large complex ovarian cyst

I know I'm not you, but if I were I would have both ovaries removed at the same time, just to be safe.

My friend had a huge malignant cyst, the same size as yours,mand she had both removed followed by chemo, and eighteen months later is doing really well.

if you need oestrogen there are gels you can use, but if you are post menopausal, it might not matter anyway.

Do you know what kind of cyst it is?

That would be the deciding factor as to what the surgeon decides to do.

Not surprised you are worried, medicine has come a long way in recent years, just remember that.

There are lots of new techniques and drugs available,that weren't there a few years ago.

Hope everything goes well for you.x.

Hello.  I also had a football sized cyst on my left ovary.  Prior to surgery the doctor said it had a 40 percent chance of being malignant, however they wouldn't know for sure until they opened me up.  I was lucky.  My growth was a benign mucinous cystadenoma.  Prior to surgery the doctor and I discussed my reproductive organs and how both outcomes should be managed.  He explained to me that most malignant cysts enter the ovaries through the fallopian tubes.  If he suspected cancer, he was going to remove both ovaries, part of the stomach and my tubes.  I am 43 years old and decided that if benign I just wanted the left ovary removed as the other was healthy and due to decreased risk, I asked him to remove both tubes.  I decided to keep the right ovary so I could enter menopause naturally and when time appropriate (although it's my understand that it could be as early as five years earlier when you only have one ovary).  All that said, I would discuss with your doctor what you are comfortable with.  

My hospital stay was three days.  I couldn't take pain medication due to allergies so the hard part was the first three weeks.  It might also be difficult for you to lie on your side or stomach for at least two monts.

You will feel much better once the football is out.  All the best to you and please don't worry about asking the doctor questions, this is your body and health.

Blessings!

Isn't it scarey what can develop in our abdomens and get so large before we realize something is wrong. I had an gyb/onco also. Fabulous surgeon who correctly ruled out Cancer b4 I had surgery. My regular gyn found my cysts ( kids soccer ball sized). Don't you love sports analogies? He told me to get my affairs in order and move up my daughter's wedding date. How's that for bedside manner. I too went from annoying bloat and constipation (severe) to scheduled surgery in a 2 week window.

Fearing the cancer I chose a specialist surgeon but he also had a very respectful bedside manner and gives patients as much time as they need for discussion. Not the usual sterile, dismissive, godlike attitude if other surgeons I have met.

First make a list of your questions.

What complications, if/any does he anticipate? Bowel/other organ involvement.

What is likelyhood of hysterectomy?

(I ended up with surgical menopause which was not fun and I didn't know he planned on a hysterectomy until I signed the admit papers on the day of surgery). I had expected an ophrectomy and had asked him to save what he could. I too, was concerned about total loss of estrogen. But what I didn't know was a result of uterine removal and the dramatic impact on relations. W/o a uterus the fireworks are reduced to a whisper.

What type of incision does he plan?

How large?

(My surgeon, I learned post surgery, always uses a full length abdominal incision. However, in my case he only went pubic to just below belly button.) This made my getting up/down in/out of bed much easier. He found severe, undiagnosed endometriosis was the root of my troubles and did a full abdominal disection to remove all the tissue growth. He also saved one of my kidneys which had become strangled by it. All from the short incision. The nurses all said I was truly lucky because he chose my comfort and recovery over a wide open incision much easier for him. Yay! Based on where yours is located it would be good to know so you can be mentally prepared. I also learned he anticipated a bowel resection (not necessary, yay) but I was not mentally prepared for that possibility either and I could've woken up too much more significant issues.

What is anticipated post surgery plan?

Length of hospital stay?

I was in for 5 days, woke to a morphine pump. Had to transfer myself from surgical gurney to hospital bed. (LAZY NURSES!! My Dr. was furious) never hit the happy button on the pump so Dr. took me off morphine on 2nd day. Who knew you could have withdrawal symptoms after only one day. I found Toredol worked much better for me. I was on fluids only IV for 3 days, no food until evening of 4th day liquids, jello etc. Had to pass some sort of stool b4 release which happened 5th day afternoon. I had an excellent recovery. Only took pain meds at night to sleep. Walked everyday, slowly and was driving and sleeping normally within 2 weeks. Went back to work in 8.

Does he anticipate one or both ovaries being removed?

Even though you are post menopausal you will may re-experience a return of menopause symptoms since your estrogen level would change. Each women is different so time will tell. I experienced my first hot flash the night I got home. Thought I had a sudden onset fever. Still having hot flashes 12 yrs. later. Ugh. Due to endometriosis Drs. had not recommended hormone replacement for fear of regrowth. I had every symptom on the checklist hit all at once but most had resolved within 6 months. I was 49 and still very regular b4 surgery.

All in all, I was lucky. Great surgeon, scar is not noticeable and he only used staples externally. Only have a faint ghost line. I do still have issues with some internal anchor sutures he used on the abdominal muscles. They never dissolved as they should have. They are uncomfortable if I happen to bump one (there are 3) but otherwise no issue. Menopause onslaught wasn't fun but I've learned to deal. Weighed 10 lbs less day after surgery, bonus!

I have found most Drs. like it if you bring a list. It is concise, shows forethought, and respect for their time. But don't let him dismiss you if he's one of those god complex ones. Your feeling comfortable with expectations will leave you much less anxious prior to surgery and hopefully no surprises after.

Hope this helps, GOOD LUCK and speedy recovery!

thank you to everyone who shared their stories with me. my surgeon assures me he can get this out laparascopically in 2 hrs and ill be home same day. there is a small possibiliry that plan could change depending on if he sees something that was not visible on the ct but he said not likely.

i will be having both ovaries and tubes removed and he is planning on leaving my uterus. he wasnt terribly concerned at my ca-125 being 60 considering how large the cyst is.

anyway, im delighted that this will be done and over on july 12 and thrilled that it isnt going to be a big open abdominal surgery !!

i will post again after its done.

love to all you brave and fabulous women.

xx