My Update after meeting with the Gyn/Oncologist

Cathy, so glad to hear you feel positive vibes about the new doc.  I had to laugh at his age:  I always have mixed feelings -- on the one hand, I really like the idea of someone relatively young so that they're schooled in the newest things, as well as being more likely to welcome alternative ideas and such.  On the other hand, as someone who's over 40, it makes me a bit uncomfortable when I have a doctor who looks like Doogie Howser taking care of me!  Some look so young I expect them to have braces on their teeth and acne!! []
 
I think it's great he didn't automatically suggest a full hysterectomy.  As my friend explained it to me when she had just her ovaries and tubes removed, it's best to leave the uterus in if possible because it's kind of like the hub of a wheel that supports the "spokes" of other organs and such around it.  I'd think it'd be a much less invasive surgery, too. 
 
The cost of the tests is scary -- but it's better to get all the info possible, even if it's dollars out of your pocket, in my opinion.  I just paid a couple hundred dollars for extensive bloodwork due to some issues I was concerned about -- turned out all was well, but I'm glad to have a clear answer.
 
Continued good thoughts heading your way!

I am so glad you liked your new doctor and he isn't jumping right into talking surgery! Keep us updated, and of course you have my continued prayers for a good outcome!

Gosh I'm glad you posted -- I thot about you all day!  Glad you like this doctor -- and it sounds like some good discussion was accomplished!!!  Will keep up with the prayers and good thtos.

I'm sending wishes for good test results from across the pond.  I too am glad he didn't start suggesting surgery right away.
 
I know how important it is, especially with a specialist doctor, to have someone you really have trust and confidence in.  It makes a HUGE difference.
 
My thoughts are with you, please keep us posted.
 
Kate

I'm glad you like your new doctor; wish you could afford the tests though. I'll pray for you and hope that you don't need the surgery.

wish you could afford the tests though.

 
Fortunately, I can afford the test and may decide to go for it, but I think open enrollment is only a few months away.  If the CA 125 is down, then any immediate worries can be put aside and the surgery wouldn't be urgent.  I guess I'll just wait to see what the test shows and then chat with the Dr. again. 
 
It's funny that when I had Kaiser (which my DH has now) they were encouraging me to get tested.  They sent me for genetic counseling and the next step was the actual test, which I chickened out on (worried about future insurance problems).  Now I have Blue Shield, which I thought was a better insurance, and they won't cover it [:@]. 

Gosh, I hope you can get the insurance thing figured out   I'm glad you like your new doctor, it's so important to have a good relationship so you can come up with a plan together!!!

Glad to hear things went so well.  Hope things continue to look up for you. 
 
OT - I have to laugh at the old vs young dr thing though.... try going to the dr for some rectal problems and the dr who comes in was a sophomore in HS when you were a senior.  I thought I would die - Thank God she didn't seem to remember me! 

Cathy, just going to echo what everyone else said... so glad you have found a doc that listened, didn't jump straight into surgery talk AND he gained your trust straight away. 
 
I hope you can get the insurance coverage but I have to say it is so disappointing to hear that your testing couldn't be covered simply because your aunt is on your dad's side... THAT'S CRAZY!  To me, having your mom and sister already diagnosed should be enough! 
 
Continued prayers and good thoughts being sent your way!!  Thanks for the update []

Thanks everyone. Everything I read says that having 2 immediate relatives with ovarian and/or breast cancer indicates the need for genetic testing.  Guess my insurance co. doesn't see it that way.  Having a Dr. that you feel comfortable is so important at any time, but especially when it comes to things like this.  I've been thinking about the surgery pretty much from the first phone call 5 weeks ago.  I've moved beyond the idea of the surgery in general and the fear that comes with that.  I was so freaked out when I had my tubal several years ago that I'd die on the table, and was almost giddy when I woke up in the recovery room not only still alive, but feeling wonderful.  Then I had a partial thyroidectomy last spring and was home the same day and up and doing normal things the next day.  So, I remind myself of that and the surgery doesn't seem so scary.  As I told the surgeon, the idea of instant menopause is all that really concerns me now and he agreed that the symptoms can appear almost immediately.  Up until now I haven't had  a single symptom of menopause and I just don't want to deal with any sooner than I have to.  However, as I said to the Dr., I don't want to die trying to prevent a hot flash [8|].  

funny because I always thought that Kaiser didn't want to pay for much, at least thats what my parents told me! And I have Kaiser now and do not like them all that much.
 
That's great you found a doctor you like, my doctor looks identical to SCott Peterson [sm=rofl.gif] its really scary how much they resemble each other and he's rather rude and always questions what I say. I really need to change doctors!
 
But I'll keep you in my thoughts and I hope things go welll!

Glad everything went well for you, Cathy.  Still keeping fingers crossed that you won't need surgery.  I can't believe your insurance co. won't pay for the tests.  You'd think they'd figure that if a doctor ordered them, there must be a good reason. We've been with Kaiser for quite a few years and haven't really had any problems with them at all.  Back in '98 DH had to have a quadruple bypass, and Kaiser sent him to Mercy General on J St. for it, which was a relief since they're one of the top 100 hospitals in the country for that procedure. Then, they sent us a letter just to let us know that the the entire stay came to $79,000.  []  Dang! That's more than we paid for our house 28 years ago!
 
Joyce

ORIGINAL: cakana
I don't want to die trying to prevent a hot flash [8|].  

Just remember, not everyone gets them, even when they go through normal menopause - I'm living proof.  Whatever happens, fingers are always crossed for you here, and I hope it all goes the way you hope.

Just remember, not everyone gets them, even when they go through normal menopause - I'm living proof.

 
Thanks Anne and I know that some women don't have any problems, but I've just never understood why.  I hope to be one of them, but if not, I'll deal with it.  On the hystersisters website, one woman who'd been battling ovarian cancer passed away on Friday.  Brings home how devastating this cancer is and I don't want to regret not doing more to prevent or detect it.  I'm going to have the retest of the CA 125 done next Monday and I should hear something mid-week.  If it's high still, I won't balk any longer.  I'll ask the gyn/oncologist to schedule the surgery.   If it's not, I'm going to pursue the BRAC testing.  $3000 is really a small price to pay to get some important answers.