CT results - ascites and thickened omentum - significance?

I wonder if anyone could give me some information.
I have an ovarian cyst that is 24cmx8cmx16cm and CA-125 of 89. I was told 10 days ago it was defiantely cancerous, discharged from hospital for the weekend with a CT scan and McMillan nurse Monday (this was somewhat of a shock as I had gone to my GP with a chest infection & tummy ache 3 days before!)After talking to the McMillan nurse and a new gyn/onc consultant things looked much brighter and a good chance it was benign. I had surgery planned for 4th August to remove the cyst and right ovary, or if I wanted both ovaries and hysterectomy, which I was going to opt for.

This am I was due my pre-op visit, I had a call from my gyn/onc to come in for my CT results first. The CT scan has shown that my omentum(sp?)is thickened and inflammed, I've got ascites (and cyst in my liver and kidneys appear benign). I haven't been given a type of cyst, all I know is it's v large and has the appearance of foam on the u/s - the McMillan Nurse described it to me as lots of compartments in a large cyst, is that a complex one? As a result I have been refered to the regional cancer centre & have an appt with a consultant tomorrow. My consultant (who I trust) still says she feels that there's a good possiblity that it's harmless but the radiographers report is indicating an increased risk.

Could anyone give me more info about the significance of the thickened omentum and ascites? I've not looked at these in any depth previously and I'm feeling a bit too vulnerable to go looking and only pick up on the negatives!

Thank you, Lisa.

[motherof2cuteones]

Lisa,

It's Laura.  I just found this post.  I believe that the omentum is some sort of a lining that separtes (i think) some part of the reproductive system with the stomach??
And ascites is some kind of fluid or something found in fluid built up?

I think that all GOOD doctors recommend that you see an oncologist if ther is even 1% suspicion that things might not be benign.  My doctor reccomended it to me just after reading my ultrasound reports (w/o any CA-125 blood test or anything).  And large cysts that have solid components open up that possibility (although it is 99% benign); so, just trust that they are taking the best care of you possible and that they are doing everything the RIGHT way.  You want them to follow this chain....b/c it provides you with the best care possible.  

Remember that 99% of these cases end up benign.  And even if you are in that 1% - you could have a very contained case that will be removed and you'll be home free.  And if nothing else - you have such a great sense of humor and such a love of life that i am sure you are going to be more than fine.  

We are all praying for you, and remember that you are precious in His sight,

Laura

[orangefuzzball]

Hi Laura,
I'm not sure what to think after todays visit! I think that the ascites may be either good or bad for me - I had about 4 hours quite bad pain last week which is unusual, the Dr said it could have been the cyst twisting which could have caused fluid build-up as it wasn't on my U/S last monday, there again I look even more pregnant today, I don't know if there would be that much fluid still. She said they'd be taking some of the fluid to test at some stage soon. The omentum I haven't much idea about and what I've seen about each scares me, so I don't want to look through too much stuff and jump to bad conclusions without being able to look at things sensibly and know there could be a variety of other reasons for them. Anyway I'll most likely know a little more tomorrow morning. I don't know when my surgery will be now though - I was looking forward to it being removed. The consultants from the regional centre have a weekly meeting to discuss all new referals on Wednesday so I've got to be increasingly pregnant looking and patient until then!

Anyway how are you today? I was going to leave you a message, then Darren bought me fish, chips and mushy peas for tea so I ate them on the patio instead!

Lisa.

[scoutshadow]

I was told that the omentum is the sleeping policeman, it acts as a barrier to infections of the pelvic area (i.e. appendicitis) and stops it spreading to the uppper abdomen.  So the swelling could be in response to the ascites.

Good luck for your surgery and I hope all goes well for you.

[orangefuzzball]

I've just got back from the appt with the new consultant. I've been described as a bit of an oddity! The cyst appears to be benign, there's a very slight chance the omentum is not cancerous, the CT results from the radiographer at the general hospital indicate it proberbly is, the radiographers at the regional unit need to look at the films and re-assess. There is a question over whether my right ovary is cancerous, and worringly a slight possibility that either are secondaries. My chest, liver and kidneys are all clear. There's a meeting next wednesday when my bloods are back (another CA-125, carino EM AG and HCG marker), CT re-assessed and they'll be seeing me next friday. As things stand at the moment there's a slight possibility that it's the first radiographer being overly cautious on the omentum, if it is cancer then they are not sure what type (possibility it's one of the rarer types which they said could be easier to treat), if the omentum is cancerous they said it is at stage 3. Said I'm most likely to be looking at surgery and/or chemotherapy starting in the next 2-3 weeks.

The new McMillan nurse was lovely explained everything and answered my numerous questions, suggested a few sites to look at and gave me lots of books on chemo, surgery and all sorts.

Lisa.

[scoutshadow]

Thank goodnes all was clear with lungs, kidney and liver.  It seems like you are in good hands and that they are on top of things regarding everthing else.

You mentioned in a post below that you are from Manchester.  I recently had my surgery done at Wythenshawe hospital (3rd July) and wondered were you there or at Christies.

Take care
Ursula

[orangefuzzball]

Hi Ursula,

I live in Whitefield and have been going to North Manchester General until yesterday. Now I'm under St Mary's, and will be at Christies for chemo if I need it.

What have you had done and how are you now?

