On April 22, 2019, I met with my excision surgeon and gynecologist, Dr. Mel Kurtulus to discuss the results of my annual pap smear, ultrasound, and blood work.

The pap smear came back normal for both of my cervixes. Yay! The blood work came back stellar. The ultrasound; however, had some not-so-welcome results:

1. My left ovary is developing a cyst. Not just any cyst, but it’s either a hemorrhagic cyst… or (wait for it…) an endometrioma. Right now it is small, coming in at 1.5cm (a little over 1/2 an inch); and,
2. Small abnormalities within my uterine wall may be signs of adenomyosis. This came as a surprise…but I let him know I was familiar with the condition as many of my EndoWarriors had it as well. I’d done research and blogged about it back in 2016.

The plan? To remain positive – it’s a small enough cyst that doesn’t warrant any action (yet), I’m not in ANY pain, I’ll have a follow-up ultrasound in late July, and I’ll meet with Dr. Kurtulus in early August to discuss those results. I will continue tracking my diet, pain, and symptoms in the meantime. And if anything sparks up horribly before then, I’ll call for a consult.

We spent several minutes afterward discussing an upcoming event that we’re hosting together, as well as a few concerns about ultrasound and post-op procedures. The meeting ended in our usual smiles and hugs.

I think if I were in pain, being positive would be harder to maintain. But the only indication that I have anything wrong on the inside (or the possibility that my endometriosis is coming back) is my ultrasound. But will I need surgery in the future? Only time will tell. And will I miss out on future vacations, like Burning Man (a place lovingly referred to as Home, a week spent making amazing memories with friends)? I haven’t been able to return since 2015…and I miss it. Who knows. My best friend and other-love-of-my-life, Rosie, lifted my spirits yesterday with “…you are more Home for me than any place. We don’t need any destination.” So if I am robbed of another two weeks vacation in the future due to a need for another surgery, I won’t lament. I will make other plans with those that I love.

Forging lasting relationships with your medical providers and their staff can lead to amazing experiences and friendships. These people aren’t just my doctor, his nurses, or administrative staff. I consider them my friends. And we’re all in this together.

I don’t know how I got so lucky. I was randomly assigned this gynecologist by my Primary Care Provider back in 2013 because I moved to San Diego, had new insurance, and was in need of a pap smear. And I am so very, very, very grateful.

A friend, fellow EndoWarrior and Sister of our local support group sent me a study showing results of N-Acetylcysteine reducing the size of endometriomas in a small study group. So, I’m going to give it a try. She had previously received a “it can’t hurt” approval from Dr. K when she brought it up to him for herself, so I’m sticking to the study dosing, three times a day, and will see how it looks in July.

So, the plan is in motion. The appointments are on my calendar. And life goes on.

And jokes are always a good thing: “Your an ova-achiever” and “Stop growing so much stuff!” and “At least your left ovary is still working well” are all fun observations since yesterday. They all made me laugh. Still do.