Three days before Christmas last year, I underwent a hysterectomy. Turned out I had a tumor behind my uterus the size of an orange.After having a routine pap done, the nurse practioner suggested I have a uterine ultrasound. That was just the beginning. That same day I got a CA 125 blood test done. The next morning she called me and suggested I see a gynecological oncologist. Wait a minute! I know what that means, let me sit down here and ask a few questions. My head began to spin, I got a little out of breath. The CA125 was elevated, that had happened before about 6 years ago...when I had my ovaries removed along with a benign tumor on one of them. But, what does it mean this time? I had to get some info fast. I called Dr. Dan and he said I needed to get the tumor out. I didn't want to hear that. I wanted to go back to my Christmas planning agenda, shop for my grandsons, anything but have an operation! And, to go to a specialist in Santa Barbara, no way.
This shows how little most people know about things. They were cutting me loose, sending me away. Getting rid of me. Well, think again. I have options, people! So there. I made some more phone calls, and ended up with a complete stranger from Hearst Cancer Center telling me I could have a biopsy done right here. She gave me a doctor's name, Safarik, an OB/Gyn right here in Pismo Beach.
That's how I ended up having surgery about a week later. It all happened so fast. We had Christmas a week early, the boyz love that part. I was home on Christmas Day, recuperating from having my appendix, gall bladder and uterus removed along with a few tumors. 95% the good Doctor said, but wouldn't commit to what the 5% left was. That was to be revealed much later.
