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Hysterectomy soon

Trobo
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I have a large uterine fibroid and history of endometrial cancer in my family. Just lost my beautiful daughter 2 years this August to breast cancer. Although no trace on biopsy or MRI of anything sinister they can't guarantee 100 % that given my family history cancer might not be lurking in the background.  Kinda thought stupidly keyhole might have been an option but fibroid is 14cm and I'm post menopausal so a full hysterectomy is advisable. Signed the consent form and now waiting for a date within the next 3 month. Came home started reading up on the operation and now so undecisive not sure if living with the fibroid which isn't causing too much hassle would be better than all the negative possibilities that I could face. Know there are so many worse off just looking for advice of those who have went through the same.

Thanks in advance for any advice x

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am very sorry to hear about your daughter. You do sound like you have got a lot on your plate at the moment.

    I can understand that it must have been a shock to hear that you needed a hysterectomy and it is natural to worry about having a big operation.

    If there is a history of endometrial cancer in your family and with a large fibroid (which may continue to grow) it does sound like a sensible option to have the hysterectomy. It is not really until the pathologists have removed the fibroid and looked at the entire specimen that they confirm that this is indeed benign (not cancer).

    All operations have to say what the potential side effects could be but a lot of patients won't experience all of these. The Royal College of Gynaecologists have produced some information about having a hysterectomy which you can see here

    If you do decide to have the operation and at the end of the day the decision is yours, do try to prepare yourself as much as possible.

    Arrange for someone to take you to hospital and also collect you after the surgery. If you can get some help at home during the first few weeks of your recovery this may help enormously. Do accept any help from friends and family such as for  any grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning and rides to medical appointments.

    You may find it helpful to try and talk through any concerns with your GP.

    You are also very welcome to ring and speak to one of the helpline nurses. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

    All the Best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Hi thankyou so much for the advice you have given me.

    Can I just ask if I leave this fibroid untreated as its not causing me any symptoms apart from the fact I can feel I. What is the worse that could happen apart from it possibly being cancerous ?

     

  • in reply to Trobo

    Hello and thanks for getting back in touch

    I'm afraid no one can know what may or may not happen if you decide to leave the fibroid and not have the operation. This is because everyone is different and whilst some fibroids can settle others will continue to grow, bleed and cause problems.

    I appreciate you are reluctant to undergo a major operation but do talk to the doctor involved in your care to discuss your concerns and fears with them. Unfortunately a laparoscopic procedure is only usually possible with much smaller fibroids but I can understand most people would prefer this type of surgery if at all possible.

    I am sure they would not be recommending the surgery unless they thought it in your best interest but the decision at the end of the day is yours to make. So do talk to your team so you can have any questions answered to help you make the right choice.

    You know where we are if you need to get back to us.

    Wishing you all the best

    Naomi

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