Cone Biopsy and Then Possibly Hysterectomy

K.,

I have not had the problem with possible cancer, however, the doctor did not know what the tumor was and didn't want to chance it so he suggested a hysterectomy, I was 39. I was very ok with it as I wanted to be here to see my kids grow up and enjoy my grandkids!

But let's put things in a different light, one of the girls I went to High School with just signed off of Caringbridges last night telling us any further updates will be from her family as she will not be able to use her computer. She has hospice caring for her and is waiting for a room at Hospice. Her kids are only young teenagers and they are losing their mom. Trust me if she had the choice she would be here! She has battled breast cancer for 4 years and the last round of Chemo looked good, but then her liver failed!! So for the sake of yourself and your family if the doctor says that is you best bet DO IT!!

I'm not sure what kinds of problems people told you they had, but I have no problems since my hysterectomy and it was 10 years ago, my sister-in-law had hers about 5 years ago and has no problems. I think a lot of it depends on you and whether you wanted the surgery! If I were in your shoes I would have already scheduled everything with the idea that this is for my family to have a mom.

I wish you the best and know that this is not an easy decision! Taking care of ourselves as moms is our #1 job!!
L.

I, too, went through years of bad paps, and had a cone biopsy. Surgery was not necessary at that time. Then I developed severely imbedded cysts in my uteris. They became so painful, surgery to remove the uterus was recommended. I was 46 at the time. I was given the option of removing my ovaries, or keeping them. I chose to have everything removed. Dr. James Morgan in Kansas City North made sure I was getting Evista in my IV in the recovery room. I never had a hot flash, or any of the other "horror story" symptoms. Within 48 hours of the complete hystorectomy, I felt better than I had in years! Eight years later, I have never had a moment of regret. I discontinued the Evista after about a year. I take Actonel once a week to prevent bone loss, and I take Os-Cal + D daily. My bone density tests are better than ever, no weight gain, no night sweats, nothing but good to report here. At the time of my surgery, we had 3 children, the youngest being considerably younger than the other two (she was 4, the others in their 20s!). I decided I would rather do all I could to insure being here for her over seeing that she had a sibling closer to her own age.

Pray for divine order and guidance, and I know you will make the choice that is right for you and your family. Good luck to you.

I had a hysterectomy Decmber 9th. It was WONDERFUL!! Everyone asked me if I was sure I was done having kids. I have only been married for 3 months and have an 8 yo from a previous mariage. I was totally ok with it. As soon as I got out of surgery, my doctor said I would start to feel immediate relief. And I did!!!! I had the hysterectomy on a Tuesday and went back to work the following Monday. No lie! I heard a lot of bad things too and was nervous about doing it but I would do it again in a heartbeat.
You should be more concerned about your life and your health, not if your daughter is going to have a playmate.

I am 39 years old. I have 3.5 yr old b/g twins. They were 5 months old when I had a full hysterectomy. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I had a severe case of endometriosis and, while it was not life threatening, it became a case of quality of life. I spent nearly 10 yrs trying to conceive and finally was doubly blessed through IVF, but I knew I wouldn't be able to care and play with my children as I wanted to. I SO wanted more children, but decided it was better to be the healthiest mommy I could be for the 2 God allowed me....and my 40 yr old husband didn't want anymore. I have never regretted a moment. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to do, but I didn't want to continue to have every moment filled with pain. It is a very difficult decision. As someone said before, pray about it and make the decision that's best for you and your husband. Just know, hysterectomy is not as bad as it's made out to be. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat.

Only you can make this decision. I had a full Hysterectomy 19 years ago I was 42. I had Endometriosis. I put off having a Hysterectomy, Dr's recommended it, but I wouldn't, even through I knew I would not have any more children. I got to the place where I was in bed more often than I was up. I couldn't work when the pain got really bad. It became a disabling pain even if it wasn't life-threatening. My Dr. on a visit with him had a lady come in who was like me and told me her story how much worse it would get, she became bed ridden for a time. I had two children expecting their first child, so I put off surgery till those babies were born and then had the surgery. I never have regretted having the surgery. I get to play and enjoy those grandbabies, I have babysitted with each one, which I couldn't if I hadn't had the surgery. I now have 6 grandchildren to enjoy to the fullest. I didn't know how bad I was till after surgery and I was pain free.

