Hi Ladies,
First let me say I've read many posts here and you are some of the most kind-hearted and empowering women I've ever come across!!
Here's my story: Monday Aug 6 - I went for my annual pap and mamogram. I mentioned there were 3 months between my last two periods....that is very unusual. For the past year, up until this past April, I had been having a period about every 3 weeks, very heavy/clotting bleeding. Also, I mentioned my lower back hurting. When I first noticed the pain was when I woke up in the mornings. But now the pain wakes me up about 2-3 hours after I've gone to bed. Seems to be worse about 2 weeks before my period. Back in Jan my husband broke his back, so I bought a foam mattress topper hoping that would help my back too...helped him but not me.
My ob/gyn decided to send me for blood work, thought she would check and see if I was in menopause and check my thyroid. Also said it might be a good idea to have a pelvic sonogram. I did both that same day.
A few days later, the nurse called me. Asked me if I was sitting down and told me to take notes.
1. My thyroid level was 10.21 - normal range is .4 - 4.5 - so, I'm Hypothyroid. That explains sooo many things...hair falling out, EXTREME fatigue, not being able to lose weight, etc.
2. My Left Ovary has 3 good size cysts of concern. My uterus has growths inside.
My dr. wants me to go for a CA125 that day if possible - I do it. This was on Wed Aug 8.
On Thur Aug 9 - Nurse calls, my CA 125 was in normal range. But, my mamogram showed a Dense mass in the right breast. Made me an appointment for a spot compression on Mon Aug 13. Also made me an appointment to come back for a consultation with my ob/gyn on Mon Aug 13.
I went in for the spot compression - tech took 2 films, then came back and took one more. Radiologist said all looked fine, follow up in one year.
Ob/gyn - went for my consultation - suggested that I make an appointment with my surgeon about the breast issue - about 4 years ago I had a dense tissue mass removed from the right breast - it was benign.
My consult with my ob/gyn was a little concerning to me. She said I have "mutiple" cysts on my Left Ovary. But 3 are of concern. One cyst is between 5-6 cm, the other two are between 6-7 cm. I don't remember the exact size. At the time, I didn't know to ask what type they were. She scheduled me for Laparscopy on Sept 13. Is going to remove the cysts if at all possible, if not...then the ovary will be removed. Says they need to be biopsied. She will also take a good look at the uterus, buts seems to think they are fibroids. She did try to get the laparoscopy for this next week but the surgery center is booked up. I live in a very rural are of NE Texas and not near a city - so, we are a little limited here.
Wed Aug 13 - I had a visit and exam with my surgeon. He was appalled by the Radiologist report on my breast. Too much conflicting info from one report to the other. Wants me to have a Digital Mamogram is coming Wed with a "qualified" radiologist. Says the DM will be more accurate and this the radiologist that will be taking care of me...this is his specialty. My surgeon is expecting good news from the DM.
Recvd my Pap results - all is ok.
That was a lot to digest!
I have been reading and researching problems with the thyroid and ovaries . I have soooo many symptoms of both. All are subtle tho. I just never connected the dots - never thought all the little signs were trying to speak to me. Just thought it was age....I'm 43.
I'm very Thankful she tested my thyroid. I'm very Thankful she sent me for the pelvic sonogram.
I can't help but wonder what she will find when she does the surgery. I don't think I'm really worried, but it's just the "unknown" factor that gets to me.
I have decided that "if" it does turn out to be cancerous, I will request that she refer me to MD Anderson in Houston. That is about a 6 hr drive for us. I don't want to "borrow trouble" but I need to cover my bases and have a plan....at least that's what I keep telling myself.
For those of you that have been in this situation...does it sound like my dr is taking the right steps? Not that I don't trust her - she is a wonderful dr and is very caring and I do trust her - just wondering.