Ovarian Cancer worries

[Larain]

Hello, I also posted this question in the doctor area, but wanted to see if anyone else has an opinion. I am 41.  I had 2 children before I was 21.  I had to have a hysterectomy when I was 36 and had to have my right ovary removed also due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.  I still have my left ovary. I just had a colonoscopy in which they removed 2 polyps and I was told I have IBS.  I have frequent diarrea and I have also lost my appetite for about 2 months now, and I am sometimes nauseated. I also have low back pain and an elevated white blood count, despite not being sick. I have been having pain on my left side during intercourse.  I had my hormone levels checked and my Estrogen came back 896 pg/ml.  I am scheduled for a transvaginal ultrasound tomorrow.  I am also scheduled to see my GYN in 2 weeks.  I just wanted an opinion before hand, because I am concerned that I may have Ovarian Cancer and was wondering why my Estrogen was high.  I am not on any estrogen replacement medication and never had been. Did anyone ever have a high estrogen level before being diagnosed with ovarian cancer?  I only have one ovary, I can't imagine the level if I had 2!  Thanks

[lisad424]

Would a MRI with that glow dye that they make you drink show up as well as a Ct scan? I'm curious b/c I had one in Jan. back when all of my drama started and they were testing me for diverticulitis which was negative. Like you I had the negative colonoscopy and even the upper endo also negative. I'm scheduled for at CT Scan this Friday. Just curious if a MRI would show the same as a Ct scan, in your opinion with what you've experienced.

[Larain]

Thanks to everyone for your responses.  I had the ultrasound this afternoon, pelvis and intravaginal.  The technician said that my doctor should have the results by Monday.

[Helmar]

Hello... and sorry to hear about your worries. Just want to say... have a Ct scan so as they can see what's going on outside the bowel. I say this because like you, I was told for almost 9 months that I had IBS, gastro etc.. I had a colonoscopy/gastroscopy and they both came back negative, but after the Ct scan was done, it showed cancer raging on the outside of my bowel, and I was then told I had Ovca. I was Staged originally at 3c but they elevated it to Stage 4 because of the bowel involvement.
Just wanted to make you aware that because the colonoscopy shows nothing inside... there could be something going on outside the bowel.
Hopefully it's nothing too serious, but best to find out early.
Wishing you all the best.... hugs..Helmar.

[LindaF]

Polycystic Ovarian Disease main hallmark is cycle issues due to unopposed estrogen (little, no or inconsistent progesterone being produced). So yes, PCOS and high estrogen levels go hand-in-hand:

"Since women with PCOS do not have regular endometrial shedding due to high estrogen..."

One of many quotes online about the disease.  

[Larain]

Thank You for your reply.  After I posted I called my GYN.  I told her nurse what my estrogen levels were, and she agreed they were high and she had me fax the report to her for the doctor to look at today.  The doctor is supposed to call me back sometime today.  What they were originally looking for was POS, but I don't think that causes high estrogen levels.  I also go back to my gastro doctor next Tuesday because of the IBS (that's what they think I have)and colonoscopy results, and I am scheduled to see an oncologist on the 24th because of my white blood cells being high for about 2 years now.  On my recent blood work, everything was high.  Do you know if high estrogen is related to ovarian cancer?  Thanks again for replying to me.  I am on pins and needles waiting and so is my husband.  I haven't said anything to our kids (they are 19 & 21)  or my parents.  I don't want to upset them. They just think I am going in for check-ups.  Thanks again :)

[dian07]

You have a variety of symptoms that are worrisome.....I certainly wouldn't wait two weeks to see your gyn....especially since you are having your ultrasound tomorrow......doesn't make any sense to me.  Pain with intercourse is not anything to be ignored.  If your ultrasound shows masses I would recomment you see a gyn/oncologist at your earliest opportunity.....I am not trying to scare you but my symptoms were quite similar to yours.....I was lucky and ended up being staged at IC......don't wait any longer than you absolutely have to.  Stay in touch and let us walk through this with you.
Peace.
dian