Operation; with BSO

Hi Mollysue

I know it is really hard not to worry but I myself just had to put my faith in the doctors caring for me. Although for us it is a big thing to get a cancer diagnosis and need surgery, for them it is an everyday and very routine thing. Your oncologist has carried out over 1000 hysterectomies- that is a huge amount. She has all your results, all your medical history, the support of all the other professionals who will also have a huge amount of training and you are really in the best possible hands.

Worrying about the finer details, although it is tough not to, is not going to change the outcome. It is true that there are slight differences with hysterectomies in the way that the womb is accessed and removed but inside it is pretty much the same op. Laparoscopic/robotic is minimally invasive so you will have tiny scars/cuts. Mine were only about 1cm and glued. They have faded to almost nothing and healed without problem.

The BSO part is entirely normal and very routine, after menopause our ovaries and tubes are not needed and it is just safer and more thorough to have them taken at the same time.

No one can be 100% sure regarding your stage and grade until after the surgery but worrying won't change this. At the moment you have pretty much the best prediction of stage 1A and grade 1. If things do change after the op and no one can yet predict this then try to deal with that when the results come back. If they do change slightly then try and think of it that it is just more detail for the doctors to decide if and what further treatment is necessary. If you do need further treatment- as I and many others on here- have done, we will support you and although I did have the full works- it was doable. 

Your pre op checks have all come back clear and the anaesthetist would not let you have the op if they were not happy it was not safe for you. Mine was fab and I was out like a light and came round feeling very comfortable- just a bit washed out. 

We are all different and all have our own medical histories and our experiences may be different to yours but please take comfort from all the different ladies on here that are all saying similar to you and offering support. Many of these are currently at a similar stage to you with their own anxieties having just been diagnosed or recently had surgery. They are still reaching out to you and sharing experiences with you to help. You have so much support behind you.

Nerves and anxiety are very normal but will not change any outcome. Give the Support Line a call if you want to chat things through. The number is below and they will understand your anxiety. 

And today- try to keep busy, go for a walk, pop out to the shops, anything to stop dwelling on your fears. I found walking out in nature really helped make me feel calmer. What about seeing your Grandchildren? Even facetiming them and having a chat about their days. Anything to break up the worry. Find something feel good to watch on TV? But don't sit and worry- that can be the worst thing- move- even if it is going out into the garden- anything to distract.

I would advise not looking for anymore info on the internet- it won't change the outcome and it is not specific to you and your own medical history- only your oncologist, CNS and GP have the info and they are all happy that the op is the best way forward. It will not be long now before it is over with and you are back home and probably posting on here to support others and saying that you were really worried but it was actually not too bad at all.

Make plans for after the op and all the things you are looking forward to doing with your family. Imagine how pleased your Grandchildren will be to see you after the op when you are home again. Look forward to afterwards rather than worrying about what is happening now. You will get through this waiting time- it is hard- we have all been there but worrying does not change things.

Take care

Jane

What a lovely message for me

I know my grading is low and I'm fortunate as have been under gyno since feb last year and several years earlier  polpys so she saw it early too and at least no more  of them ! 

I try to stay positive but some days harder than others 
i read from others the op build up  before was actually worse than after the op and a lot said it wasn't as bad as  they thought about  

Thankyou Jane for your kindness xx 

Hi Molly Sue

I think the build up is definitely worse than the op and after the op. 

We all felt the same as you I bet - to a greater or lesser degree. 

Your Gynaecologist sounds great from what you have said and they will do their best for you. You also have a nice fancy ensuite room so you can rest really well with peace and quiet after your op.

We will be thinking of you and look forward to hearing how it all went.

Kim

Thankyou so much 

We all worry about the unknown. The only operation I'd ever had was carpal tunnel surgery on my wrist with a local anaesthetic. So the thought of a major cancer operation removing my womb, ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix did worry me. But by the day of the operation I simply wanted it over and done with and felt well prepared.  All the  medical staff were very supportive and reassuring and, after a small injection in the back of my hand in the pre theatre area, the next thing I knew was waking up on the ward! The doctors and nurses are very skilled and experienced and the operation is quicker and less invasive if it's laparoscopic/robotic. Once it's over and done with, hopefully, you'll reflect and be relieved that it was much less stressful than you imagined. x

Thankyou I do believe. That as my gyno on hols for 5 weeks so I wanted her so waited and I now just want it all out of me ! 
Did you get out of bed next day and stay in one or 2 nights  and how was the pain xx

I had to have a lateral abdominal incision as I had 3 fibroids one of which contained the cancer. So a laporoscopic approach wasn't possible. However, I didn't have a lot of pain or any bleeding just felt a bit uncomfortable. I was out of bed the next day after my catheter was removed. I stayed in 3 nights because of the abdominal incision and because, after 2 nights I hadn't 'opened my bowels', the doctor was quite strict about that! Laporoscopic surgery usually involves a shorter stay so you should fine.