| HOPE FOR FIBROIDS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Hello from Wyoming. I haven't written for a while and I just celebrated my 1-year anniversary after my whole ordeal with having a D&C with removal of a huge fibroid and biopsy of the "mass" and fluid that was found in my uterus. I have not had any more problems with the small fibroid that the Doc could not remove since it is so close to my uterine wall. At my last check up, I was given a good report and my Doc said that unless I have any more problems, that I should not have to keep having check-ups for the fibroids, just regular GYN visits. It seems like more that just a year since my life was turned upside down with a cancer scare. But I have taken the lessons I learned from it to heart. I am taking better care of myself, am continuing with a exercise and healthy eating program, lost weight, and most of all NOT taking for granted LIFE, LOVE or FAMILY. You don't have to hit me over the head twice - I learned the first time!!! Thanks for all you do for women, who like me, get devastating news and are up until wee hours of the morning looking for some answers on the Internet. You are indeed a calming voice in the dark filled with information and HOPE! Love,
From Wyoming
Hello my dear friend, I know you haven't heard from me in a while. I finally got in to see the doctor and can report on how things are going. I went to my Gyn and she did an ultrasound. The bad news is I STILL have a fibroid. The good news is it is small, only 2 cm. The doctor was a little disappointed. She pointed to the screen and said with frustration, "I tried to get that little sucker!” She reminded me that there was a fibroid that she couldn't get all of it because it was too close to my uterine wall and she did not want to risk cutting the wall of my uterus. Right now it is too soon to tell if it is growing. She hopes that she got enough of it to cause the scar tissue to cut off the blood supply to it. She sounded very optimistic, however, that at least for a while I won't have to be concerned with it. She just wants to monitor it. Another thing she saw on the ultrasound was I had a small pool of blood that was still trapped inside my uterus from the surgery. She did a procedure right in the office that started out much like what happens for a pap, but then she opened up my Cervix a little and put a small tube or instrument into my uterus to see if she could drain it. The only part that hurt was when she put the tube inside my uterus. It was a very strange sensation, like my entire abdomen had one big cramp that lasted only 1 second. The procedure took only about 5 minutes. She didn't drain any blood during the procedure, but said that gravity would do the work and I would have some spotting and that would be it. Well, so far a day later, I haven't had any spotting. We talked about what I should do if I see anything else but dark old blood coming out, but we didn't talk about what I should do if the blood doesn’t drain. So I am going to call her tomorrow and ask if I need to have the procedure done again (which really was no big deal), if I should wait longer, or if it is not anything to worry about? Note: Dr. Paul Indman said, “The procedure mentioned sounds like a simple suction curettage.” Other than that I have felt fabulous! As I stated before, this has had a huge impact on how I look at my health and how I was NOT taking care of myself. I have started an exercise regimen. I borrowed a treadmill (a manual one at that), started walking 3 times a week for 15-20 minutes, and I didn't go on a specific diet, but I did cut out sweets and watch my portions and added salads (lots of salads!).
I am now walking 35-40 minutes 4-5 times
a week. I have lost 20 pounds, have lost 3 inches around my
waist and hips, and I am down one (1) dress size. It has been almost
2 1/2 months since the D & C. Well, that's all the news I have
so far. Thursday, July 14, 2005 It has been over a month since I had the D&C. I am supposed to go back to the Gyn, but I am extremely busy. I told them it might have to wait until August because I only have one day a week that I am free to see the Doc and she is in surgery on those days. I have been feeling very well. It has been a full month and I have not had a period, so maybe that means I truly am menopausal. I will say this whole experience has had a dramatic effect on my life. I have started to exercise, and I am now dieting. I have made a life style change in my eating habits and am thankful for everything in my life. I have lost 20 lbs. and trimmed down almost a size in clothes. I just think it is time for me to start taking care of my body for a change. I have spent my whole life taking care of my parents, my sisters and brothers, my husband, my children, and my in-laws. Now it's my turn because if I don't I can't take care of anyone else. It's a whole new change; it is a work in progress. (Update from Wyoming – June 10, 2005)
Hi, IT'S NOT CANCER !!!!!!!!!!!!!! And not only is it not cancer, but my lining that was so thick that my Gyn was worried could be so many other bad things turned out to be (quoting my pathology report) "inactive/weakly proliferative-type endometrium with breakdown". In layman’s terms, the doctor told me that this was just old period blood that I have had for a year that I couldn't slough off because the fibroid was so big. In fact, the Gyn interpreted my ultrasound as a picture of 1 fibroid and 1 large mass. Instead I had one very big fibroid- so big that it was showing up in more than one place. After I had the D&C done, my doctor said that even if I didn't have cancer, I had so MANY other problems that I might need HRT or another procedure to correct things. I thought, "Well, as long as it isn't cancer, I can deal with just about anything." But not only is it NOT cancer, but the lining is regular lining and now that it is gone, I don't have any more problems. The doctor was VERY surprised and said that ALL the reports came back negative. So now I just have to wait for 1 - 1/2 months from the time of my D&C to have another ultrasound done to make sure everything is all right. Now I'm going to be so bold as to say, I don't know whether there was never anything really wrong other than the fibroid or whether God healed me. I don't know if I will ever know the answer to that. All I know is that if it can happen to me, there is HOPE for other women out there. And I want them to know that. So, Hope, have you found out anything from your test results. PLEASE let me know when you find out. I am still praying for you. You have been such a blessing to me that I don't know how I would ever repay you for your concern, kind words, wisdom and knowledge as well as a most wonderful voice of support at 2,3 and 4:00 in the morning when the darkness and fear were overwhelming. Let me hear from you soon.
