I'd say listening is good along with talking and just being there. I had a fast growing 11x17cm cyst removed that had wrapped around my kidneys. At that time, of course, they removed the ovary. About 8 years later they found one on my other ovary that was large and had attached to intestines (I think it was). The concern was that it would puncture something. Both surgeries I had were almost immediate after diagnosis just because of cancer concerns. My first one had an 8". They wanted a huge incision so they could look at the surrounding areas to make sure nothing bad was going on. At the time of my second surgery, they also decided to do a hysterectomy due to the fact I was prone to these things and hormones increase all sorts of risks of other cancers.

Even if hers are non-cancerous, which I bet they are, she will still have things to deal with. Pregnancy increases the chance cysts will grow so she might not be able to have more children. Her body will go through changes due to surgery (my stomach will never be what it was!) and if she has to have more surgeries (which could happen), it gets worse each time. Due to hormone changes, things are just different. I'm not the depressed type but if I think too deeply about it, I never wanted those surgeries to happen and I'm kind of resentful. It helps that I never wanted kids, but still. I want my old body back!

I know everyone's different but I was so strong after that I didn't deal with the emotional impact. I was walking quickly and was back on my bike well before the surgeon allowed me to be. I was stubborn and since I was told I couldn't do something, I did it to spite them. It would be good to allow her to go through emotions as she has them - I only had my ex-husband there (lived in isolated area and my family just didn't talk about personal type surgeries) who tended to deny anything was going on.

Sorry this is long-winded. I think you've got the right idea and it's great that you are such a good friend. I think you'll be able to provide what she needs during this time! I will keep good thoughts about cancer - I bet they are being cautious. At least they are checking even though it's scary to even think that way. Please let her know she is in our thoughts

Oh lastly, it might be small things that have a huge impact. I know during my second surgery I had to sign a "consent to sterilization". It was really harsh to have it right in front of my face requiring a signature.