Hoping for the best

[Sara-s]

There are a coulee of things going on that may be something, or may be nothing.

1) I just got back from the plastic surgeon, to address a suspicious mole that may need to be excised. She took the biopsy today. Hopefully it’s just an odd-looking mole. I’ll know in about 2 weeks.
2)Though I am having no symptoms, my ovaries are apparently a bit larger this year than they were last year. I saw the GYN oncologist; next step is genetic testing. There is family history of breast cancer (including me) so if the genes that indicate risk of ovarian cancer, a preventive hysterectomy is recommended. I’m 66 years old, so I won’t missing it, but I’m still hoping I won’t need it.

 

[Luecke3262]

My mom is the same age @Sara-s she has had Triple-Negative breast cancer and lost her younger sister to the same. She also had the preventative hysterectomy as well. You ladies, you're a tough bunch! God bless you Sara, hoping the best for you!

 

[Sara-s]

@Luecke3262 thanks. Mt breast cancer was thankfully caught early-stage zero. ( I didn’t even know that was a thing, until then.). So I had a lumpectomy, but didn’t need chemo or radiation. A friend aptly described it as the best bad news I could get.

 

[CBLindsay]

My wife (much younger than you) has/carries a genetic mutation that makes her more likely to develop a specific set of cancers. Unfortunately it appears our kids inherited the mutation as well. She had cancer about 6-7 years ago that required total hysterectomy to include ovaries and lymph nodes etc. it was all done robotically and her physical recovery time was minimal. The biggest impact has been the ongoing results of the surgically induced menopause.

The fortunate thing about having had cancer and/or knowing you possess a genetic predisposition to certain cancers is that you can actively monitor for and possibly catch any further occurrence with time to treat effectively.

 

[Sara-s]

@CBLindsay thanks for sharing. I am (obviously) post-menopausal, but it is still helpful to know about how other women have recovered from hysterectomies.

 

[CBLindsay]

@CBLindsay thanks for sharing. I am (obviously) post-menopausal, but it is still helpful to know about how other women have recovered from hysterectomies.

My only strong suggestion is to talk with the doctor about using dye to identify the specific lymph nodes associated with what is being removed so they can be as conservative in stripping the nodes. This would prevent unnecessary future s lymphedema. And if you are able to have the robotic assisted surgery that would be awesome.

 

[Sara-s]

@CBLindsay I will ask about that if I need the surgery.

Now, back to the suspicious mole. I saw the plastic surgeon yesterday about that. (She is the one who did my breast reconstruction, so I already know & trust her.) She took a sample for biopsy, so I will know more in about 2 weeks. The process didn’t’ hurt and the wound isn’t painful. I just need to keep it clean & bandaged for now.

 

[richgem]

Thoughts and prayers for the best possible outcome, Sara.

 

[Sara-s]

Thanks to all of you for your kind words & input. I now have an appointment, next week with the genetic counselor. The results of testing will determine whether or not a preventive hysterectomy is warranted.

 

[richgem]

Thanks to all of you for your kind words & input. I now have an appointment, next week with the genetic counselor. The results of testing will determine whether or not a preventive hysterectomy is warranted.

Best of luck!

 

[Sara-s]

I will see the geneticist today, for testing. It will be a while before I get the results.

 

[Jaro1069]

Good luck and I hope all is well and goes well for you !!

 

[dangerousdon]

@Sara-s any news on the suspicious cells? Hopefully it is nothing at all. But we are all her to definitely support you.

 

[Sara-s]

I got the report back o=from the genetic counselor- no genetic markers for ovarian cancer. Still waiting on the results of the mole biopsy.

 

[Sara-s]

Heading back to see the doctor r about that mole on my leg. I’ll find out about the results of the biopsy today.

 

[richgem]

Heading back to see the doctor r about that mole on my leg. I’ll find out about the results of the biopsy today.

 

[Sara-s]

Thanks @richgem I’ll post an update later.

 

[Sara-s]

Ok I’m back. Apparently the lab did a bunch of genetic testing on the biopsied cells. SO they came up with a genetic profile, but not an actual diagnosis. The sample is now being sent to the lab at the Mayo Clinic for more testing. So I hope to have a diagnosis in 3-4 weeks. Argh!

 

[wristwatchb]

Ok I’m back. Apparently the lab did a bunch of genetic testing on the biopsied cells. SO they came up with a genetic profile, but not an actual diagnosis. The sample is now being sent to the lab at the Mayo Clinic for more testing. So I hope to have a diagnosis in 3-4 weeks. Argh!

Praying for good results, Sara. The Mayo Clinic labs are the best.

 

[richgem]

Ok I’m back. Apparently the lab did a bunch of genetic testing on the biopsied cells. SO they came up with a genetic profile, but not an actual diagnosis. The sample is now being sent to the lab at the Mayo Clinic for more testing. So I hope to have a diagnosis in 3-4 weeks. Argh!

One step closer at least