Monday, January 12, 2009

Surgery Update

We met with the surgeon today and he referred me to a specialist in Wichita. The surgeon here says this ovarian mass is "very suspicious" for cancer because it's solid and has finger-like projections. He wants to send me to a gynecological oncologist in Wichita. There are two. I'm seeing the one who's the head of the department Thursday morning.

I'm going to the appointment with my bags packed, ready to go to the hospital. They didn't tell me to do that, and I doubt it will be that fast, but I'm going prepared just in case they can get me in right away. This thing has to come out of me. As soon as possible. I'm in enough pain today I finally broke down and took one of heavy duty pain pills. It hasn't kicked in yet, but I'm sure it will soon.


I'm hoping for the best. There is no evidence this has spread so even if it is cancer it's possible it can just be surgically removed and I'll have a complete cure.


It's also still very possible it is benign. They cannot tell without surgery.

The doctor today said that he wanted to refer me to a specialist so that just in case it's cancer the operation is being done by someone who does it all the time, instead of him, who does it maybe twice a year.

Of course, having the surgery done in Wichita isn't as convenient, and people won't be able to pop in and visit, and this is scary information, but it's probably all for the best. The larger hospital is also just more equipped to deal with my size. So, it looks like it will be happening at Wesley in Wichita but I don't yet know when.

I'm starting to feel like I need a little graphic for these posts like the news stations do... "Ovary Update... Day 5."  Apologies to my male readers - if I have any left at this point.
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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have at least one male reader left. Thinking the best for you.

Patsy Terrell said...

Thanks... You're a trooper! I'm still optimistic about the whole thing. I'm sure there's a lesson in it all for me.

Anonymous said...

Greg is the trooper here.

The lesson in it for me is that I'm going to have my ovaries removed!

Patsy Terrell said...

Greg has been wonderful. I feel really guilty about him leaving Joplin so suddenly. And I feel awful about how this is affecting him, but I can't do anything about it.

Anonymous said...

You have at least two boy readers :) You will have people popping in to see you, even in Wichita, if you don't mind letting us know where you are at. Thinking good thoughts for you.
Bobby Rozzell
douglas.and.main@gmail.com

Patsy Terrell said...

Thanks, Bobby... That's so kind. I'm getting ready to update the blog, but I'm getting in this afternoon, so things may happen sooner than expected. I'll keep the blog updated - or Greg in my stead - throughout the whole thing. :) Thanks for hanging in through "ovary update 914..." :)

WenDee KE#36 said...

I'm sending you positive thoughts and virtual hugs Patsy. You will be okay, I just know it. We will be there for you.

Patsy Terrell said...

Thanks, WenDee... appreciate the good thoughts.