1. < Gynecologic Cancers

Hysterectomy what to expect afterwards?

Posted by cheriels @cheriels, Aug 29, 2022

Hi tomarrow I see the Doctor at Mayo Clinic Rochester and if I have a radical hysterectomy what are the steps to recovery and how long are you laid up and do you have minimal pain and how long is your hospital stay? Just so much going through my brain want to recover fast cause my Fiancé just found out he has Prostrate Cancer this past Friday and I want to be able to be there for him. He has to to decide what action he is going to do, but waiting for me first to see what is gonna happen? I don’t want him to wait to long he needs to get his cancer taken care of also. Thanks

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 17, 2022
In reply to @meandmsjones "Sophie I am so sorry you are feeling that way, and I understand and hear you...." + (show)
@meandmsjones

Sophie I am so sorry you are feeling that way, and I understand and hear you. On the one side, what if it had been cancer? My doctor explained to me that if they don't take lymph nodes, and cancer is found, then you may have to go back in for another surgery. Reading on the Mayo website, it sounds as if they do the pathology asap while you are in surgery, then determine whether to take the nodes are not. I hear you and understand your concern. I am questioning whether to let them take my ovaries as she recommended. Thinking of getting a second opinion through Mayo but not sure if my insurance will allow it and if they do virtual appointments as they are five hours from my home. Also, I am thankful no cancer was found in you. If it's any consolation, with the condition we have, I did read a research paper that found that the pre-cancerous cells can develop into cancer in a median 59 days, so that was not a great stat either.

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@meandmrsjones, you asked about virtual appointments at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic welcomes both new and existing patients for virtual and in-person care, including elective surgeries, in adherence with federal and state executive orders and guidance. Video and phone visits can be great options for appointments before, after or in place of face-to-face care. Appointment coordinators will recommend a virtual visit if it best fits your individual needs. Here is more information and how to get started with submitting an appointment request: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

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sophiem77 | @sophiem77 | Sep 18, 2022
In reply to @meandmsjones "Sophie I am so sorry you are feeling that way, and I understand and hear you...." + (show)
@meandmsjones

Sophie I am so sorry you are feeling that way, and I understand and hear you. On the one side, what if it had been cancer? My doctor explained to me that if they don't take lymph nodes, and cancer is found, then you may have to go back in for another surgery. Reading on the Mayo website, it sounds as if they do the pathology asap while you are in surgery, then determine whether to take the nodes are not. I hear you and understand your concern. I am questioning whether to let them take my ovaries as she recommended. Thinking of getting a second opinion through Mayo but not sure if my insurance will allow it and if they do virtual appointments as they are five hours from my home. Also, I am thankful no cancer was found in you. If it's any consolation, with the condition we have, I did read a research paper that found that the pre-cancerous cells can develop into cancer in a median 59 days, so that was not a great stat either.

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Before my hysterectomy I consulted an Oncologist she is the one that told me I needed the survey. I asked her about the conservative approach which is the IUD with the hormone. She said that's for younger women who want to preserve their fertility. So basically telling me that I had no choice but a hysterectomy. After the horrific surgery I went to the hospitals portal where the surgeon describes the procedure and adds her notes. That's when I read what the oncologists wrote that the IUD with the hormone progestin would have been "highly successful". No mention of age!! I was devastated when I realized she lied to me. Also the specialty blood work the oncologist took was all within range. She knew I didn't have cancer yet lied to me to freighten me into an unnecessary hysterectomy.
That's my experience so please get a second opinion. So you won't feel the way I do.

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sophiem77 | @sophiem77 | Sep 18, 2022

Plus hyperplasia with atypia takes 10 years to develop to cancer if left untreated. And it can be treated with progestin. Also keep in mind that weight loss helps too.