Friday, June 3, 2005Hi, I am feeling very well, thank you. I was starting to have so much pain the last few days before my D & C that compared to that, I feel great. I took it easy (at least, easy for me) for the 3 days the doctor said, then I hit the ground running. Haven't bled hardly at all, no cramps- I feel great- physically. Mentally and emotionally, I have been having problems with the whole experience that I had having the D&C, which I wrote you about, but I'm trying to put it all behind me. I am waiting for a follow up appt. with the Doctor - 2 weeks from the date of D&C- to find out the results of everything. I didn't know it took so long. My GYN told me she would have the results back in a week. I know that they are done because the lab called me at my house to tell me they were done, and they would be sending them to the Doctor's office. So, I called her office, the receptionist said the doctor would be seeing patients for the next couple of days and would not have time to talk to me about anything. I told her that I was waiting on a positive or negative test result and I thought that was enough reason for a phone call. The receptionist told me that the doctor doesn't usually talk to the patient until the post op meeting. So- I have decided to think positive. - no news is good news. My appointment is next Wednesday. I am going to tell her about your fabulous website, so that she can tell her other patients. (Update from Wyoming – May 30, 2005) Monday, May 30, 2005Hi, Wow, I read my e-mail that I wrote to you after coming home. I was SOOO out of it. I misspelled words, I ran on and on, but I really wanted to touch base with you before your doctor visit on Friday. However, I made it seem that everything is OK. And I hope that it is, but my lining is still too thick, and they are sending it out to test. I talked to my Gyn the next morning (when I could think clearly) and she is 98% sure the "mass" was a fibroid, but sent everything in to be tested. I asked her point blank what she thought about the "C" word. I told her deep down in my heart, I feel that it isn't cancer, and she had the guts to trust me enough to say, "I don't think it is either, but we will see." I told her it meant a lot to me to say that. I am extremely interested in sharing my story because, like I said, I made everything sound like it went well. To be honest, I have been in tears and agony since the procedure because soooo many things did NOT go the way I had wanted and expected them to go. And I'm afraid that some women won't understand how I feel. But it would be worth it if I "saved" one woman from feeling like I did; victimized and violated. I know these are strong words, and it might seem stupid and insignificant to some, but I am an emotionally a wreck. The problem stems from the fact that my "procedure" was postponed for almost 2 hours because my Gyn had an emergency. So I started to panic. It was supposed to be at 2:00 pm. I had to be there AT 1:00 PM. After WAITING FOR 2 HOURS, I told a nurse that I had a BAD feeling about this and was going to cancel the procedure for the day and reschedule. I was LAUGHED at, and told "Well tomorrow won't be any better" and "please just go back to your room and wait for the doctor." By this time I was in a panic! Then the #*&%# anesthesiologist came into talk to me. I told him I was going to have an epidural or a spinal, which my Gyn was in agreement with me and that I DID NOT WANT TO BE PUT OUT. His first words to me were, 'OH you don't want a spinal---" Then he proceeded to tell me everything bad about a spinal. I told him I had made up my mind and DID NOT WANT TO BE PUT OUT. He argued with me, and then told me everything that I was afraid of was not true. He PROMISED me I wouldn't feel groggy after I woke up! A LIE! He told me I wouldn't have a headache or be sick after I woke up. A LIE! He DID NOT TELL me he was going to put a tube down my throat. HE DID and my voice was so hoarse the next day I couldn't talk. For most people that would just be an inconvenience. I am an actress (not famous by any means) in rehearsal for a musical! I have to sing for 3 hours every night! I also told him that I was NOT staying over night no matter what; BUT HE proceeded to TELL me want I wanted! Now I was really panicked and in tears because I was not prepared for any of this. I told him I was not signing anything or agreeing to anything until I talked to my doctor. He left the room and I did not see him again until the OR. When my doctor came in to talk to me I TOLD HER I DID NOT WANT TO BE PUT OUT, but that I also just wanted to go home, and what was the quickest way to do that? She told me that if I didn't want to stay, a general would be what I wanted. I was so confused and sad and panicked that I said ok. (Now I have the information that it would have only made a 2-hour difference.) I was rushed into the OR and was PUT OUT!!!!! Hopefully, by the end of this week, I will hear some good news, and I will have a happy ending. Thanks for the shoulder. (Update from Wyoming – May 26, 2005) Thursday, May 26, 2005Hi, Well, I'm home from the outpatient D & C that I had today. Still am a little groggy from the anesthetic. I wanted an epidural, but my Gyn said that the procedure might last longer that the epidural would last, so I let them talk me into putting me to sleep. I REALLY DIDN'T want to do that, because of the way it makes you feel. But a spinal would have lasted for 4 hours and I wanted to get out of there. Anyway, the "mass" turned out to be a HUGE fibroid; I don't know why she couldn't tell that from