I've mentioned in passing how I've been experiencing a "marathon period" for the last several weeks. I just figured it's due to being perimenpausal. I've even joked that it's like the grand finale at the fireworks show.

Today I had my annual gynecological exam and it appears that there is a "growth" or "mass" in my vagina. I'll see a GYN specialist next Thursday. The nurse practitioner who did today's exam said she'd never seen anything like it. She mentioned that I could end up getting a hysterectomy.

The "C" word was never mentioned and there's no point in speculating. I'll be happy if an operation is all I need. Of course, the first question that crossed my mind is, how much weight will I lose? :grouphug:

I saw the gynecologist yesterday. She said if I'm a lucky woman, I have a fibroid that has prolapsed into my cervix. If I'm not lucky, I have cervical cancer. She was hoping she would be able to call me with the results of the biopsy yesterday afternoon but no call ever came. I'm getting my nails done this morning and if I haven't heard anything by the time I'm done, I'll be calling the office. I'd rather not spend the weekend not knowing what's next.

Good Luck Longhorn, I have a strong feeling that you have a fibroid. I hope I'm right.

I know how hard it can be to wait for a Diagnosis. Several years ago my husband had a biopsy on his prostate and we had to wait for the results. Turned out he did have cancer. We were very surprised by the news, he was only 54 at the time, but we're grateful it was detected very early.

He had surgery and is doing fine now. He has bloodwork every six months now as a followup.

Let us know as soon as you hear, I'll be thinking postive thoughts!

Thanks, shortgal! My mother and younger sister both had fibroids and ended up with hysterectomies. My mother was only in her 30's; my sister had just turned 50. No one in the family has had cancer, let alone cervical cancer, and I read through the list of risk factors and not one of them applies to me! Of course, we don't always know what causes it.

I'm glad your husband had a good outcome! My father-in-law also got treated for prostate cancer. I was looking up survival rates and prostate cancer has a 99% survival rate when detected early. The survival rate for cervical cancer is also relatively high with early detection. It justs shows how important it is to get regular check-ups and tests!

Well I certainly hope it's the positive outcome Longhorn. As you say because of the early detection I would think you should be okay either way. Good luck!

I hope the lab news was good Longhorn. My fingers are crossed for you.

BTW, I just got out of MY pap appointment (loads of fun), which I scheduled because of your post. Thanks again for the reminder.

On the plus side, this is the frst time I have gone in and weighed 30 pounds less than the previous appointment. I had a great big smile on my face (until my feet went into the stirrups and I heard the snap of the latex glove). I even let the NP feel my port, and I explained how the band works.

Well, there have been developments but no real news. The GYN office called this morning and had not heard back about the biopsy but wanted me to get a CT scan, which I did this afternoon. Then a little bit ago, I got a call from another doctor, a cancer specialist referred by the GYN. The biopsy was inconclusive and the CT scan showed a large mass (no wonder I'm overweight!!!!) but they still don't know what's going on. She wanted me to have her contact information in case the bleeding is worse over the weekend (it's actually better) and I'm going to see her Monday at 12:30.

The cancer doctor wanted to know what I had inside of me! She was talking about the lap-band -- she had never seen one on a CT scan before. :confused:

Thanks, Foofy and Sades, and the rest of my November Nymphs! :hurray:

Let's pray they can take it out, that it's non cancerous and that it weighs 20 pounds!

so the CT scan was ok to do even though our ports have metal?

I never heard of a biopsy being inconclusive. You must be so confused.

Are you seeing the Cancer Dr or the GYN on Monday? I was confused on that part.

Try to relax, I guess less bleeding is a help to you right now. We'll be waiting to hear on Monday.

Let's pray they can take it out, that it's non cancerous and that it weighs 20 pounds!

so the CT scan was ok to do even though our ports have metal?

I never heard of a biopsy being inconclusive. You must be so confused.

Are you seeing the Cancer Dr or the GYN on Monday? I was confused on that part.

Try to relax, I guess less bleeding is a help to you right now. We'll be waiting to hear on Monday.

Thanks, shortgal! Your first sentence -- I'll second that! :hurray:

They knew I had lap-band surgery and didn't hesitate about the CT so I guess it was okay. When I had the bone density scan on Wednesday, the technician asked if I had an insulin pump. :confused:

I'm seeing the cancer doctor on Monday. I have to say, I'm very impressed with the care I've received so far, with the exception of my phone experience last Friday. I really like the GYN and she has personally stayed on top of my case. When I call her office and say my name, I'm immediately put through to the nurse. The biopsy and CT were ordered STAT, and then I get a call from the cancer doctor personally. Our local radiologist has a fantastic set-up where you do very little waiting (I was just there Wednesday) and they do little extras like bring a pre-warmed blanket when you're waiting in the gown. They have a separate waiting area for women getting mammograms, too.

I've decided to assume that this group of medical professionals is like this with everyone and not just treating me this way because my case is so serious -- just potentially serious. I had a bit of a weak moment after my appointment yesterday when I called my boss to tell her I wasn't going to tutor that day -- I didn't want to be getting a call about my biopsy results while I was at work. I didn't have a problem calling my husband -- gotta stay strong for him and our kids. :biggrin:

Sending positive vibes and Prayers your way Longhorn....

Thanks, Shalee!! :confused:

I have a question, I had a fill a week ago, its pretty tight but I am losing weight. It seems like today its not tight at all, just all the sudden, does anyone know why that would happen?

I've mentioned in passing how I've been experiencing a "marathon period" for the last several weeks. I just figured it's due to being perimenpausal. I've even joked that it's like the grand finale at the fireworks show. :confused:

The "C" word was never mentioned and there's no point in speculating. I'll be happy if an operation is all I need. Of course, the first question that crossed my mind is, how much weight will I lose? :hurray:

Sorry to hear about your medical problems, my prayers are with you, good luck

Sorry to hear about your medical problems, my prayers are with you, good luck

This is the strangest thing! The first email alert I got about your post included text that was full of helpful advice and links concerning endometriosis. But the post never made it on the board, that I can see. Thank you so much for your help. I will bring it up to my doctor!

YOu are in my prayers Lady!! I hope you find out some concrete answers soon, I do believe it is the not knowing that is worse than knowing what it is your facing.......Hugz!!

I hope you can do something fun this weekend to take your mind off of it for at least a few hours!

Keep us informed!!

I have a question, I had a fill a week ago, its pretty tight but I am losing weight. It seems like today its not tight at all, just all the sudden, does anyone know why that would happen?

sherriberry: I don't think it's unusual for your band to loosen up after a fill. There can be some initial swelling due to the adjustment and when that goes down, you're not as tight. I've heard of just the opposite, too -- that a fill "kicks in" a couple of weeks after. It seems to be different with each person and even each fill. Good luck!