Out of my depth, don't know where to turn

I'm sorry you are going through this.

From what you've said, it could just as easily be endometrial cancer + a 'normal' cyst though, which has a completely different path and prognosis - or any number of other things, so I think what is best is for you to get in touch with the Oncology Nurse in Gynae (your Mum's Consultant's Secretary will be able to put you in contact). They will be able to give you and your Mum more time to explain things, as it's so very easy for the words that come after 'cancer' to blur. I used to have calls like that when I worked in Gynae, and that was exactly what I'd do. If there wasn't a specific number for a secretary, asking for the Oncology Nurse in Gynaecology would be enough information for somebody on the main switchboard to put you through to the right person as well.

It sounds as though she's already being very well looked after, in that she's had tests and scans - not everybody is fortunate enough to have a GP that recognises the symptoms - and really, it's not until surgery and tests upon the tissue they have removed that they would be able to give you an accurate picture of what they have found.


But you definitely need support now. What you're feeling is completely normal - it is terrifying for patient and family.

Don't be afraid to ask for help now. You need it to support your Mum the best that you can, she needs it to deal with what is to come, whatever it is.

And, moreover, I think you need a hug. If I were there, you'd have one.

Leave your laptop alone unless it's looking up the Consultant's Secretary's extension number to call in the morning. Please.

It's hard for you but must be even harder for your Mum.

Regardless of how you feel on the inside, try to be positive & upbeat for your Mum.

Hugs to you both & I hope the diagnosis is the most positive it can be.

shiningfaery wrote: »

Straight off I will say I am a worrier always have been.

My mum has had a some issues with her menstrual cycle which has been cause for concern, she's had tests and scans done. Today we went to gynecologist for discussion and the senior registrar kept saying cancer.

By end of the conversation she left me with the impression that they are expecting a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, she has thickening of the womb after menopause and a cyst of 19cm diameter approx.

Their proposal is a full hysterectomy including ovaries tubes and cervix. We won't know till then 100% if it is or isn't. She is 57, and after looking online at ovarian cancer I am not left with a whole lot of optimism regarding survival rates.....has anyone got first hand experience here that can shed some wisdom, help or anything that will help me right now..........

When you have these conversations with medical people it doesn't always sink in. You will pick up on words that you hear bandied about everywhere, and miss vital information because your brain goes into panic mode.

When I was 59 I collapsed in the middle of the night with massive abdominal pains and had to call an ambulance. They examined me, and put me in a bed. I had an xray and they said I had a very big cyst on my right ovary. I immediately thought of cancer. I went home, and the following week I went to see the consultant. He told me it would be best to have a full hysterectomy. I was shocked, why so drastic. He said that was the best option, take everything away, no further problems.

Four months later the op was done. They checked what they had taken out and said it was benign, no sign of cancer. They had to cut me open because it was a big cyst and they wanted to get it out in one piece. Sometimes these ops can be done through the vagina.

Nine years later and I am fine. What I am saying is don't jump to conclusions before you know all the facts. My surgeon didn't know what he was going to find till he went in there. When you go for your next appointment take a deep breath, have some questions written down on paper to take with you, and go through them. No matter how daft the questions may seem, you need answers to them. Don't be afraid of repeating questions if you don't understand the first answer. You should not be leaving an interview with impressions, you want facts.

While I was waiting for my op I went back to work to keep my brain occupied. I kept myself busy, Four months is a long time to worry if you have cancer or not.

Please try and calm down, it's natural to think the worst, but keep it in mind that there is a very good chance that it might not be as bad as you first thought. Oh, and stop looking online.

Best wishes,
Ilona