If you haven't followed this blog closely , I'll catch you up so this makes sense. I'm nearing 50 and in the throes of perimenopause. I've been having issues with ovarian cysts and pelvic / abdominal pain and having a work up. Because my sister died from ovarian cancer at age 40, I'm a little concerned and considering having a prophylactic surgery to remove my ovaries or go for the whole shebang with a hysterectomy 'all of my woman bits'.
Being a nurse and a virgin to surgery and hospital admissions, I don't take surgery lightly. But, I pretty much hit all the ovarian cancer risk factors without even the family history -obese, infertile, no children, getting older, and cysts on both ovaries. Is it a matter of not if but when? These are the preliminary stages of working this up. I plan to get a couple of second opinions. I'm seeing my GI doc this week as some of my symptoms are related to the gut. I will make a careful and educated decision.
Yesterday, I had another ultrasound (only 1 cyst) and had genetic blood testing done. BRACA--blood teting for genetic traits for breast and ovarian cancer. It was very sobering to list all of the cancer history in my family ( I had to have an extra sheet of paper and I knew i was leaving out a lot of folks still.) The genetic tests costs $3000 and my insurance may or may not pay though I think I have enough family history to sway the decision to approval. If the genetic test is positive then I'm probably having the surgery.
I had just picked up a magazine in the doc's waiting room titled VIM and VIGOR with Mr Darcy on the cover. Apparently, Colin Firth is about 51 and lives a fairly healthy lifestyle and he has a reasonable attitude about getting older. I didn't get to divulge my Darcy fantasy before they called me in for the blood draw. After asking for that extra page to continue listing my family cancer history , I started getting kinda weepy. The nurse said "I'm sorry but we have to charge you for the blood draw and the genetic testing company will see if your insurance covers the lab test." My response was " well I'm taking Mr darcy with me then" and showed her the magazine. She said " go for it."
When I left, as I do when I leave almost every doctors appointment , I want to indulge myself with food. I didn't. I stopped by KMART-cheap stuff but they had what I liked. A new PJ outfit with Betty boop on sale, flip flops, fairy dust fingernail polish, a skirt and shoes for a wedding I'm going to this weekend. ( It seems like going through this process or perimenpause is leading me down a girly / pink sort of path . ) Then I got a breakfast to take home. Yes, it was a fast food breakfast, but I'm getting 3 meals out of that one breakfast and I rarely indulge in fast food. So much food for $7. So , I didn't eat over it. And I have Mr. D right beside me.
Keeping you in my thoughts...and wishing for the best. I applaud you for being proactive!
ReplyDeleteSending calming thoughts your way. I know what a struggle it is to finally say yes to a surgery that is elective. I waited over a decade before I finally had enough and knew that my life would not be worse than it already was. You will know when that day comes and you will be ready. Just remember that when you do decide to have it, knowledge is power; don't hesitate to ask questions and know that there are MANY of us who have been through the exact same thing - and come through the other side intact. GOOD LUCK.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good job you did (with the food wants!) I will keep you in my prayers that you will have peace in making this hard decision.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, rewarding with something other than food! Mr. Firth always makes my day better.
ReplyDeleteAs far as surgery, it is a tough call either way, isn't it? You'll know the right decision when you can be at peace.