Amanda’s Ovarian Tumor
Donation protected
As unbelievable as it sounds, I started experiencing symptoms similar to my mother. She is currently coming to the end of her battle with ovarian cancer. If it weren’t for what I’ve seen her go through and for her constantly pressuring me to be seen I would have continued to push through the pain. After countless doctor appointments, bloodwork, tests and scans, I have been diagnosed with a large ovarian tumor.
It’s been a very difficult journey to get to this point . I’ve been told all kinds of crazy things like: I had a cyst that was completely normal and would go away on its own, that I wasn’t experiencing the pain I felt, and that I don’t have any broken bones. Not to mention one of my favorites that corn contributes to weight gain.
In the meantime my tumor has doubled in size. The good news is that all my tumor markers have come back negative, as well as a negative biopsy of the uterus. They are not able to biopsy the actual tumor for risk of spreading. Based on the MRI they think I have a Brenner tumor. Brenner tumors are extremely rare and make up only about 1% of all tumors found.
I am scheduled to have surgery this Thursday, March 8. The plan is for the surgeon to go in with a camera through my bellybutton. My incision will depend on what she finds. The previous surgeon said I would be unable to have a Laparoscopic incision due to risk of spreading. My current oncologist is planning a laparoscopic incision. She most likely will not go through my C-section scar because of location and scar tissue . Unfortunately there’s a possibility that I may need to be opened from my belly button down.
I will be having at least one ovary, the tumor, and lymph nodes removed. When they test the tumor while I’m still under they may need to do a complete hysterectomy and staging. The doctor has agreed not to do anything to my colon or intestines.
I am still very hopeful that it is not cancer and that if it is cancer that we caught it before it spread to other areas. As frustrating as this process has been I am very grateful that I have a gynecology oncologist from City of Hope and that my tumor is finally being taken seriously.
This tumor has caused me a lot of pain and other problems. As nervous as I am I can’t wait to get it out!
A couple people have asked if there’s anything they can do to help. I have already used all my vacation time at work and I’ve been off the last two weeks helping my mother. After my surgery I’ll be off for at least 6 to 8 weeks depending on my incision. Right now I’m very overwhelmed by the financial burden.
Thank you for any help I really appreciate it
XOXO
Amanda
It’s been a very difficult journey to get to this point . I’ve been told all kinds of crazy things like: I had a cyst that was completely normal and would go away on its own, that I wasn’t experiencing the pain I felt, and that I don’t have any broken bones. Not to mention one of my favorites that corn contributes to weight gain.
In the meantime my tumor has doubled in size. The good news is that all my tumor markers have come back negative, as well as a negative biopsy of the uterus. They are not able to biopsy the actual tumor for risk of spreading. Based on the MRI they think I have a Brenner tumor. Brenner tumors are extremely rare and make up only about 1% of all tumors found.
I am scheduled to have surgery this Thursday, March 8. The plan is for the surgeon to go in with a camera through my bellybutton. My incision will depend on what she finds. The previous surgeon said I would be unable to have a Laparoscopic incision due to risk of spreading. My current oncologist is planning a laparoscopic incision. She most likely will not go through my C-section scar because of location and scar tissue . Unfortunately there’s a possibility that I may need to be opened from my belly button down.
I will be having at least one ovary, the tumor, and lymph nodes removed. When they test the tumor while I’m still under they may need to do a complete hysterectomy and staging. The doctor has agreed not to do anything to my colon or intestines.
I am still very hopeful that it is not cancer and that if it is cancer that we caught it before it spread to other areas. As frustrating as this process has been I am very grateful that I have a gynecology oncologist from City of Hope and that my tumor is finally being taken seriously.
This tumor has caused me a lot of pain and other problems. As nervous as I am I can’t wait to get it out!
A couple people have asked if there’s anything they can do to help. I have already used all my vacation time at work and I’ve been off the last two weeks helping my mother. After my surgery I’ll be off for at least 6 to 8 weeks depending on my incision. Right now I’m very overwhelmed by the financial burden.
Thank you for any help I really appreciate it
XOXO
Amanda
Organizer
Amanda Boyd
Organizer
Lancaster, CA
