my dr says I may have cancer

I had a large ovarian cyst years ago and was told because of it's nature and makeup it "might" be ovarian cancer (despite the fact that I had no family history or any real risk factors). I went into surgery not knowing my fate. Even the incision was done in such a way to give better access to lymph glands, if necessary.

I didn't have cancer, I had a Dermoid Cyst.

I would make an appointment with a second, reputable doctor and go from there, and try to keep in mind that "might" doesn't necessarily equate to "cancer". Good luck to you.

There are a lot of steps to be taken between "it may be" and what it is.. I understand the "living in a fog" kind of feeling. my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.. she's the first in our family to have any kind of cancer so the family basically went into complete shut down mode..

Thankfully, I found a TON of help and support through Livestrong.org. The support is free and they are AMAZING. I was put in contact with a fantastic oncology RN who has been able to explain things to me in plain English.. and she helps me know what questions to ask.. gives me suggestions for what to read up on.. even when the news is not so great, she explains it in a way that I can understand and deal with at my own pace. They have also been able to put me in contact with people for emotional support, financial support, even medical trials people..

I have found so far that knowledge has been my rock.. and it helped me get out of that fog of 'what the hell?! why is this even happening?' -- I hope you will reach out to them.

I will also add you to my prayers list Don't fret over what you don't know yet.. take what you know for sure and educate yourself about it as much as you can.. then take one step at a time.. Don't try to deal with it all at one time.. and definitely ask for help. If not the people I recommended -- then somebody.

Stay positive! You're stronger than you know!!
Stef

I hope you are okay. Shame on your doctor for saying that and not simply encouraging some testing, etc.

I am so very sorry to hear that. I/we pray to God that he is wrong. God bless you.

That sounds like my mom, except I believe it was longer than a year for them to figure it out. She had a very rare cancer. She underwent treatment that lasted several months, and besides a pretty cool scar, she is completely fine now and has been clear of cancer for 3 years now. I know it is hard to do, but until they can do the tests necessary to give you some better answers, you should find a way to keep yourself busy and calm. I wish you the best of luck.

Try to stay positive... It is really hard to do when you are under a lot of stress. There is a good chance it could be something else and even if it is, you will need your strength to fight it. 2nd opinions are always important in such matters. Remember much has been done the past several years where Cancer and a death sentence are NOT synonymous. The survivability rate for most cancers is high and you can survive it and move on with your life. A positive attitude is very important. If these feelings persist, tell your doctor. Depression is a common side effect but is treatable.

I pray that everything will turn out in a good way for you. Try not to panic let them get down to the bottom of it before you start feeling so down. I agree with the others about 2nd opinions. 2nd and 3rd opinions are never a bad idea. Please take care or yourself and try not to stress out so much about it. I know that's easier said than done because I've been through similar situations. Take it easy lovely lady...I praying for the best outcome for you.