Last week, while on vacation with my family in the Outer Banks, I began getting sicker. The pain / cramping grew worse and also moved into my lower back causing my legs to shake in agony. Every time I ate I got incredibly nauseous to the point that I kept a bowl by my bed. Not the way I imagined spending my vacation.
Over the course of two to three days I spoke with my oncologist, Dr. David Heyer’s office and my OB GYN, Dr. Roopa Duggal’s office over a dozen times. Dr. Heyer told me the issue sounded like it was being caused by the tissue build up which was the main issue that was never resolved during the biopsy. He advised that I stop taking the Tamoxifen and head to the hospital in the Outer Banks. Dr. Duggal told me that it sounded like I had a virus and ordered me nausea medicine.
I did a little of both. I stopped taking the Tamoxifen and started taking the nausea medicine to give me some relief during my vacation. I asked Dr. Heyer for the name of a doctor that could “fix me” having knowledge in both cancer and women’s health issues. I have no hard feelings toward Dr. Roopa Duggal. I am a bit of a medical anomaly and need someone who can treat all aspects of my health. I appreciate her honesty in being overwhelmed by the gravity of my situation.
Dr. Heyer sprang into action finding me a Gynecological Oncology and Pelvic Surgery practice in Annandale that he knew would help me. I met with Dr. G Scott Rose today and was instantly impressed. He was kind, thorough and told me that he would “fix me.” After walking me through my pathology report, he explained that I do NOT have endometrial hyperplasia, which I was told I did. Instead, I have uterine polyps, most likely caused by the Tamoxifen therapy I have been on for five years.
He scheduled my surgery for July 8 to remove the polyps and do a D&C to remove all the overgrowth. He explained the procedure, verified the instrument he needed was available at Fair Oaks Hospital, completed the paperwork needed for the hospital, wrote a comprehensive report for Dr. Heyer (which he emailed and faxed) and then scheduled my post-op appointment.
I was so overwhelmed by his confidence, attention to detail and compassion that I started crying in his office.
Dr. Rose: “You’ve been through so much and at such a young age. I know these polyps and the overgrowth are causing you a serious amount of pain, so I’d like to get them out as soon as possible so that you can start healing.”
Me: “I am just so overwhelmed. It is hard to keep explaining over and over how uncomfortable I am all the time. I’m so happy you are willing to help me. I am very grateful.”
Dr. Rose: “I promise I will fix it.”
I'm not sure where we go from here. The bigger question is whether or not I go back on the Tamoxifen once the polyps are removed. And then, how do my doctors ensure that the polyps don't return. Do I have routine ultra sounds? Or will I be able to take a break from the Tamoxifen, in which case, is pregnancy back on the table? I have many questions, but I am going to focus on having this surgery and getting rid of this pain, first and foremost, so that I can resume my somewhat normal life.
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