Here is an update on my cyst (I think I'm going to start calling this the Klein Medical Chronicles):

• I have a cyst on my right ovary that is about the size of a golf ball and is filled with fluid.
• The disturbing parts about this cyst is that it is steadily getting larger and it has papillations, which are fern-like growth out of it (rather than having a smooth surface). Well, and also that it causes me a fair amount of discomfort!
  
• I have been to see a GYN-Oncologist and he's recommending that I have genetic testing done. Gina had this done and was tested positive for having a mutated breast cancer gene (for more information click here). If I have this mutation (which men can also have, btw), then I would be predisposed to have breast and/or ovarian cancer, so they could do certain procedures, such as removing my ovaries to better protect me from getting cancer. If I don't have the mutation, then they will just deal with this cyst--probably doing laparoscopy (more info) to remove it.
• My next ultrasound at UK is on Nov. 19 and I've also been able to schedule genetic testing to be done the same day. My next appt with the GYN-Oncologist is at the end of November, so I'll let you know what's up after that.

I would like to request that all of my siblings let me know what medical issues they have--high blood pressure or whatever--and I will disseminate the info--to each individual w/o using names to indicate who has what if you'd like. When I took Mary to the doctor, they always wanted to know what diseases her siblings and parents had. Studies have shown that what your siblings have is often more important than what your parents have because you share more genes with your siblings. They asked me about my siblings at the oncologist's office and I felt like such a dummy. This is so important! Please let me know about this!

Also, please start keeping a medical journal. Get a notebook and record the names and dosages of your medications and when you start and stop them, any allergies you have, the dates of any operations or procedures, and the names and contact info for emergency contacts as well as all your doctors. If you are having any symptoms, write them in this notebook. When you go to the doctor, write up a list of issues (in this notebook) that you want to discuss with him. Take the notebook to the with you to the doctor and record your blood pressure, weight and temperature. Take notes on your visit and any test results. Later on when/if someone has to take care of you, this will all be invaluable information.