OK. (Sorry, a bit long...)

I thought this would all be decided next week, after my CT scan on Monday.

Saw the gynecologist today. I was kinda wound up about it. I have been healthy all my life, and no symptoms with my Fibroid That Ate New York (not a bad misnomer, as I found out).

Nurse Trudy - a real gem, calm and supportive - said that Dr. M wanted to do a Pap, and also an endometrial biopsy.

I started sobbing, I didn't want to hurt, this was getting so serious so all-at-once - Trudy understood. She said of course it was overwhelming when everything has been fine, and all of a sudden things happen quickly.

Dr M was calm and fine as well - I had never even seen a real GYNECOLOGIST in my whole life! His external exam confirmed the fibroid for him - he said it was the SIZE of a FOOTBALL!!!!

Never mind eating New York; Toronto is dessert!

Anyway.

Hysterectomy. Called a "sub-total". My mind flashed to my retail days...

Ovaries - we'll discuss that later. I want them in. He says because I am 50, that they may shut down in a year, or maybe 5. HECK, my recent FSH test showed NO signs of menopause; I am still waiting. I'd rather have the ovaries decide that than drop into instant menopause!

I asked about laporoscopic hyst. He said that he doesn't do them, but is very willing to refer me to one or two people that do them. That is, if a lap procedure is suitable for something this size.

"What's your method?" I asked.

"I give you a big ugly scar that runs up to your navel," he replied. I had to smile at his straightforward response - it was even so slighly humourous. He would do the vertical incision since the fibroid is on TOP of my uterus. The "smiley" won't work so well.

May 22nd is the day.

Anyone else here had laporoscopic surgery for a football and uterus?

Thanks for listening....this still has an unreal quality to it...I didn't think the decision would be this soon.

(early May, I am inviting everyone over for a NO MORE PERIODS party! Wanna come?)