I just find it so strange that apart from the ascites which I am finding very uncomfortable that I feel 'normal'. I don't know how I'd have coped with being pregnant, I've just hobbled round Tesco's getting paranoid anyone will bump into my extremely large - no enormous - stomach and I'm shattered. But the good bit was that the nurse told me to make sure I keep an eye on how much weight I'm losing (legs are looking pretty slim now and I've even found a few ribs!)and I've just got all the high calorie nice things I've not eaten for years!

Lisa.

[motherof2cuteones]

Hey Lisa,

I am so glad to hear the news!
What a glorious day!!!

I have been thinking about you a lot and said a little prayer for you.  You seem to still have your quick wit and razor sharp tongue in tact - which is a fortunate thing for us all.

My daughter asked me today (while I was getting out of the shower) if I had a baby in my stomach to which I quipped, "not the kind we were hoping for."  My humor was lost on her but always cracks me up none the less.

Keep me posted on your progress and start searching the web for your itsy bitsy teeny weenie yellow polka dot bikini!

Laura

[orangefuzzball]

Hi Ursula,
You've had your fair share of 'innard' problems! I've only had one big operation before, I had a partial thyroidectomy about 10 years ago, incidently for cysts, which went perfectly and even I have to look for the scar now - I've been very luck. Also I'm a nurse which in some respects it makes the looking for credible info easier, but I've only nursed old men for the last 15 years and haven't a clue about female bits and bobs! It also makes hospital staff think I know more than I do if they know, and I understand too much if they don't! They never seem to realise my brain turns to a bowl of jelly like everbody elses!

I'm going to spend all day tomorrow finding out what's what. Do you know anything about a clinical trial called Chorus? It's to do with chemo before or after surgery, I've read somewhere (cancer research UK, I think) about it, if I fit the profile I'll be asked to take part, so I want to know about it.

I've just noticed the ascites has gone down a lot, at least by a quarter! I've got dents at the sides of the pot belly and I'm not like a space hoopper anymore, I hadn't even noticed I'd stopped whinging. Ohhh I hope that's good - off to investigate!

Lisa.

[scoutshadow]

Hi Lisa
I'm from Sandbach in South Cheshire.  I was going to Leighton but was transferred to Wythenshawe.  A glorious journey up the M6!

I had a granulosa cell tumour removed 16 years ago, unfortunately they had to go back in 2 weeks later to remove a large haematoma and was left with drain scars and enlarged scar.

Three months ago an abdominal and CT scan revealed a 9cm tumour in my remaining right ovary. Previous to this I had been experiencing bladder fullness, and my scar was very painful leading to IBS like episodes. Went in expecting a total hysterectomy, right ovary removal and omentectomy.  Awoke from surgery to discover that I had old scar removed, partial omentectomy and bladder surgery, had to open it to check. They did not remove womb or ovary. The tumour was coming from an old drain site and was stuck to the bladder.  All biopsies came back clear but it was a granulosa cell tumour - they reckon a seedling from original one had burrowed into drain site.

I'm doing really well now.  Had a bit of a problem with this scar (what is it with me and scars!) so had to go on a course of anti-biotics.  

Yes advanced pregnancy is no joke.  I love to sleep on my tummy and was most upset when having given birth to first to discover that it was at least 3 weeks until I could do this (boobs leaked everywhere - not a pretty sight).

MMMMMM.....high calorie diets.  Why is it they taste so good?!!!

Take care
Ursula

[scoutshadow]

Just a handy tip given by Dr Goodman on ovarian cancer answers.  Google what your looking for and then add scholar this will get you all the medical articles and will leave out the rubbishy ones.

Good luck - happy hunting.

[orangefuzzball]

Laura,
I posted you a message on the other thread yesterday afternoon, I hope you got it. I'm thinking about you and everything is going to go well for you. I'm not sure how long it'll be until you're fit enough to be back on-line, with a bit of luck it'll be before I go in for surgery and you can tell me all about how it went. And don't worry about work!

Good luck and I'll be thinking of you all day - I better go and find out your time or you I'll be thinking of you while you're eating your breakfast!

Be strong and lots and lots of good luck and wishes,

Lisa.

[motherof2cuteones]

Hey Lisa,
I wanted to say goodbye for a while as I am headed into surgery in about 5 hours.  I didn't want you to be posting and me not responding and have you draw the conclusion that I am not interested in your progress.

I will get back on to the site when I can get up and move around again (hopefully sooner than better seeing as how i am a floral designer and have a client's wedding in about 2 weeks!).
yes, i have hired help.

okay - well i wish you nothing but the best!

Laura

[motherof2cuteones]

Lisa,

I didn't see the post until I read what you said on this one.
Thanks for thinking of me.  That means a great deal to me.
what's going on with you?
What is the next step with your progress?  Are you still scheduled for surgery soon?

Know that I'll be indeed thinking of you.  I just might not be able to communicate that to anybody (b/c of the narcotic induced stupor...i can't wait!).

I better head to the bathroom and take my shower (who knows how long it will be until my next unassisted one).

Take care!!!

Laura

[orangefuzzball]

Hi Laura,
I don't know if your still at home, I haven't checked the time yet! I may be a bit weird but I have always enjoyed having the anaesthetic being put in and counting down and drifting off to sleep - a worring potential for drug induced stupors seems to be coming to light! Make sure you walk plenty and don't be brave and refuse painkillers if you need them!

I'm going to see my GP today to get some stronger painkillers - although I feel great this morning I had an uncomfortable weekend and anything active drained me really quickly (but a very good excuse for neglecting housework!)

I've had my surgery for the 4th cancelled and have to wait until next Friday to find out what and when, fingers crossed!

Keep thinking you'll soon be cystless!

Lisa.