Worried about Ovarian Cancer

A hysterectomy sounds menacing, but truly it is not a big deal! Many women today have it done after they are over child bearing age, simply to limit the probability of various types of gynecological cancers. Mine was done on a Friday, I went home the following morning and needed no medication. The scarring is minimal. Good luck!

Because of the size of my uterus, I will be cut open from pubic bone to belly button.

JMac, I had postmenopausal bleeding and cramps which led me my gynecologist. Within days after an endometrial cancer diagnosis I was at Mayo Clinic where, I had a radical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo oopherectomy (fallopian tubes and ovaries also removed). I did not have any pain prior to that but with a diagnosis of endometrial cancer it was the right decision. I have had friends who've had longstanding pain and discomfort as you've had. One of my friends was pain-free within hours of awakening from her hysterectomy and was so greatly relieved. So, with that, I'd like offer encouragement that your pain will disappear and that will be a great relief. I understand your anxiety and fear. It's a very natural response. It sounds to me that you've consulted the physicians best equipped to help you through this. Please let us know as you proceed and know that all of us are wishing you the best. naturegirl5

My gyn oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester is Dr. Amanika Kumar. She is empathic, answered our many questions, was responsive, and her whole team was awesome. I wrote her a thank you note after my surgery - I've never written a thank you note for anything like this in the past but I was so moved by her care and expertise.

I found one lymph node swollen under my armpit and a lump. I was prescribed antibiotics for it. While waiting for the lymph node swelling to go down, five swollen lymph nodes were found near my groin. One on the right side and four on the left side. The lymph node swelling under my arm subsided. However, the swellings near my groin have not. My obgyn wants to do an ultrasound. She wants to rule out ovarian cancer. All of my testing has come back negative. I have not had the CA125 test. Ever since she stated cancer my mind has been on over drive. I have been so worried. Prior to my visit, I had no symptoms. Now my stomach feels bloated. I am urinating frequently and I am having muscle aches. I don’t know if I am experiencing side effects from the Dulcolax I took two days ago, I have anxiety, or if these symptoms are being caused by an underlying concern. Am I being a worry wart?

Let’s wait for the ultrasound and let’s see if they want to biopsy one of the lymph nodes in the groin.
Take a breath, I have been through something similar but a little different. I know the feeling when they say cancer. But she said rule it out, so go with that.
Thinking of you as you go through this. You are not alone, a whole community out here for if you need it %, keep us posted.