I can’t think of what to call this post. I was trying to come up with some clever ode to my reproductive system. I’ve got nothin’.
This week was, indeed, the discussion of what to do with all that reproductive stuff. Because of my BRCA1 gene, I’m at a higher risk for ovarian cancer too. FUN. Most women have a very low chance of developing ovarian cancer in their lifetimes - around 1%. Mostly that would be over age 70. Me? Around a 40% chance. It increases as I get older, but basically over 35 with BRCA1 it’s suggested that maybe the ovaries n’at should just go.
Solution: Later, ovaries and fallopian tubes!
Wait. Fallopian tubes too? I heard from a friend earlier in this process that they’re discovering many ovarian cancers actually form in the fallopian tubes - the things that connect the ovaries to the uterus - and then travel to the ovaries. So, they can go.
And while we’re in there, let’s just pop out the uterus too. I might have a slightly higher chance than the rest of the population when it comes to uterine cancer, or not. It’s not clear yet. But why risk it?
So, yes. I’m going to have all those pieces taken out. They’re small, but as I was sitting in the waiting room for a really long time because the office was running behind, I went online and read up on how the procedure is done. It’s fascinating, and delicate, and there’s a ligament that made me giggle because, hey, gotta find humor in some stuff: infundibulopelvic ligament. Anyway, they don’t want to damage anything, like, say, your bladder, while they are performing the surgery. Punctured bladder = bad.
It appears that this procedure is higher risk on lean people. I do not currently have that problem.
Summing up: No babies. That’s fine. I’ve not had any, and I’ve been perfectly content as a dog mum for the last five years. If I ever change my mind, I will adopt. Probably one that’s potty trained already and is having a harder time finding a home. That’s how I roll.
The surgeon who is going to do this surgery for me asked my dogs’ names, and I theirs, so I’m glad we are on the same page.
If you’re reading this and freaking out about ovarian cancer now, please don’t. It is *very* rare. And only one in 500 women in the United States has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Your chances of having this are very, very low.
I’m special. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!
In other news: Pelvic ultrasound requested by surgeon. Scheduled. Date: December 24th. Christmas Eve.
Finally, I’m going to have an ultrasound on a ‘normal’ female part! I’ve had them on my ankle, knee and tatas. Finally, the area most women get an ultrasound on!