Wednesday, August 03, 2011

It's like a burn inside your mouth

I just got out my ruler and measured my desk stapler here at work. It's 18 cm. My doctor is right: a desk stapler is pretty close in length to my 16 cm ovarian cyst.

I have been googling ovarian cysts online and cannot get any solid stats about malignancy. I have discovered that 18% of post-menopausal women develop them, and that the possibility of cancer increases "manifold" with age, but that's not enough information.

I read that, after a hysterectomy, women aren't allowed to wear jeans. So I ordered a couple pair of sweats. I don't normally wear them, but I got two because I won't want to be going down to the laundry room while I'm recuperating.

I know I should not think about it so much and just leave it alone, but I can't help it. Just as you can't stop poking a burn in your mouth with your tongue, I can't keep my mind from returning to that cyst.

My gynecologist returns to the office in six days.

7 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:11 PM

    My mom had a cyst removed that was the size of a grapefruit! They did not do a hysterectomy. It was benign. You'll be fine :)

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  2. Anonymous6:13 PM

    Did that sound flip? I just wanted to let you know that it all likelihood it will be benign. I don't remember the numbers my mom's doctor gave before the surgery, but I remember that the odds were good it would be benign.

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  3. i too think you will be fine. it is scary and i would be scare too. thinking postive thoughts your way...
    enjoy your time with your friend...i am sure she will be there to listen and give you support!
    many prayers coming to you!

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  4. This is scary for you, and I know no amount of reassuring will put your mind at rest until you hear from your doctor and have the results of any tests.

    It's natural to worry, just don't worry about worrying. You're in our prayers.

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  5. Having gone through my own scare in November, I can relate to your worry. You tell yourself not to spin out the scenarios but...

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  6. ((HUGGGGS)) I wish I lived closer so I could go over every day and (Try to) hug you and let you know you're loved and supported. Just have to do it through the ether here.

    :) All is well.

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  7. I had a dental issue shortly after having my son in 2001. When the dentist did the usual xrays he observed a bone mass in my right lower jaw and sent me to an oral surgeon, but didn't explain why he was referring me! A week later I was in an operating room under full anesthesia having a bone biopsy, which thankfully turned out benign. It's a terrifying thought that something may be growing inside of you and you have no control over it. It's not in your hands anymore and there's not one bit of reassurance anyone can give you till the lab results come in. Just try not to obsess over it too much. I know it's frightening-Jill

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