Needing some powerful prayers

Thanks Darla.  It helps to know that I may not have problems after all with the menopause thing.  Although, as cold as it is today, a nice hot flash might be a blessing.  Kidding of course, my friends tell me it's not a pleasant experience. 

Callie - thanks for the recommendations on the essential oils.  I'm going to make a list and go check them all out.  I think the White Flower Oil sounds wonderful.  I have something call Peace of Mind that I bought at Origins a few years ago and it's meant to be massaged into the temples of the forehead to relax.  I've had trouble sleeping before and put some of that on and went right out.  I love, love, love aromatherapy!!   Thanks again!

Cathy, don't assume anything about the menopause thing.  You might breeze right through that.  But, please take Callie's advice about the cancer diet and the reduction of stress.  My best friend did have early ovarian cancer, but she came through her surgery and its aftereffects just fine, partly because she made an effort to do just that.  She changed her whole diet, and did soothing activities, etc.
She is back riding horses and living a great life a year later.  She had endometriosis and difficult periods for years, and wishes now that someone had offered her a hysterectomy years ago.  Her GP never tested her!!!  I think your doc sounds as if he is handling this well, and with an interest in getting you the proper care asap.  Anyway, we're here for you, on the forum or through PM's if you need.  <<>> Good vibes for health coming your way.

Cathy--you've sent so many good thoughts and prayers my way, so of couse we're sending them your way. Please lean on us--we have strong shoulders.
 
My mom's death anniversay is coming up soon and already I'm running with a lot of emotions (oh dear). Like you, I carry a bit of worry about my sisters or me inheriting Mom's fatal illness--it's hereditary about 10% of the time. I know that burden, but of course not nearly as well or heavy as you do. I'm so sorry you've had that worry to carry along with your grief.
 
We're here for you.
Nancy

Cathy I too am adding prayers for you as well. Hope all goes well for you.

Cath, how you holding up? when is your appt. ?

Thanks for asking Deb.  I haven't heard from the oncologist's office yet, but I will call this week if I don't hear something.  I have a pelvic ultrasound on Wed AM, so I was happy that they could get me in early for that.  I'm really feeling much better and in very determined frame of mind.  Whatever the diagnosis and treatment is, I'll deal with it.  I guess reading some of the other women's stories on the hystersisters.com website, puts things into perspective.  One young girl posted recently asking if she was crazy for being angry or depressed.  She's 22, was married in June '06 and had to have a total hysterectomy in Nov '06.  I really felt for her. 

Anyway, it surely does help having the friends offering comfort and support over here - thanks again!

Cathy, just wanted to send good vibes your way for your appointment tomorrow.  Good to hear you are feeling better and in a determined frame of mind!  You CAN deal with it and we'll be sending all the prayers we can in for you!  The stories you were talking about reading... I know someone that has tried and tried to have children only to have many miscarriages.  She has a severe case of endometreosis and the doctor says her only hope for no more pain & more surgeries would be a hysterectomy.  She's only 33.   It's heartbreaking to hear stories like that but it puts things into prospective. 

Cathy, maybe you've posted an update elsewhere, but have you any news yet about your ultrasound from earlier this week?  Just wanted to let you know I'm still sending good vibes your way!

Thanks for asking Tracy.  I did get a call from my regular Gyn yesterday about 5 and he said he had the results from the ultrasound and everything was "normal".  He did ask if I'd made the appt with the Gyn/Oncologist and I told him that I had an appt on Feb 1st and he was glad.  So.....I felt such a sense of relief from the news I was walking on clouds.  I'd had such a fear that they'd say there was some growth or cyst or...well, anything suspicious, but there wasn't. 

Anyway, I now have a somewhat different frame of mind.  I had resigned myself to just getting on with the hysterectomy but not quite as much now.  I will listen to the oncologist and trust that he knows best, but here's what I plan to ask him.  Since we know the CA 125 is unreliable for pre-menopausal women, I don't think we should proceed with the surgery based soley on that.  If the only other reason is because I'm high risk, then maybe I should proceed with the genetic testing and just finally find out if I'm at higher risk than any other woman.  If I'm not, then I think I'd ask that we continue to do screenings like we have but not do the surgery.  Is it obvious I really do not want to have a hysterectomy?  I know many women have them and have little or no problems.  I also know that there can be many complications.  I had a friend who went thru the surgery, they nicked her bowel and she almost died.  I also know that surgical menopause can frequently bring on night sweats, insomnia, hot flashes and serious mood swings.  This doesn't seem to come on slowly like regular menopause but immediately following surgery.

Okay - okay, I'm really going to listen to the Dr. and trust what they say, but I just want to ask questions and know that if I have the surgery, I did it for the right reasons.  Thanks again for everyone's concern and well wishes []

I'm so sorry you are going through this Cathy I agree with you, the BRCA testing would probably be helpful for you since you are not jumping at the prophylactic TAHBSO. This is such a difficult situation, but you are tough and will get through it. I know how overwhelming it all can feel and the desire for more tests and bigger and better hospitals (MD anderson/MSK), but don't financially burden yourself needlessly, I say this because these places and tests can be a huge cost There are many great hospitals (Stanford/UCSF) in nor cal, and it sounds like your doctors are being vigilant and doing the right thing. Wish I had that magic pill to make everything ok, but I do have prayers and you got them!!!!

So glad to hear you are past the first hurdle and now know there is nothing immenently troubling going on. But I know you still face some tough decisions - sending you strength and courage as you navigate through this!

I say this because these places and tests can be a huge cost

Yes, that is so true and I feel badly for anyone dealing with a serious illness and having to worry about finances on top of that.  I'm very fortunate that I have excellent insurance and the financial means to pursue the best of care and testing.  MD Anderson and Sloan Kettering were both recommended by someone from another site, and that is a consideration, if necessary.  I'm sure I wouldn't be the first person to say "but I feel fantastic..I can't possibly have cancer" but it is the thought that keeps coming to mind.  I remind myself that ovarian cancer has been called the whisper cancer, so if I'm being whispered to, I do want to pay attention.  I just need a little evidence that either I've got something going on or I'm likely to in the future.

Cathy, I'm so sorry that I missed this from the beginning,,,I want to wish you my best also, and of course sending the very best vibes along the way. What a terrible worry, I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this. I am also the person that worries about everything, sometimes its hard to keep things where they should be,,, but it sounds like you are overcoming some of that, and that is good.  Yes, you can deal with this and you will. My very good friend had the surgery several years ago,,,, and she is happy that she did. She doesn't really seem to have trouble,,,a few hot flashes...but gee,,,she is right there with the rest of us that didn't have surgery, no different. 
Hang in there Cathy...we're all behind you!