Tuesday 17 February 2015

I didn't know

I didn't know the hospital I went to liked to boil their patients before any operation. My, it was hot in the room and opening a window wasn't always possible. Although once I had the room to myself, I did open the window at night.

I didn't know the hospital I went to was scared to cut of one of my arms: they put on a name tag on both arms! Fortunately I came home with both arms intact. Albeit with a few more holes in hands and elbow pits. 

I didn't know why the local hospital had sent me to the Bergen university hospital. Well, something to do with blood tests being too high, but that could mean just about anything. Perhaps I had been sat too high and should have been sat on the floor while they took the test? 

Well, on arriving in Bergen I soon found out. Because one of the first things I was asked to do was sign two forms, both to do with research into cancerous growths. Yes, cancer. The Big C. As in cancer in the ovaries. Let me explain... 

One of the things they test during the blood test is a thing called CA125 which can indicate a higher chance of cancer in the ovaries. And my values were higher than they should be during the first test and even higher the second time they tested. Which indicated that the chance of me having cancer was quite high. Which meant no local hospital, but a full out university hospital with all the possibilities to do the best job ever. 

The surgeon (Dutch which was really nice) told me about everything and told me about what they were going to do: take out the uterus (because yes, that contained the big myoma), take out the ovaries (because of the cancer) and take out several lymphnodes in my belly lining. After the two hour operation I would need to recover and then I would get injections for a month (I would have to do that myself after the hospital stay). They didn't mention any other treatment at that point. 

To be continued... (although don't worry about the cancer: I don't have it)

7 comments:

  1. Hari Om
    Okay, I got shudders... only because early this morning (long before your post appeared here), I found you firmly in mind and I thought, good, she is taking time, enjoying having mum nearby, and behaving.

    Whilst it is a bit strange you were not advised of reasons a little ahead of time, it certainly seems that your best care has been attended to and that is all to the good.

    Yuk. Self-jabbing. May the month be fast. Stay coddled m'dear. Hugs, YAM xx

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    1. Behaving? Wherever did you get that idea from?

      I thought it was quite strange as well and think they were remiss in not doing so. Even if I could have asked questions and didn't, I still feel they should have told me more. Mind you, I might have a lot more nervous in that case as well.

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  2. Hope your mum can stay the month. Good news on the c word. Take care and will keep checking for posts from my favorite bus driver!

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    1. My mum is only staying until this Saturday, but I am able to do everything I need to. If I need help with anything Facebook is the perfect helpline. There are so many people who are willing to pick me up for whatever reason.

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  3. I'm so glad to hear that you don't have cancer. That is good news. Hope your doing better today and continue to get well soon!

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  4. Glad you included the last line and didn't leave us hanging! Still praying for peace and smooth healing. It's been a bit hectic around here too. Waiting to hear the rest of the update. Blessings.

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  5. Oh, Mara, that was a lot of surgery for someone as young as you! I hope you are doing well in the recovery process. My doctor has advised against the CA125 when I asked about it, because it's not very precise in predicting cancer. I'm so glad it was wrong in your case!

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Any weighty (and not so weighty) comments are welcome!