Hysterectomy

Hi I have been seeing my gp over the last year following bowel changes. A scan to determine if this was diverticulitis showed a cyst on my ovary with a solid mass. I was fast tracked to consultant and then on for n MRI scan. Each appointment 2 weeks apart. The MRI results I got by following up with my GP and which showed cysts on both ovaries with an undeterminable mass of around 4 cm. The scan also showed I I evidence of previous endometriosis. I am 60 with no diagnosis of this before. I have read studies which indicate there is more risks  of cancer from this condition due to my age.

My case was to be passed to MDT team to discuss and decide on appropriate action however there was no urgency for this, my CA 125 have been low. This has not stopped my stress levels increasing  particularly after I was given no idea when I could expect to hear back. I have kept in contact with the consultants secretary.

I am now at week 8 from my original scan and I have heard back yesterday that I will have a hysterectomy the week after next. Although not looking forward to surgery I am relieved to be moving forward. The feeling of helplessness while waiting for information is just awful but has been helped by this group and seeing others experiences. I had wondered if a biopsy would be done first but I think the decision has been made due to my age and no need for the bits they're removing. 

Id like to hear from anyone with similar experiences.  

  • Hello June06, 

    I just wanted to wish you the best of luck for your hysterectomy. Things are moving forward at least as you say and I hope that the surgery goes well. I am glad that this group has helped you and I hope that you will hear from other members of our community who have been through this before and that they will come and share their experience with you. The NHS website has detailed information on the hysterectomy and if you have any questions our nurses are there to guide you - you can call them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Everything crossed that all goes well! 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thankyou for your reply. I'm wondering how long after surgery might I find out if the mass within the cysts are cancerous or benign. Would anyone have experience of how long this may take. 

    Thanks for the link also, I'll check it out. 

  • Hi June06

    i had a biopsy before hysterectomy but the results were inconclusive although the MRI showed endometrial cancer so I didn’t know what type it was. My results came through 31/2 weeks after my hysterectomy and I think this is about the average time .

  • Thankyou Lin , it helps to know how long to expect to wait.  I do hope all went well with surgery and you are recovering now.

  • Hi June

    I hope all goes well with your hysterectomy. I had to have abdominal surgery rather than keyhole as I had had previous surgery. I was in hospital for 5 days and now 5 weeks on I am able to cook , do light housework and drive. I have my first oncology appointment on Thursday which is just less than 6 weeks from op. Just to give you an idea of timescales.

    Lin