Awaiting surgery

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Awaiting surgery for a hysterectomy and I am really scared. I am  a young 72 year old. Had no symptoms so this is a complete shock. I have lost my husband and 2 sisters to different cancers Trying to focus on the surgery but terrified of what the pathologist's report will be.

My only other hospital experience was removal of a brain tumour. 

  • Hi Cherryripe, your name reminds of a Julie Andrews song from many years ago that I was taught as a child! Welcome to this group and to the emotional rollercoaster ride! I had my hysterectomy in January 2022. The only symptom I had before was a very very slight pink tinge to the tissue when I wiped after having a wee. My op was laparoscopic and I was home the next day. Feel free to ask any questions! Have you already been given a predicted grade and stage?

  • Hi Cherryripe

    I remember the song as well as Marmitefan!

    I have just posted a reply to you previous comment in the thread below. 

    (+) Surgery day - Macmillan Online Community

    I think trying to focus on the surgery first and getting things ready for it is a good plan. Sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming otherwise. 

    We are here to support you.

    Jane

           

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • Hi Jane. I have read through most of the posts and now feel a bit  reassured. 

    I know this operation is quite common now but it is still huge whatever your circumstances. 

    No date yet but keeping busy.

  • It is a very routine surgery for the consultants but it is a massive thing for us. I was worried about the surgery but wanted it done as quickly as possible to get rid of the cancer. For me the surgery was the most straightforward part and I recovered quickly from it. I had little pain and was home next day. Once home I just felt relief it was done. I hope you will get your date soon, but in the meantime, we are here if you need anything.

           

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • Do hope you don't have too long to wait. I was very apprehensive in the run up to surgery but I did find it helpful to prepare. Lots of useful posts on here on that topic. And all the other topics! Wishing you all the best. 

  • Hi Cherryripe

    I had my hysterectomy last November and I was terrified in the lead-up. I just had my usual PCOS symptoms but a certain one went loco which lead to the diagnosis. Also, I'm a big girl so they kept labouring the point about surgery so I was up to ninety and it kind of distracted me from thinking about what the pathology results would be once they lookd at what they removed.

    As well as that, the doctor who did the hysteroscopy and informed me about my diagnosis was very reassuring and went out of his way to make sure I knew they were confident it was caught early and that it was very slow progressing so I think that helped. Have they given you any idea whatsoever what stage they think it's at? 

    It's so difficult to keep a positive outlook when so much is unknown. The only thing I can say, and it's really not helpful so apologies, is focus on just the next stage so if you're waiting on your hystorectomy try to just focus on that and not what's beyond. I hope they can give you some small reassurance in the meantime and good luck with your surgery when it comes around.

    Deb