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1 reply
gloriana | @gloriana | Sep 18, 2022
In reply to @cheriels "Gm I am home got home around 7 pm. Had to be at hospital and register..." + (show)
@cheriels

Gm I am home got home around 7 pm. Had to be at hospital and register in 5:30 am and appointment was for 5:45 am , got back to my room about 12. Left around 5:45 last night after I was good to go from Anesthesia and I ate and drank and pisses. They took both ovaries and the Fallopian tube my uterus and my cervix and lymph node on each side left my vagina. The Doc said the lymph nodes looked good but will know once they are checked out by who ever does that. If no cancer in them just have to go back for checkups and if they shoe cancer then some radiation. Doing ok my pain is about 3 not to bad . No to cough that hurts lol, been up walking already this morning . Now it’s the healing process and getting back to being me, doing the things I was doing before all of this happened. Rochester Mayo Clinic is the best. I got excellent care yesterday and my Doctor she talked to me before I went to sleep reassuring me all will be good after surgery. They care for their patients. On a scale from 1 - 10, I give them a 10+

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That sounds encouraging. I will be having surgery in three weeks for my endometrial cancer. I will have all what you had removed, too. I appreciate your input because I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thank you.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Sep 18, 2022

@gloriana Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and to our discussion group. You are in good company and will receive lots of support from us. May I ask your diagnosis? My diagnosis was Endometroid adenocarcinoma, Stage 1A, FIGO 1.

Please let me know any questions you have about the surgery or endometrial cancer. I'll answer what I can and I know you'll get answers and support from the others here.

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1 reply
cheriels | @cheriels | Sep 18, 2022
In reply to @gloriana "That sounds encouraging. I will be having surgery in three weeks for my endometrial cancer. I..." + (show)
@gloriana

That sounds encouraging. I will be having surgery in three weeks for my endometrial cancer. I will have all what you had removed, too. I appreciate your input because I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thank you.

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You are most welecome! Hugs to you my Dear Friend! You will get through this with flying colors like me! If you are having it done in Rochester I had Doc. Bakkum-Gamez and her and her staff and everyone else who took care of me was awesome! They are very caring for you the patient! I had the best care I have ever had! Hugs and you will get through this. Keep me updated! ❤️😘

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gloriana | @gloriana | Sep 19, 2022
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@gloriana Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and to our discussion group. You are in good company..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@gloriana Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and to our discussion group. You are in good company and will receive lots of support from us. May I ask your diagnosis? My diagnosis was Endometroid adenocarcinoma, Stage 1A, FIGO 1.

Please let me know any questions you have about the surgery or endometrial cancer. I'll answer what I can and I know you'll get answers and support from the others here.

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What is the time you need to stay in the hospital after the surgery. Also what should I prepare at home after?
Thank you

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1 reply
Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Sep 19, 2022
In reply to @gloriana "What is the time you need to stay in the hospital after the surgery. Also what..." + (show)
@gloriana

What is the time you need to stay in the hospital after the surgery. Also what should I prepare at home after?
Thank you

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@gloriana I think whether you stay over night in the hospital depends on your cancer care team and you. My hysterectomy was scheduled as a same day surgery so I was in at very early in the morning and out at about 4 pm. If there had been any complications or my post-surgical pain could not be controlled I could have stayed overnight. I had my surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. This is a good question to ask your cancer care team - your oncologist. Is there a patient portal where you can write and ask these questions?

I did not have anything special prepared at home other than food in the refrigerator and a few meals frozen ahead of time that we could heat up. Since I had general anesthesia I was fatigued for about a week after my surgery and I knew I would not feel like cooking. Also, I wasn't allowed to drive for about two weeks while I healed. I had very little pain when I arrived home which is amazing.

Other members here may have different experiences to share.

How are you feeling overall?

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meandmsjones | @meandmsjones | Sep 19, 2022
In reply to @sophiem77 "Plus hyperplasia with atypia takes 10 years to develop to cancer if left untreated. And it..." + (show)
@sophiem77

Plus hyperplasia with atypia takes 10 years to develop to cancer if left untreated. And it can be treated with progestin. Also keep in mind that weight loss helps too.

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Sophie I'm curious what your source is for that statistic?

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1 reply
sophiem77 | @sophiem77 | Sep 20, 2022
In reply to @meandmsjones "Sophie I'm curious what your source is for that statistic?" + (show)
@meandmsjones

Sophie I'm curious what your source is for that statistic?

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The American cancer society. Go to hyperplasia with atypia. Also the HERS Foundation.

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