Surgery 3 days away - scared

HI - I just found this website tonight and immediately signed up. I've been sitting here for over 2 hours reading the posts. This is great. I've never written to a message board before, so I feel kind of shy. But I also know that I need the support. I am scheduled for a hyst. w/ bilat oophorectomy on MOn., April 23. I have been so scared, at first I felt nothing but sheer terror and depression. This all came about so fast. One month ago I thought I was fine, I don't have period problems, no pain, no idea I would be going through this. I've had fibroids for about 4 years (one the size of a 3-4 month pregnancy) so my doc. did a sonogram and discovered one ovary was enlarged. He had me get a CA-125 blood test to check for ovarian cancer. That came back a little high (63 - I think 35 is considered normal). So surgery was scheduled. At first I was only afraid of the thought of cancer, I cried and cried, I would look at my family and worry about leaving them, etc. I was sure I wouldn't be around long. As the surgery draws nearer I am really getting scared about the surgery. I feel like a baby, but I am really scared about how much pain I will be in. I've been to many websites that tell horror stories about surgical menopause, HRT, loss of libido, loss of memory, things that can go wrong with surgery, etc, etc. I want to have positive thoughts going into surgery, but I don't know how. I would appreciate any advice on how to get myself mentally and emotionally prepared, and any other advice or support anyone can give. I'm 42 years old and divorced and feel VERY ALONE!! This is the only website I've visited that offered me any comfort at all. THANK YOU!
JILL

Hi Jill,

This is truly the right place to be. I found this site about a month before my surgery and it was a God-send. The ladies helped me prepare my home for post-op, told me what I might need at the hospital, told me what Pre-op testing was like. I read "princesses tell their stories" and once I got to the hospital there were no surprises...everything that happened at the hospital had been mentioned by the ladies.

I didn't have the CA125 test, but there have been many threads about it. You can do a search and check the archives. Don't be shy about asking any question that comes to mind in the next couple of days. There's always someone lurking and ready to try to help.

Now.......take a deep breath! You are NOT alone anymore.

Jill,welcome to this web site it's wonderful.Like you i'm scared to death at the moment.I went for my pre testing today and finally realized that the surgery date is here.This tuesday.This weekend i'll be reading alot of hyster sister messages and working around the house to get things ready for when I get back home.I wish you the best of luck monday.remember that god will be with you. stephanie

Hi Jill,
I found this site a couple of weeks ago and like you I was very nervous and thinking of the same things. What helped me the most was reading the posts where hystersisters told about their fears . It made me feel so much better to realize I am not the only one who thought of such things and they made it through fine. We are in good company I hope as you read through this site it will calm your fears. You will make friends here and will be encouraged by the other hystersisters

Hello Jill!

This is a great site... you'll spend hours and hours here. Be sure to check out the chat when you need someone to talk to - it's really amazing.

I wanted to comment about the elevated CA125. Mine is also elevated, but my doctor explained that it can be elevated for several other things, including endometriosis and fibroids. The test is generally used to monitor progress of certain conditions, not to diagnose them.

Best of luck to you.....