Large tumor

Hi everyone:

I was told I had a huge tumor (fibroid I think). The doctor thought from the ultrasound and catscan that it was probably about 35 to 40 pounds. Have you heard of a similar thing?

All he has told me is that it has to come out, and that I was scheduled for a hysterectomy. I don't know if they're taking my overies or not. He did tell me he would have to make a very long verital incision because of the size of the tumor.

I'm scheduled for pre-op on Oct. 22nd. and surgery on Oct. 25th.

I'm a little freaked!! Will they use a general, put me totally out (I hope) or what?

I would love to hear from any of you with your thoughts.

Thanks,
Leola

Leola,
My sister-in-laws sister (I think that makes sense) recently had a large tumor removed. I don't know the weight, but was told it was the size of a small loaf of bread. She said she didn't even realize how badly she felt until her "new life" after surgery. I'm not a doctor, but I would be very surprised if they didn't put you to sleep! That should be your first question for the doc at your pre-op! There is a great list of questions to ask on the home page. My pre-op is tomorrow, and my list is already in the car. I just hope he doesn't roll his eyes when he asks "any Questions?' and I pull out my big sheet of paper
Look around here, this site is a wealth of information...there are a lot of factors pertaining to the leaving/removing of the ovaries. This is a great place to do your homework!
Good luck to ya and keep us posted....you'll be a pro in no time...I went from clueless to educated thanks to Hyster Sisters!


Lynn
p.s. feel free to e-mail me anytime....Linolyum1@aol.com

As far as being out for hyst goes, yes, i'm sure they will put you to sleep. As far as hearing of a tumor that size - yes i have. We had a good friend who was obese all of her life and in pain most of it. Dr.s told her this and that but never eluded to a tumor. In the end we found out she had a 50 pound tumor in her gut. For some stupid reason her dr. didn't tell her until it was to the point she couldn't take it anymore. This is just my opinion, but if this dr. you are seeing is the same as the one you have been seeing all along - get a 2nd opinion and find out why no one told you sooner. I was a victim of stinky dr.s myself. I had a fibroid that was over 6 pounds and only found it because I ended up in emergency room because of something else. THEN, my dr. told me 3 months later that the fibroid was gone. Just like that Well, i knew that wasn't possible and found a great dr. who told me the other dr. was feeling fibroid and thinking it was uterus. Needless to say - it had to come out. Definitely think about a second opinion, also - make a list of all your questions and find out EXACTLY what they are going to be doing to you. Will they remove ovaries also? Will you be put under? Are there any ways to shrink tumor first so your recovery will be easier? Is it in fact a tumor or a fibroid, what is the difference? What kind of tumor/fibroid is it? How fast growing is it? Why not found sooner? Also tell your dr. you want a copy of the pathology report. On the home page of this site there is a great pull down menu with a list of questions to ask. This may help you also. you can also hit the search button and search the word tumor.
If I may ask Leola - how old are you and what symptoms led to them finally finding the tumor? Hope this helps and doesn't everwhelm you too much, and remember, these are just my feeling on this issue. s Wendy

Leola,

A 40 pound fibroid is huge (the world record is 75 pounds, but most weigh only a few ounces) and would most likely be pressing on other organs and causing a lot of pressure. You've never had any symptoms? When is the last time you had a pelvic exam? While they sometimes grow very fast, it would seem if you've been to the doc any time in the last few years they would note an enlarged uterus. However , if you are very overweight it can sometimes prevent a proper diagnosis.

You''ll have to talk to the doctor on weather a spinal/epidural is possible for your surgery. If he tells you general is mandatory, you can get a second opinion, which you should do anyway. The anesthesia issue should have been discussed with you. I'm surprised these issues have not be discussed, another reason to see another doctor.

He should have discussed the ovary question with you. However, if you have a fibroid of that size, it's probably almost "attached" to the ovaries, and they may have to go too. If the ovaries aren't a problem, remember the patient has a voice in this decision.