the ultrasound. So I had 2 fibroids instead of 1 little one and one "mass". I am thankful that it was just a fibroid. She said probably no problem with anything. God Bless you, my friend. (Update from Wyoming – May 22, 2005) Sunday, May 22, 2005Hi, Well, I am scheduled to have a D&C sometime this week. I have many things wrong, the least of them being a/several fibroids. My endometrial stripe is abnormal, my lining is too thick for someone who is postmenopausal, and worst yet, there is a "mass" of "pretty impressive" size that my Gyn doesn't know what it is. Because the bleeding is getting worse, and because of the "mass" she recommended a D&C. They will then take a biopsy of the fibroid, lining and mass. Then when that comes back clear (thinking positive!), it will take care of the problem. Take care. Thank you for your kind words- and caring. (Update from Wyoming – May 18, 2005) Wednesday, May 18, 2005Hi, Just wanted to let you know that the squeaky wheel gets the grease! I got an appointment with the female Gyn that I wanted (what do you know - it didn't take months -like they said it would). My appointment is on Friday. Just in time, too. I started bleeding again. (AHHHGGG !!!!!) It had stopped after I had the basic appointment with my regular doctor. She put me on Provera, and I am still taking it, but the bleeding has returned, (not a lot, though) but I think the medicine gives me headaches. I have been on it for 6 days and have had a headache probably 4 of those days. They usually last all day long, even with taking Advil. When the nurse called about my appointment with the Gyn, I asked her if I should keep taking the medicine, she said to finish out the prescription. I only have 2 days left. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I am very excited to tell you I got the appointment with the Gyn I wanted. The nurse was even nice to me on the phone (remember I told you she was a little rude because I didn't want to use "their office" Gyn). Thanks for your wonderful words. I will let you know how the appointment goes on Friday. I'm a little more relaxed now! (Whew!) (Update from Wyoming – May 15, 2005) Sunday, May 15, 2005Hi, Thanks for your kind and caring words. Nobody I know has had this, (not a great conversation at the dinner table -kind of thing!) but you have certainly been a kind voice in the midst of darkness. I have not told my kids- (all grown) and just enough to keep my husband informed, but I have told my mom and sisters. They are a great support system. Thanks for the advice about getting a second opinion. I have had several horrible” encounters" with doctors, so I am being very picky with the Gyn I get. My GP doctor office told me they were scheduling an appointment with "their Gyn". I tried to be nice, (but in my panicked state of mind- I don't think I was). I informed them I didn't want "him" and asked for a certain "female" Gyn that I felt more comfortable with. You would think I asked for the world. The nurse seemed really put out with my request, and told me she would see what she could do, and get back with me on Monday (tomorrow.). I got off the phone and was more upset about the phone call than I was about the report. So thanks for sharing your situation. I truly needed to hear " it's OK" to feel the way I do. I am continuing to arm myself with as much information as I can get on this subject. I figure without knowledge, there is fear. Thanks for the info. I'll keep you posted. (Update from Wyoming – May 15, 2005) Sunday, May 15, 2005Hi, Wow. I was not expecting an answer to my e-mail, I guess because I thought the communication was strictly a one-way thing. But hey, thanks for listening. I don't have an answer for you about do I have uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts. My doctor ordered an ultrasound, but they said I would have to call the doctor's office to get a report. When I called, a nurse had to call to get a report, and then had to call me. She then read me what the report said. Now I'm not up on my medical jargon on all this yet. The reason I said fibroid cyst, is because 2 years ago, my doctor told me that I had fibroid cysts in my breasts, and therefore probably had them on my uterus, which was why my very last periods were so heavy. Maybe I heard the word "fibroid" and automatically added the word "cyst" because of my conversation with my other doctor. However, the report DID NOT say the word "tumor" or I would have remembered that! Uterine Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts pictures Anyway, I have no answers yet, because now they are hunting down a GYN for me. I specifically asked for a woman- might be hard in this town. Oops- didn't mean to ramble- my mind is reeling from all this news. I wasn't expecting anything like this- and over the net it is easy to let things spill out. Sorry. Long story short- I don't know. But I can let you know when I get into a GYN. Thanks for the time and the shoulder. I guess it's late -I can't sleep. (Update from Wyoming – May 14, 2005) Saturday, May 14, 2005Hi, Thanks
for the great info. I am going to keep this in my favorites.
Been doing a great deal of research since I was just diagnosed with
fibroid cysts. I have been post menopause for 2 years, but recently
started some light bleeding. I am in no discomfort, not even slight.
I was diagnosed by ultrasound, but have yet to meet with a GYN.
I am looking for other answers besides surgery. I know I am
probably premature in my thinking, but I want to get a mindset.
Thanks again.
(Wyoming) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
