As 2012 began to wind down, my mobility had returned to almost normal. Three surgeries were now a thing of the past, just a memory. The scars from the bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and DIEP flap procedures were healing nicely and the aches were improving with every day. I began to set my sights on 2013 and a new start, one without worries about cancer risks or surgery.
Then came a visit to the gynecologist in October. Based on the findings of lobular carcinoma in situ during the BPM, the doctor felt it would be smart to have a pelvic ultrasound due to the link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
On November 7, 2012, my thoughts of a worry free 2013 quickly came to an end when complex cysts were found in my right ovary. January 14, 2013 I repeated the ultrasound hoping for improvement but found worse news. The cyst was still there and larger, one was now also located on the left and something was seen in the lining of my uterus. Worry free 2013 was long gone! A biopsy was performed as was a CA-125 blood test. Both came back showing no cancer. Instead the item on the uterine lining looked to be a polyp. An endometrial ablation was recommended. I decided to wait until a third ultrasound could be performed so we could make a decision about the cysts at the same time.
April 2, 2013 I went for that final ultrasound. After I did something I do not normally do, I made a list of questions. I was done having ultrasounds every few months and wanted to be ready for a real conversation about moving forward. Questions such as, Do we remove the cysts in the ovaries at the same time as the ablation? Do we remove an entire ovary or both? Do we go fully radical and remove it all?
I was prepared for everything except for what came next. The call came along with the normal pleasantries, how was our trip to Disney? How was I feeling? Although I do personally like my doctor, I wanted the results. She stated with a long “WELL”, I was a bit nervous. She continued, “the cyst on the left is gone, and the one on the right has reduced in size”. Ugh, what? Gone? The words swirled for a second in my head until I finally realized, this was good news! I actually said to her, “well that is good news, right?” No more ultrasounds! Not so good news about the uterine lining which showed a new cyst/polyp but we already knew that would not correct itself.
SO, I have a pre-op appointment at the end of May to prepare for the endometrial ablation. My list of questions went onto the trash. In the greater scheme of where I have been and what I was expecting, a minor surgery! I would much prefer to stay out of hospitals yet, compared to the alternatives, I am pleased, and thankful!
Decisions for my Family 