You are involved in church...so you know the power of prayer...go to God with this situation and ask Him for wisdom to help make a decision. My first reaction is that at age 43 your child bearing days are coming quickly to an end....and you already have a wonderful house full of children...my knee jerk reaction is...have the hysterectomy and do everything you can to make the chances of being there to raise your children and enjoy your grandchildren..and your retirement years with your husband better!!! But no one but you...and your husband can make this decision for you.
Have you asked for a 2nd opinion?? I think that I would be tempted to seek a 2nd opinion..since you are so torn about what to do .
There is no guarantee that you will have another child if you wait...and no guarantee that your now 2 year old and the next possible sibling will be close...my oldest and youngest are the closest to each other...so age really has nothing to do with it.
Have you gone to your oldest children with this information?? I think you would get a very clear answer if you asked them what THEY want you to do!!
God bless you...and grant you wisdom.
R. Ann

I'm sorry, I have no experience with this - but for goodness sake, if your doctor determines that a hysterectomy will save you from cancer, DO IT. Yes, you are 43 with 4 natural born children. That's more than a lot of women get. Protect your own life and BE THERE for your children. Your youngest daughter will be fine without another sibling. Once the cancer starts, it could be very hard to stop. Personally, I don't believe herbs and praying will cure you. I would not risk defying my doctor's opinion on this. Good luck.

Oh, this reminds me of my good friend's neighbor. She was diagnosed with breast cancer but REFUSED to have a masectomy. She INSISTED on keeping her breasts. It was the stupidest thing I ever heard of!! Well, she was soon dead and her 2 grade-school-age children get to grow up in grief. Please don't let some weird mental block (i.e. an inability to let go of your childbearing self-image) keep you from saving your own life.

I have a 38 yr old friend and a 30 yr old cousin who both had hysterectomys last year (both for medical reasons). They did leave their ovaries - not sure if that's an option for you. Neither one had problems and recovered fine. I can understand your need for another child but if your health is in risk and it could turn into cancer - wouldn't you want to be there for your current children? Just my thoughts. Good luck in your decision.

I know you need said you wanted to possibly give your youngest a sibling closerr to her age, but my advice is to consider the children and family you have now. Put your health first, and the chance to stay cancer free. There is always adoption if you really want that 6th child down the line.

If it were me and being the age of 43 even younger 32 and over and have some issues with the possibly of somethig turning into cancer by all means take it away and i'll be happy to be here for my children that I have now.By the way I had a scare of the possiblity of me having breastcancer after my daughter was born so making decisions comes fast not so easy but you have to.I'm pregnany with my 3rd baby I plan to have no more children after the age of 30-32 I have said this from my 1st pregnancy just to much of a risk as a woman ages.Good Luck

Honey you go for it!!! I had very similiar problems with many years of uncomfortable periods and no one could find the answers. Then it showed itself, yes the hysterectomy would take care of it. It has now been over 8 years and I feel great and my kids are very much a part of my life. Which could have gone another way. I got it before anything developed so they were able to keep one ovary and at this time it has now died out on it's own with hardly any problems-oh an occasional hot flash but considering the other well that was worth it. Let the family help you and don't rush back to house work especially the vaccum cleaner-that really is one of the hardest things to do to your body right after surgery-let the kids help. Prayers help and yes you will get thru all the pain and it will be gone before you know it. My pryers go out to you-now go make your appointment and smile-you will live to talk about it later.

Hi K.,
I am so sorry to hear of your complications. I have no experience with these issues, but just wanted to let you know you could try a more natural approach. I recommend reading the book Calling of an angel, by Dr. Gary Glum. You may need to request that your library borrow it from another library. I think mine borrowed it from Jefferson county, CO. It is about a Canadian nurse Rene Caisse who was curing cancer back in the 1920's with an herbal Ojibwa Indian recipe, and her fight to make it legally available to anyone wanting it. I also recommend Herbal Healer based in Mountain View, AR. for natural medicines. You can get the 4 herb tea, which is a generic of Essiac, and maybe some super femplex supplements to use with the tea. http://www.herbalhealer.com/
http://www.herbalhealer.com/essiac.html
http://www.herbalhealer.com/women.html
Good luck, and God bless, K.

K.,
I struggled with the knowledge of having no more babies too. It was and still is a heart wrenching choice to make. I will tell you that it gets better over time. Feeling healthy kinda over rules the sadness of never being able to give birth ever again. You will realize that it was the best outcome for your future. I just am so happy that I have had the opportunity to have three healthy boys before I had to have my Hysterectomy. I always wanted a girl but my body said enough! At age 34 my time was up and the survival instincts kicked in and said... things could be worse. I put it behind me and try not to dwell on what could have been. When my friends complain about their periods,a sense of joy comes over me that I don't have that problem anymore. Also my relationship with my hubby intensified. Things are definitly more intimate without having mother nature in the way.
I am not much for pain meds so I did without & recovered very quickly. Don't be afraid we all are here for you! You will make the right choice, listen to your body. Sending Much love and tenderness your way!

Get a 2nd opinion before deciding on the hysterectomy to find out how urgent it is.

I had a total hysterectomy and do NOT regret it one minute of any day. I had endometriosis since my early 20's, was blessed by God to have two beautiful children and begged my doctor for the big H after 5 years of 20+ days of bleeding each and every month. I'm 44, have not had hot flashes or night sweats but am more emotional than I was before, if that is possible :)But I'm with many of the other responders, I would chose life and seeing my current children grow up over anything else. Good luck and many prayers coming your way.