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The ultrasound was enlightening. It revealed that I have a large (2 inch) fibroid sitting right on top of my uterus. I even got to see the ultrasound picture of it -- big, bulgy, and a little bit scary.
That explains the hellish periods I've been having. Fortunately fibroids are usually benign, so cancer isn't a concern at this point. The heavy bleeding is, though, and the ultrasound tech told me that there are two main methods of treatment: cut off the fibroid's blood supply to starve it out, or, given that I'm probably close to menopause anyway, remove my entire uterus.
*gulp*
Not cheerful news. But this thing has probably been slowly growing for about two years, so it's not like I have to make a decision in the next few days.
I also stopped at CancerCare, which is in the same hospital, and dropped off a couple of vinyl bags of oncology supplies that had belonged to my mother (who as you may or may not recall died almost exactly a year ago). One of the nurses at the desk was a chemo nurse who'd been my mother's regular care provider, and we talked a bit about my mom and how she was always so upbeat; the nurse told me that it was an honor and a pleasure to have known her. She gave me a hug before I left, which helped the feelings of sad remembrance that came with entering the cancer treatment centre again.
Then I took a nice walk from the hospital to the bus stop on Portage Avenue, through a beautiful summer afternoon with the sun shining and birds singing. It was just the sort of day that my mother would have really enjoyed.
When I got downtown I had lunch at Soup, Sandwiches & More (chicken salad on brown and a bowl of red lentil soup), and had the pleasure of listening to a street performer who was playing distinctly Parisian melodies on an accordian (certainly worth at least the $2 coin I tossed into her hat). Then down to Safeway for groceries, and then home.
And now at last the final HB pages are hitting the server. To work, to work!
That explains the hellish periods I've been having. Fortunately fibroids are usually benign, so cancer isn't a concern at this point. The heavy bleeding is, though, and the ultrasound tech told me that there are two main methods of treatment: cut off the fibroid's blood supply to starve it out, or, given that I'm probably close to menopause anyway, remove my entire uterus.
*gulp*
Not cheerful news. But this thing has probably been slowly growing for about two years, so it's not like I have to make a decision in the next few days.
I also stopped at CancerCare, which is in the same hospital, and dropped off a couple of vinyl bags of oncology supplies that had belonged to my mother (who as you may or may not recall died almost exactly a year ago). One of the nurses at the desk was a chemo nurse who'd been my mother's regular care provider, and we talked a bit about my mom and how she was always so upbeat; the nurse told me that it was an honor and a pleasure to have known her. She gave me a hug before I left, which helped the feelings of sad remembrance that came with entering the cancer treatment centre again.
Then I took a nice walk from the hospital to the bus stop on Portage Avenue, through a beautiful summer afternoon with the sun shining and birds singing. It was just the sort of day that my mother would have really enjoyed.
When I got downtown I had lunch at Soup, Sandwiches & More (chicken salad on brown and a bowl of red lentil soup), and had the pleasure of listening to a street performer who was playing distinctly Parisian melodies on an accordian (certainly worth at least the $2 coin I tossed into her hat). Then down to Safeway for groceries, and then home.
And now at last the final HB pages are hitting the server. To work, to work!
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I know for my mom, she had surgery to remove a large "chocolate cyst" a few years ago (not anything like chocolate in a good way...the reasoning is actually really gory sounding. but anyway). She was in her mid fifties and in peri menopause (yes, STILL...argh) and they outright refused to take her uterus. They took her ovaries and fallopian tubes, but NOT her uterus. They said doing so would be deterimental in a lot of ways and that they do not do this unless it is absolutely, positively necessary.
She wanted them to and they refused to do it. So, there is a good chance your doc won't go that route.
Keep us posted, we're all rooting for you...
You've inspired me to perhaps get an ultrasound done. I also have very heavy bleeding and clotting, but have since I started my period. The medical powers that be were convinced that's "just how i am" as nothing ever showed up on a pelvic etc, but it's worth checking out, anyway.The story about the nurse remembering your mom was very touching. I thank you for sharing it. The soup and sandwich place sounds cool, I'll have to check it out.
I have to share..did you know your journal is one of my all time faves to read? Your writing is so clear I can picture your day's happenings. You truly inspire !
Blessings..
Jill