every kind of emotion will hit me and break me down.

Hi Angie,

Sorry to hear you're going through this - a basketball, oh my God!

In view of your age I imagine the doctors will do everything they can to try and leave your uterus in place, but, as you say, it may unfortunately be impossible. You'll need to prepare yourself for that and, also, the possibility of losing your ovaries and needing hormone replacement therapy. Have your doctors explained all this to you?

I'm very sure you will be in no condition to return to school the week after, sorry to say. This is major surgery we're talking about, you will experience some pain and will be very tired. I know it's scary to think of staying home dealing with all the emotions but, I promise you, you'll need time to heal both physically and emotionally. Do you have someone to help you?

I wish you luck with all this and hope your recovery goes well.

Christina

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Steena Hi Angie, Sorry to hear you're going through this - a basketball, oh my God! In view of your age I imagine the doctors will do everything they can to try and leave your uterus in place, but, as you say, it may unfortunately be impossible. You'll need to prepare yourself for that and, also, the possibility of losing your ovaries and needing hormone replacement therapy. Have your doctors explained all this to you? I'm very sure you will be in no condition to return to school the week after, sorry to say. This is major surgery we're talking about, you will experience some pain and will be very tired. I know it's scary to think of staying home dealing with all the emotions but, I promise you, you'll need time to heal both physically and emotionally. Do you have someone to help you? I wish you luck with all this and hope your recovery goes well. Christina

Christina,

Thank you. The doctor i saw didnt really explain alot. She just told me to be aware that if i lose my uterus, i wont be able to have children in the future. I did asked questions about if there were any other options, but due to the fact that my tumor is huge, surgery is the only option. Tomorrow i have a complete physical with the doctor. I will be asking more questions. But mainly the reason why they cant really answer my questions is because they wont know anything untill they cut me open and then, they can only decide what can be done.

Yes, I guess it's difficult for them to know what they're really dealing with. Make sure to ask them about HRT and recovery time, just so you'll know what to expect. I hope you have family and friends nearby to help you with housework and grocery shopping etc. because that will be difficult for the first few weeks.

Take care,

Christina

	Quote:
Originally Posted by angie2424 Christina, Thank you. The doctor i saw didnt really explain alot. She just told me to be aware that if i lose my uterus, i wont be able to have children in the future. I did asked questions about if there were any other options, but due to the fact that my tumor is huge, surgery is the only option. Tomorrow i have a complete physical with the doctor. I will be asking more questions. But mainly the reason why they cant really answer my questions is because they wont know anything untill they cut me open and then, they can only decide what can be done.

what about harvesting your eggs? using them later with a surrogate

just realized you have the same surgery date as me, 1 week from today

I have the same surgery date as well... I'm sending prayers your way Angie. Everything will be just fine.

Angie I am so sorry you are going through this. I know this has to be a very emotional time for you. And I could just imagine the pain your are in. You have really touched my heart and I will be thinking about you and I am sending good thoughts your way. Just remember that we are here for you. I am wishing that everything goes well with your surgery sweetie. Take care of you.

(((angie2424)))

If I am understanding correctly, you are scheduled for a laparotomy to remove a tumor. Depending on what your doctor finds, you may also be having a hysterectomy. Is that correct?

Have you had a second opinion about what might be best for you? What about a gynecological oncologist? A reproductive endocrinologist specializes in maintaining fertility and might be a good choice. Not all doctors have the same skills and a more skilled and knowledgeable one may be able to remove the tumor without needing to do a hysterectomy.

What types of testing have you had done to determine you have a tumor? An MRI? CT scan?

I hope your appointment goes well today, but I also strongly recommend you seek a second gynecological opinion before heading into OR to make sure you have the most skilled surgeon you can find who will offer you the best treatment while do all that is possible to preserve your fertility.

in there!