Ovarian Cysts-Decision to make?

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tiff2008
tiff2008 Member Posts: 278
edited June 2014 in Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
My 5 year bc anniversay is Feb 2013, I stopped Tamox early (8 months ago) due to the uterin thickening and a couple D&C's.  This past month I had my reg vag ultasound and they found  a couple ovarian cysts, gyno wanted to repeat ultrasound in 3 weeks.  Repeated that today, the ovarian cysts was smaller ( I had a period between the 2 ultrasounds), gyno was happy cyst was smaller but wants me to think about some options...1. come back again in 3 months, 2. Hystrectomy or 3. a CA125 test, which we all know has many false positives.  So I have to make a decision what to do??  I made an appt with my onocologist to discuss and get her thoughts as well.  I'm scared to have a hysterectomy.  

Has anyone else had these experiences?

Tiff

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2012

    Sorry you find yourself with decisions to make. How old are you, and would your onc put you on an AI if you had a hysterectomy? Are you comfortable with watch and wait? I always had cysts on both ovaries from a pretty young age, and had one large one rupture when in my 20's.  My 23 year-old daughter also has them routinely.  I had a hysterectomy/oopherectomy when I was 45 because I had a large number symptomatic fibroids in my uterus.  At the time the doc casually suggested taking the ovaries as well, based on my age.  The US I had 6 months prior to the surgery did not show any ovarian issues, but I had a 3 cm mass in the rt. ovary at post-op path.  It was a pre-malignant type (dermoid) so I was happy to see the ovaries gone.  Also, happy that when dx'ed with BC I did not have to make the decision you are making right now.  Good luck!

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  • tiff2008
    tiff2008 Member Posts: 278
    edited August 2012

    I am 47 and I guess I'm okay to watch and wait.  I'm not sure what kind of cysts they are, not sure gyn can tell from a ultrasound?  Gyn did mention since I was 47 I was getting close to menopause anyway.. I have an appt with my oncologist next week and hopefully I'll get some good feedback from her from a professional stand point :)  Did you have any problems with your hysterectomy/ooph?  Are you on an AI now? If so, how is that going? 

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2012

    tiff - I did not have any problems with the hyst/ooph.  As I said I had symptomatic fibroids which involved a heavy cycle that lasted for months, I looked like I was about 5 months pregnant because I had so many fibroids, had GI issues, so I was happy and relieved to have it dealt with.  I had an abdominal surgery so it was like recovering from a C-section.  There are a number of ladies who have had the DaVinci surgery and said the recovery was easy.  I started on Femara and stayed on it for a year.  I did have joint aching, which was not horrible but my onc felt it was worth trying Arimidex to see if it would ease up, so I switched and it was slightly better, so I am on it now.  The joint issue is really the only SE I have, and it is not bad - occasional insomnia but I am not a good sleeper anyway!

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited August 2012

    Ask for an OVA 1 test its a CA125 plus other combined tumor marker test.  It is apparently more accurate and very fast to complete.  I had one since I was having lots of hemorhagic cysts and I am BRCA 2+.  My regular OB ordered it, I haven't seen a gyn onc. 

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  • B123
    B123 Member Posts: 730
    edited February 2013

    I have been on arimidex for one year now, doing fine and on zoladex shots until my hysterectomy next week. I had cat scan one month ago to find out I have a 2.8cm cystic structure on right adnexal region with non specific free pelvic fluid. Also a tiny mm gallstone on gallbladder. My doctor said its nothing to worry about and it's common but I'm freaking out! Is this normal or is it something to worry about? Also said I show hypodensities in the liver, which again she said are normal and everyone has them? I am definitely having the hysterectomy, I am 42 and can't live with the fear!

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  • B123
    B123 Member Posts: 730
    edited February 2013

    I do have to ask, any of you who have had a full hyster, does your bladder really fall and cause incont problems? People I know who have had one have been fine..

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited February 2013

    B123 - I had a total abdominal hyst/ooph 12 years ago, no incontinence problems.

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  • Shrek4
    Shrek4 Member Posts: 1,822
    edited March 2013

    0

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  • B123
    B123 Member Posts: 730
    edited February 2013

    Thank you Special K, I know it's the right thing to do, this new cyst scares the day lights out of me now..

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  • B123
    B123 Member Posts: 730
    edited February 2013

    Day, thank you for sharing your story. It doesn't make you nervous to just wait and see? I'm going crazy and want it out. I am nausea a, back pain pelvic pressure. I don't know if it's from the cyst, the gallstone or these hypodensities? Very worried

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