Hello, i am sorry to hear your news. I have the same type as you and just found out in the last couple months. My gynecologist found mine and removed only the tumor and then referred me over to a gyn oncologist. Not the preferred way, but next thing I did was to find the best gynecologist oncologist in my area. He looked at all my records and ordered another ct scan of my pelvic area and more blood work. Since we thought mine was stage 1 based off the first surgery, he did not recommend chemo yet at this point.
I just had my second surgery with this new dr, and because the tumor ruptured during the initial surgery, we did a full hysterectomy, removal of both ovaries and tubes, and lower omentum, which is the lower stomach lining. He also did a saline wash, which checks the stomach fluids for cancerous cells, and lymph node samples, checking for same. I am recovering great. However, because a tiny speck was found in my lower omentum, he is now requiring me to do chemo, which will start in a few weeks. I will need six rounds, but he told me I will be able to continue working. Thereafter, we will check with physical examinations, inhibin a and b blood tests. No cancer was found on my ovaries, uterus, etc. My new surgeon said there was no residual disease on the first ovary that had the tumor.
Your new Gyn oncologist will probably want to order a ct scan and blood work. Then he or she will recommend surgery to do staging and see where you are at with the disease. Yours may end there with your second surgery. It is important to find a good surgeon and to keep a positive attitude. I am not happy to have cancer, but at least we are told it is a slow growing one. You will need to work with your doctor for your plan of action, and then do yearly testing thereafter.
One thing my new surgeon told me is that since the speck didn't show up on ct scan, let's go ahead w chemo rounds because it would take years for something that size to show up on scan.
In cases where the gct is confined to the ovaries, surgery may be all you need to do and then, of course, your regular blood tests, etc, afterwards. I have gotten the surgery part done and will now focus on chemo. I do not plan on letting this totally get me down. Take it one step at a time and think positive! Also, the internet has lots of great info, but remember that if you read too much, it will make you worry needlessly!
God bless and best of luck!
Amy
I forgot to ask you, did your GCT rupture when you had your first surgery? You didn't mention it, so I am hoping not. That would be even better for you!
I am 38 and so far I have not noticed any signs of surgical menopause, hot flashes, etc. my surgeon told me we can try natural remedies first if I need to do anything in that area at all.
Best of luck to you and your new surgeon. I said a prayer for you last night, as I have faith God knows all we are going through and I will trust in Him! :)
Amy