Helloooooooooooo!

natickgirl · #1 01-06-2011, 10:41 AM

Anyone out there? Just wondering? I'm sitting home recovering from major surgery, desparately seeking some intelligent interaction. Anyone have anything to discuss?

How about this:

If you knew you had a nearly 50% chance of developing ovarian cancer (the "silent killer"), an increased risk of cervical & uterine cancer as well, and nearly 90% chance of developing breast cancer, what measures would you take to prevent it? Just keep getting annual check-ups & let nature run it's course? Increased mammograms? Ovaries removed? Hysterectomy? Bilateral mastectomy with or without reconstruction? Think about how each option would impact your life & your family's life (physically, emotionally, sexually, spiritually, financially)...what would you do?

I'll tell you what I did...

Erudite · #2 01-06-2011, 11:18 AM

Wow! First, so sorry you had to make these decisions!!

For me...if I had to worry about ovarian, cervical, or uterine cancer, I'd just have them out. I already don't have a uterus, so it wouldn't seem like that big of deal to have the others out and its not like those show on the outside. I would have to deal with the hormonal cycle being messed up as a result of not having ovaries, but I think that's a reasonable trade off to negate the possibility of cancer.

Another way to reduce your cancer chances is actually through lifestyle choices. The book The China Study, which I reviewed 18 months ago and became a vegetarian because of, talks about changing our eating habits to help prevent many of the modern diseases. I mention that because changing my lifestyle for cancer prevention is also something I would do before considering a mastectomy. Because THEY show and because what shows is (dang it) part of my conception of who I am, I'd have real trouble with a mastectomy, thus, if that needed to occur, I believe I'd also go with reconstruction.

Likely, I considered too fast. It seems like, except for normal preventative measures, this is something impossible to really consider without it staring you in the face. Apparently, it's in your face though...so what'd you decide?

Meticulous madness · #3 01-08-2011, 11:37 PM

I'm also sorry! And I also agree that those decisions are very difficult to even contemplate, unless you have to. I could definitely say what I would do, based on everything I know about myself and everything I've experienced so far in my life, but without the reality of HAVING to make those decisions...it's only speculation.

And boy, can things ever change over night! In your lifestyle, your perception, your perspective, your heart...!!! Things change. My boss is losing her husband to colon cancer. It's been an emotional few years.

I'm also curious. What did you decide? Can your BNS friends come and bring you lunch or dinner, or a good book?

**5ft Diva** · #4 01-10-2011, 04:34 PM

Helloooooooooooo back!!! When was your surgery and how are you doing? How long will recovery be? Wish we lived closer to you!

natickgirl · #5 01-11-2011, 08:07 PM

Sorry to keep you in suspense...computer has issues with letting me log in sometimes.

Here's the scoop:
I learned in mid-Dec. that my mother bequeathed me with more that just her curly hair & dimpled chin. She also passed on her defective "cancer" gene. My older sister missed out, but I didn't. Lucky me. I've known it was a possibilty from the time my Mom was diagnosed, so my husband and I had already discussed options. My ob/gyns have all said the same thing once they learn my family history: "Have your kids early & close together, then have everything taken out." I wasn't comfortable with that at age 30, but now that I know my family is complete, I was OK with proceeding.

On 12/27 I had a complete hysterectomy (including cervix) & both ovaries removed. The two ob/gyns I consulted (both men) recommended I go "cold turkey" with no hormones. No thanks. I want to enjoy some quality of life while I'm still relatively young! I went on hormones within a few days, but at a slightly reduced level than most women. I did have one hot flash, and it was NOT fun. I'll gradually step down the dosage over the next several years because the hormones make life bearable now & help my body store calcium, but they also increase my risk for breast cancer, which is already astronomically high. Once I stop hormones, I'll officially be menopausal, and will also have to take medicine to prevent osteoporosis.

Having surgery was drastic, but the alternative--ovarian cancer--is much, much worse. It is much like recovery from a c-section (sort of). The 1st two weeks are the worst, and things get gradually better from there. They say it takes 6 weeks to recover, but to be completely back to "normal" really takes about 6 months to 1 year. At least it did with my c-sections.

Having a mastectomy is not an option for me right now. I did consult a surgeon to get info about the procedure and various kinds of reconstruction. They all sound horrific. I'll get a mammogram once a year and an ultrasound or MRI every year at 6 months. Hopefully, we'll catch any irregularities before it becomes a big issue.

SO -- That's what I chose. I'm home during the day for at least the next 2 weeks. I want to go back to work because we could really use the money, but I have to be content in taking care of myself now so I don't pay for it later. I would welcome any visits from BnS friends who want to venture to the Bountiful bench! 8-)

Dia Minha · #6 01-13-2011, 04:48 PM

Natick, I'm so sorry! I hope you are recovery quickly physically and emotionally. I bet it was difficult in both the decision process and going through the surgery.

There is no history of breast, ovarian, cervical, or uterine cancer in my family, but because I have always found pride in both my womanly curves (I'm "blessed" to be a 36 DDD) and my beautiful thick hair I have always had a fear of losing one or both. It is hard for me to think about and I don't know what I would do if I had to lose them or my life. Two summers ago after taking two years to grow out my hair, I cut it all off and donated it to beautiful lengths that makes wigs for woman who have lost their hair due to breast cancer treatments. I'm hoping to blessed with good karma.

bookworm · #7 02-03-2011, 08:06 PM

Oh man, I'm sorry I missed these posts. I have been so busy and (apparently) self-absorbed that I didn't ever get on here, and I neglected to check in with you, too. I'm sorry!! How are you feeling now? I hope you are back on your feet. I saw you post on FB that you were back at work, how is that going? I wish I had more time for friends. I just can't seem to get my life in balance anymore.

I am proud of you for taking the proverbial bull by the horns here and doing something drastic to prevent this potential threat. You are an amazing woman and I pray that you have a long life full of joy ahead of you!!!

Mamallama · #8 02-04-2011, 09:18 PM

Oh NG I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of this! How stressful and traumatic this all must have been. Although a very tough decision, it sounds like you've made a very wise one. I hope you are recovering well and feeling better now. Best wishes to you and I echo BW on wishing you a long a joyful life ahead as well !

natickgirl · #9 02-05-2011, 11:14 AM

Thanks, BW & ML! I plan to be around for a long time...long enough to pay my kids back for the grief they give me, anyway. Hee hee! Also, I want to enjoy my grandkids! My mom & grandma never got that chance.

I've recovering well...went back to work only 4 weeks post-op. I'm finally up to normal walking speed & stride. 8) I should be able to begin resuming normal physical activity within the next week or so.

Mamallama · #10 02-08-2011, 09:15 PM

Glad to hear things are going well!!