Should I be concerned about Cancer?

I have never posted before--but here is my story--I would appreciate any advise. I have known I have a "fibroid tumor" for 2 years--Dr. says watch and wait--"size of 2-3 mo. pregnancy" I was OK with his advise until my mother went in at 66 years of age for a hysterectomy last Nov. because of a fibroid that was growing and causing pain. Long story short they found "a few cancer cells" were "sure they got it all" My mother went home happy, but started having pain, went back to Dr. then died 3 months after surgury (Feb. 2002) of uterine sarcoma. Now, I'm scared that I may have cancer too--is there any way they can biopsy a fibroid "in the wall of the uterus?" I don't know what to do--I'm terrified of having surgury--it seemed with my mother--that after surgury--the cancer spread everywhere. I know I take better care of myself (regular GYN visits, etc.) and that I am only 47 and not menopausal yet. Should I insist on going to a GYN oncologist or ask for a specific test? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks so much--

s JLP

Welcome to Cancer Concerns. I'm glad you decided to post.
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom and her untimely death.
Fibroids are common findings. However, with your Mom's history, I too would want more info on my own fibroid. Although usually benign, in that rare situation they can be cancerous.
Have you had a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the fibroid diagnosis?
Perhaps you could arrange for a consultation with a gyn oncologist.
This type doctor would be the best to offer an opinion or even a treatment plan.
Best wishes.

karenann

I am also very sorry to hear about your Mom passing away.
I am 46, and one year ago I went for my annual Pap test and told my primary doctor that I had been having lots of very heavy periods, cramping, heaviness in my uterus and pain in my hips and legs. She found fibroids and sent me for a trans-vaginal ultrasound to confirm. I was told there were 2 "kissing" fibroids that put me at about a 14-16 week pregnancy size. She also said
"watch and wait". I said no, and went to see my gynecologist. We discussed options, such as just trying to remove the fibroids, but due to life-long gyn problems, I was not opposed to a hysterectomy and actually was ready for it. I also had a large cyst on my right ovary and we decided to take it all out. Two days after the surgery my doctor came in to tell me thay found Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. We were all very surprised. I knew the odds of cancer with fibroids is very small so it really was not on my mind when I made the decision for surgery. But I'm so grateful that I made that decision. Even though it had invaded more than 1/2 of the uterine muscle wall, subsequent surgical biopsy and CT scans have come back clear for metastatic disease. Uterine sarcoma is very, very difficult to diagnose, even after surgery, much less before. I would really encourage you to insist on seeing a gyn-oncologist, as they specialize in this very thing. You have solid reasons for concern and even a very good gyn is not your best choice for the answers you are looking for. Think of it this way, your chances of *not* having cancer are very, very good. Knowledge and early detection give you options that you might not have otherwise, and face it, these days you must be your own health care advocate. On the up side, I have lived though it, plus some, in the last year, and I am very, very grateful to God for it all. I go for my check-ups faithfully and just remember to take everything one step at a time. Be encouraged, and if I can be of any help, please let me know.

Hi Keebler... Please go to an oncologist gynocologist for a second opinion. For years my regular gyno. was watching me for fibroids also. I never had an irregular pap and never had any pains at all. Then all of a sudden, in march, my stomach started to blow up as if i was pregnant and i felt a bump inside by my bellybutton. My regular gyno ( who i trusted ) told me the bump did not sound gynocological, too high up he said...went to my regular doc thinking it was a bellybutton hernia or something else. He sent me for an abdominal catscan and the rest is history. Total hysterectomy for ovarian cancer. I am doing wonderfully now but if not for the brains of an oncologist gynocologist who knows what would have happened.. Hope all works out well and keep in touch.
Rosalie

Thank you for the suggestions! I am due in my GYN's office on Dec. 10th for another "check the status of the fibroid size" and I have decided to ask him to refer me to an oncologist at least for consultation. The fact that there is heaviness, spotting for 2-3 weeks post-period and heavy days each month is concerning me. If there is cancer--yesterday was not too soon to start treatment! I really hate to miss school--I have a sweet group of 1st graders, but I know I need to take care of me too. If anyone has any other advise, please let me know. Thank you again!

Hi Keebler...It is me again...Just to let you know, I am also a teacher certified in grades N, K and 1-6. However I chose to teach Nursery School and absolutely love it. Last year, when I had my hysterectomy I had it right after the spring recess. I found out about the tumor during the vacation. I quickly got my lesson plans ready and one of my very capable assistants took over my class. When the children asked where i was (i did not go back after the vacation) she told them that i had a very bad tummy ache and that i would see them soon. Of course, the parents all knew what was going on. The flowers, balloons, and gift baskets sent to my hospital room and to me at home, from my class, was unbelieveable. After being out for about 3 weeks i went in to visit, just so that they knew i was still around. They were soo cute and soo concerned about my stomach. One of them said, "do not hug her too hard". I told them i would be back to visit and back to teach when i felt better. Well week 4 and 5 of being home i went in for a few hours 3 days a week and by week 6 I was back in teaching full time. Right after that I started chemo. Had my treatments on a Thursday. Felt good on Friday and then laid around Saturday and Sunday. My monday i was good to go again.
Hope all this will put your mind at ease a little.
Rosalie

Go to an onocologist. My choice was to have my gyn to surgery and if they found cancer I would have to have another Dr. I went to the onocologist, still had the hyst. I feel great now. I am adopted so have no clue what is in my family. Get the second opinion.