Total Hysterectomy on Monday

Ok, so I'm doing it. My 5 years of tamox. are up in January. I spoke with my onc. and my ob/gyn and they both agree that taking it all out is a logical step for me. My biggest fear for the last few months has been that they take me off the tamox., the estrogen starts flowing, and 6 months later I have a recurrence.

I'm ok with the decision, but starting to get really nervous about the surgery, recovery, etc. Also, really not looking forward to surgical menopause at 36.

If anyone has any words of wisdom, recovery suggestions or experience. Would love to hear.

Could also use some prayers if you've got any to spare!

Thanks & hugs to all,

Julie

Hi Julie! Congrats on the brave decision that you have made! I know that it wasn't easy but if it will help beat this darn disease, then it was the right one. I had a total hystrectomy when I was 31. Not because of cancer but an infection after the birth of my 2nd dd. Menopause is not easy but you can handle it. After all, you have handled having cancer and all of the treatments and side effects. Right? Right! The "power surges" were tough as was the emotional aspect. One min I would be laughing and the next crying. But it did pass and I did survive,as you will. Do you know if you will have a vaginal or abdominal? I understand that the vaginal is much quicker to recover from. Either way, you will need to plan on NOT driving for several weeks. NOT lifting anything heavy. (don't want to tear those stitches!) Just take it easy and be treated like a queen. One thing that I do remember that helped was keeping a bed pillow close so that I could hold it agst my stomach when I got up or sat down or when my dog decided that he wanted to jump into my lap. Just remember, this will help you continue to beat this disease and you will do fine.

Lots of healing thoughts and prayers...Deb              

Julie,

 

I am 7 weeks out from my total hysterectomy. And I feel great!  It was a hard time the first 3 weeks but I am SO glad I did it. I had a fibroid growing in my cervix and they found it had grown into my uterus. It caused heavy periods and I had terrible cramping from cysts on my left ovary. All this was made worse from the tam. And I will continue that now but am not sure exactly how long.  Since you did your 5 years of tam you should be ready for aromatase inhib. soon after your surgery (I think).

You will be happy to have it over, I know that seems odd but it feels good knowing you got rid of an estrogen factory after having a hormone fed tumor. Plus, no more monthly visitors!!!  My DD is mad at me since she just started having hers in April. I told her I did my time!

 

Things to have ready for coming home; meals easy to prepare or better yet made by someone else, pillows handy wherever you are to hold against you when you move, cough or sneeze, stool softeners, stool softeners, stool softeners!!!

 

Have you seen Hyster Sisters site?  It's www.hystersisters.com and they have a WEALTH of info for before and after on there. They have a great forum, friendly members and cool links and such. Check it out and keep in touch with us to tell us how things went.

 

I'll be thinking about you!

Hugs,

 

Hey Laure,
Thanks for the kind words. My ob/gyn & onc. did not want to go this route and I guess I will feel better just getting it all out. I will start femara after the surgery.
Thanks again.
Julie

Hi Julie,
Not to worry. I remember my mom telling me that she remembered no pain and she was right. It was hard to move, but NO pain. And yes, you will need a stool softener, but then you will be fine. I had the abdominal also for dysplasia. the possilble beginning of cervical cancer.
Yes, the flashes are bad, but compared to cancer we can handle them. Silx years later, they are hardly noticeable for me. I'm just warmer than I used to be. I live alone and was just fine with that. I can usually rest better that way. But, I wasn't lucky enougn to have a Hannah.
In three days, I was able to walk the three houses down the street to get my mail. TAke care of yourself and you are in my prayers.
Love and Hugs, Di

I will be thinking of you on Monday and praying all is going well. I never was sorry I had my hysterectomy. Take care, follow doctor's orders, etc. Hugs MK

(((JULIE))), I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.  You need to do what makes you feel best and safest.  Glad this will soon be behind you.  You're very brave.  Sending you special hugs from here.  Love, Luci

Hi Julie, I am glad I had my hysterectomy also. My only advice is don't overdo! I went grocery shopping the 3rd day although my Dr told me I was to only get up to do the nessesary things, like bathroom etc. for 5 days, and I really regretted pushing it. I felt pretty good so I misbehaved =) I was in tears when I got out of the store I hurt so bad. The Dr would have wrung my neck is she had known, LOL.
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. You'll be just fine sweetie.
L&H, Gail

Julie
I had my hyserectomy 5 years ago and have never been happier. I had a very easy time of it with the pain I took meds for only 2 days. I still have my ovaries so I did not go through menopause yet. I think they will be taking them out some time soon and then I will have to deal with the menopause. I did the same as Gail and overdid on the 5 day and pulled some of my stitches bt even that was not bad. My Dr gave me a lecture about overdoing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers tomarrow.

Hi Julie...no words of advice as I have not been that route....by now hopefully you are resting comfortably...I was out of town or I would have wished you well beforehand...

Take care and gentle hugs...
Lori

Julie

I hope all went well yesterday and that you are feeling good. we will wait for you to feel up to it to get an update. lots of gentle hugs.