It's checkup time
 

It's that time... Time to be poked and prodded and blood drawn and all the wonderful stuff that goes along with being a cancer survivor. Ugh!

Anyway, I am severely anemic. I have been for years, the cancer and surgeries and treatments didn't help, and even high doses of iron and iron infusions have just kept it slightly above the "transfusion" range. My dr thinks that heavy monthly girl things are contributing to it and wants to talk about removing the girl parts. This would get rid of that issue but will also remove the risks of uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers, which I am at higher risk for as a survivor or and as a family member of someone who had breast and ovarian/uterine cancer.
So, please pray for wisdom and guidance as we make this decision. I could choose endometrial ablation and remove problem A, but the risks of future cancers would still be there. Removing all the girl parts is obviously a better option for long term care but also a tough decision considering what they'd be removing. It took me a while to come to terms with losing my breasts, so this ould be a very big step.

Thanks in advance.

I always pray for you and have since I learned way back about what you were facing. I've had a total hysterectomy and was glad to get rid of the stuff that was making me sick and it was good to be well again. I pray that your upcoming exam and tests will be showing your health is now good and your system slowing coming back. When I lost half of my blood, it took months and iron infusions for weeks to start my body to start making enough blood again and get my crit up with no other ongoing problem so I imagine you are just weak as a cat and tired. Here's hoping your results are very good.

Praying for you!!!! I had it all removed last December after they found 3 large masses. I'm glad everything is gone, however menopause is really hard on me. But I'd rather suffer with that then risk cancer. :) You will make the right decission.

sending prayers

Sending prayers and special thoughts your way.

Thank you both. It's good to hear others say they're glad the stuff is gone.

I had the endometrial ablation. And within a year had a total hysterectomy. I was having major problems with bleeding. I agree putting you right into menopause isn't great. But still much better then the irregular periods and heavy bleeding. I had so many other problems because of loss of blood.
Sending prayers

Keeping you in my thought and prayers ! :)

I too, have been spayed. No regrets either. Wishing you the best, as always. Keeping you in my prayers. Hugs, Kathy

Thank you for this!!! It helps a lot since you've had both procedures done. I don't want to put my body through the ablation if I'll just end up having the hysterectomy later. Thank you!!!

sending many prayers to you.

Sending you good thoughts and prayers, and hope you always have "survivor" next to your name.

I also suffered from heavy monthlies and anemia, and finally had a hysterectomy years ago. Wow, what a relief to end inconvenience of 18 day periods, and anemia, and get my strength back. I kept the ovaries though, and they functioned well so I didn't have to experience early menopause.

Good luck.

Keeping you in my prayers.

Yes I so don't miss any of it...however I'm having a hell of a time as I refuse to take anything. I'm a hot mess. (literally!!!!!!!) lol

Mood swings, crying, hot flashes, not sweats, insomnia...the list goes on.....

But I dont feel less a woman and I dont miss the monthly periods as I had bad cramps. I am glad its all gone now.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

You are in my prayers, Michele

I had ablation 3 times, it did nothing to stop my bleeding problem...I was always one step ahead of my cervical/uterus cancer woes. I was blessed to have the same Dr. since I was 14 years old, he was one of the best ob/gyn's on the planet.

Over the years I had several surgeries and several laser surgeries when that came around, I had ablation and more biopsies than I could ever count, the last 3 years I had biopsies every 3 months...to me those were the worst...I hated biopsies. My Dr. always thought that I would want to have more children...so he always wanted to wait to do the big one!

in 2007 at 41 years old I got a call on Wednesday at work from the doc...surgery immediately...I had my hysterectomy less than 48 hours later. Funny thing was I had put off my biopsie and was 2 months late when my husband told me "just get it done" this is curable shi%. Luckily I went.

I have no regrets, at first I felt very strange...knowing...even though I didn't plan to have any more...but just knowing I couldn't get pregnant again had me crying all the time...but then one day my daughter called and asked me for money again and that feeling instantly was gone....!!!! lol

It really is wise to get it done, you've already been through so much...I assure you the hardest part is over...for your health for your peace of mind...go for it...theres always black cohash for the menopause symptoms...(have no idea what it is, but my husband made me take it)!!

Your posts will certainly become more interesting!!! The sudden onslaught of menopause was disturbing at first but then I got use to it and learned to cry in the shower, accidentally break cups in the kitchen sink....take late night drives with the music blaring and the window open in -5 weather and the best part is everyone tends to leave you alone!!!

It will be ok Michele and if I could I would recommend strongly you join hystersisters.com...those women saved my life and I have never had so much laughter or support in my life....it really is a great tool for women like us!

You will be in my prayers - praying for a good outcome and that you'll be at peace with whatever decision you decide to make.

I am on hystersisters as well. I found them when they told me most likely mine was cancer and sent me to U of M for further testing. They helped alot!!!

LOL! They really did help me too, they are a strong community and amazing what they won't do to help you! There were things on there that I never would have thought of...anyway, my DR recommended the site to me and HE was a man!

I will check it out. Thanks! You too Breny. Btw, westley is amazing!! Lol

Michele, I am praying for your checkup to return great news.

My SIL was in her mid-30s when she was diagnosed with CA and had to have a hysterectomy. She is doing very well.

We are all sending up our prayers for Michele.

Sending prayers for you Michelle

I had to have mine done when I was 34. I have never heard of hystersisters. But I'm going to check it out. The doc left ONE ovary. So now I have PMS and the whole menopause thing going on. Sorry if I offended any guys in here.

Anyway, it sounds as if you are a very strong woman with all that you have been through already. And, there will be a lot of support on here when/if you need it. I will be praying for you. I will also be looking for updates. (((((((Michele))))))) You are no alone, at all!!

Looking for update. Prayers continue.

sending prayers your way Michelle, I too think and pray about you often

Update: wasn't able to get my mammogram because someone dropped the ball and the orders and films didn't get sent to the imaging center, bloodwork came back severly anemic so I meet with the hematologist to discuss blood transfusion vs iron infusion in order to get levels where they need to be for surgery. After weighing all my options and researching, we are opting for a hysterectomy.

sending good thoughts and prayers. Best of luck with all the pre-op work. Just follow doctors orders for post surgery. Don't lift anything heavy. I tried to move a 40lb box of cat litter 2 feet and it didn't feel good. I just tried lifting one side of the box and it wasn't the smartest thing I did. Good luck, we're here for you. Hugs.