Still unsure. Still anxious

I recently had a ca125 reading if 87, is this high? Thus then started a chain of events such as having ct scans, ultrasound etc. Had appointment with Gyny oncologist today who advised I have a 16cm mass above uterus. He said could not tell if malignant or not until taken out. So still extremely anxious. Although at least surgery is now planned. My concerns , which were heightened by consultants was u have a high bmi and have suffered from blood clots in past. I’m having s full hysterectomy and am petrified, although I know it needs to be done. 

  • Hello there, sorry I don't know about the blood test. However, I'm a big lass who had a total hysterectomy twelve months ago with very few problems. Bear in mind I wasn't particularly fit and was 58.The day after the op my doc was amazed how well I was. I'd been up and cleaned my teeth before the ward round.

    Similarly when I was called in three weeks later for an update on path reports, he was really pleased at my recovery. If you've had blood clots in the past, hopefully your team will be prepared and you can have meds in place. 

    I'm not saying it was easy peasy, but definitely manageable. A ward sister advised plenty of protein to help recovery, I think that was very wise. 

    I'd read that hysterectomy patients on average gain 27 pounds in the following 12 months, so  I made sure to eat better and exercise more. It focussed my mind. I've lost two and a half stone post op.

    You're doing the only sensible thing. Honestly wish you all the best.

    regards, gamechanger

  • Thanks. Can I ask did you have a laparoscopy hysterctomy or full belly cut one, sorry don’t know medical term! Did you have any issues with scar? Healing etc? And how long did it take you to recover. Thanks 

  • Mine was laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy, no big belly incision. I think it was three smaller ones. I had my appendix out three years previously with three incisions,so have a few war wounds! No problems healing.

    The doc said several times not to forget the internal stitches and disruption means it's still a major operation. Recovery...I kept thinking each day was a little better, then around three/four months later I was feeling fitter and healthier than before the op. My sister had a hysterectomy when she was 40 due to serious endometriosis, she swears she was right as rain two days after the op. That's not how I remember it. Just think on that everyone is different.

    You do need to be aware of the risks of surgery, but try to focus on the benefits. If the surgeon had serious worries he wouldn't be scheduling the op.

    regards, gamechanger

     

  • Hi my circumstances were the same as yours don’t be petrified it really is not too bad I too had large mass 15cm I had a full belly incision hysterectomy in November 2018 like you they didn’t know if it was cancer or not until removal & testing mine was actually positive stage 1 ovarian cancer I am now half way through my chemotherapy treatment of 6 cycles The hysterectomy was really not too bad I was in hospital for 3 nights I had about 27 clips in my stomach that I had removed a week later at my doctors surgery I did have a fair bit of pain but this was controlled well with pain meds It is very uncomfortable for in my case about 6 weeks when I could only lay on my back in bed as too painful to lay any other way also had some pain around the scar but it is amazing how quickly it all heals  I also had to inject blood thinner into my stomach every day for 28 days after op that helps prevent blood clots You just have to listen to your body and rest when you feel you need to Hope all goes well for you try not to worry