u/Deep_Sector_7047

Hello all, I am due to see the gynaecology oncologist tomorrow, but I’m just gathering a few more questions to ask. And I wondered if anyone could possibly share their experience, please. I am UK based if that makes a difference.

I am currently on the cancer pathway and have my surgery booked for next Thursday. I’ve had X-rays, transvaginal and abdominal ultra sound, and had a pelvic MRI which included the contrast dye. I am 45 and have been in peri menopause since 39, and have been taking HRT estrogel 4 pumps a day and ustrogen (progesterone) 200mg orally every 14 days for 14 days at a time. I have been on some form of HRT since around 2023. I still have horrific cold night sweats (literally having to change bedding and clothing), and often have hot flushes and other symptoms. Still can’t really wear a coat in the cold weather. I’m also heavy bleeding every 2 weeks with a period.

Tests so far (thankfully now suggest unlikely to be ovarian cancer), however I have a 10cm ish complex cyst (that needs further investigating), additional ovarian cysts, large 10cm fibroid and several smaller fibroids. I am due to have an open abdominal hysterectomy, where everything will be removed ovaries, tubes, uterus and cervix. And will go into surgical menopause immediately.

So, after all that! My question is for those that have had a similar situation, will I still need progesterone do you think? ATM I take 200mg as I’m on a high dose of estrogen, to protect my womb lining from thickening (but that’s obviously being yeeted next week so no longer an issue). I find progesterone really helps with aches and pains, so I’m a little concerned. I also think my entire HRT regimen needs looking as I’m still suffering with symptoms. I’ve already tried oral, patch and now use gel estrogen, which seems to be the lesser of the other two evils.

I guess, I’m wondering how hormonally imbalanced I may become post surgery. And I’d like to be ready with some more questions for my appt tomorrow.

Thanks for reading x

Hey everyone, I am a new lurker but just wanted to check in and say hi. I’m also feeling all kind of things right now.

Little (probably a lot) of history (all a bit messy)… I’m based in the UK and currently on the NHS cancer pathway.

It all started with horrific coccyx pain (still on going). Went for an xray, thankfully they xrayed my pelvis too as they don’t normally xray the coccyx. Received a text message to say all bones and joints good, but they’d found a uterine fibroid and nothing to worry about.

I was then sent for an ultrasound that same week and they couldn’t work out how a fibroid had been picked up. I was told there were actually a bunch of cysts and a sizeable one.

Next day doctor put me on the cancer pathway, gave me morphine for the pain, sent for a bunch of bloods and was referred to gynaecologist. Spent 2 weeks convinced I had ovarian cancer and had to chase the appointment.

Saw the gynaecologist who said don’t worry it’s a fibroma. Pretty much certain not cancer, left ovary is blown and uterus is now warped. No complex cyst at all. Hysterectomy for sure. Yay me!

Then his letter came out completely contradicting that, stating I had a 10cm fibroid uterus and several fibroids and a nearly 10cm complex cyst! I was so worn out my by this, I just thought get the MRI done that’ll show a clearer picture. Had to chase those results again and get PALS involved as two weeks later on the cancer pathway, I still hadn’t had the MRI released by radiology. Thankfully, PALS and the wonderful woman at the assessment unit emailed lent on Radiology and my gynaecologist to a) hurry him the hell up and b) get him to talk to me because everyone is saying differing things.

So, he called and has told me I’m borderline, they’ve caught it in time, but doesn’t think it’s cancer 🤷🏼‍♀️. Make up your mind my dude. Definitely a hysterectomy with both ovaries, falopian tubes and uterus going. MDT meeting Tuesday, he’ll call Wednesday after he’s spoken to everyone. But I will also be pushing to yeet my cervix as well.

Anyway, I’m feeling all kinds of strange, worn out and just want to sleep constantly through exhaustion and pain. Won’t believe it’s not cancer until it’s tested as lost a bit of faith in everyone. I’m a full time carer to my blind and severely disabled non-verbal son, so am already stressing about recovery time. Leaning on others and sorting their annual leave. But thankfully, I do have a lovely husband who is keeping me going.

Currently getting organised for everything I’m gonna need post-surgery and just trying to will the days to go faster. I’m 45 in perimenopause and just need this all to be sorted ASAP. Please tell me it gets better 🙈.

Thank you if you’ve read this far, just needed to vent to people who understand. This Reddit board has been an amazing source of info and I thank you all for your contributions. Roll on Wednesday, then the op. If nothing else, I’m looking forward to being knocked right out and getting to sleep for a while 😂.