So Then That Happened ...

[nightdog_barks]

SO. I've been away for a bit, and here's why ...



For about two weeks I confronted the possibility that I might have ovarian cancer. Six years ago, I had breast cancer and had a lumpectomy. Last Thursday, I had a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (that means they took out my uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and both ovaries -- the current protocol for women over the age of 45). I had a 16-cm ovarian cyst on my right side; it turned out to be simply filled with a clear liquid. Based on all of his tests and observations, the surgeon is 99% sure I do NOT have ovarian cancer (the pathology lab test has not come back yet, but he doesn't think it will show anything). I was discharged from the hospital on Monday and have been recovering at home. Aside from feeling like I've been hit by a truck, I'm doing okay.



In addition to all this, I am reading David Sedaris' Theft by Finding: Diaries 1977 - 2002 and loving it. :-)

Comments

[hannah]

That's one way to lose a couple pounds. Here's to a speedy recovery to soon feeling only like you've fallen off a bike.

I'm almost done with Goodbye to All That and I think you'd like it - a whole bunch of women reflecting on their lives and old dreams without nostalgia or pain, just a clear-eyed sense of how much they've changed.

[flywoman]

16 cm?? That's *large*. What brought it to your attention?

I hope that you feel better soon!

[topaz_eyes]

Yikes, that's a big cyst! Glad to hear you're on the mend from the surgery. ♥ ♥ ♥

[silverjackal]

I'm very sorry you've been through such an ordeal (both the stress from the illness and the resolution), but it's wonderful to hear that everything is actually fine. It's good that they caught the cyst in any case because that's certainly not small! D:

Hopefully your recovery will be just as prompt and painless as possible.

[taiga13]

Hope you have a quick recovery, and glad to hear you're still cancer-free! I had an ovarian cyst drained when I was in my 20s but it wasn't any 16 cm, yikes.

[jadesfire]

Good heavens. Glad you're doing okay - what an ordeal all over again. Such a relief that it's not cancerous.

Wishing you a speedy recovery <3

[daasgrrl]

...yay?

I mean the not-cancer bit, not the feeling hit by a truck bit. But I'm glad you're okay and hope you're feeling better soon :)

[srsly_yes]

What a harrowing experience. Very relieved the cyst wasn't cancerous. Rest up, read plenty of books, and have a speedy recovery!

[tourmaline]

Glad to hear of the eventual good outcome, hope you feel better soon!

[yarroway]

I'm glad things are looking okay. That all sounds so scary. I had the same operation several months ago and I'm still not quite physically back to where I was before it, so give yourself some time.

I want to ask if there's anything you need, but that seems odd given the situation. But if there's anything you want that internet friends *can* give, please say so.

<3 <3 <3

[lovelythings]

<3 <3 <3 I'm glad you're doing okay! I hope you get the all-clear soon.