Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer-told not to worry

[burtka]

For the past several months I've been experiencing the following symptoms:
1. Fatigue
2. Abdominal Pain
3. Loss of appetite
4. Swollen Stomach
5. Pain during intercourse
6. Bladder & Urinary problems
7. Lower back, leg Pain
8. Indigestion & heartburn

Last week I was diagnosed with a solid mass on my right ovary....with papillary projections (whatever that means) but that's what they were concerned about....there were two separate tumors I'm scheduled for surgery in a couple weeks but in the meantime I'm in a lot of abdominal pain, all I have done is sleep for the past 2 days, I want to eat but anything I try makes my stomach hurt worse, and to top it off my mouth has several blisters in it making it worse. I've had several different issues with my bladder and kidneys...my stomach is very bloated or swollen (looks pregnant). I know something isn't right by the way I've felt but I don't say anything because it makes everyone else worry or think I'm just being a baby...I'm scared and don't know what to think about all this. I haven't got the results of my CA125 test (maybe Monday) I'm needing someone to give me some advice, tell me if what I'm experiencing has anything to do with this mass on my ovary. I'm totally stressed and don't feel like I have anyone else to talk to.

[wolftrak]

Marcy, wondering if you can tell us your story.  What were your symptoms and how long did you suffer from them.  I am so worried and am just interested in other peoples stories.  You sound like you have such a good attitude and outlook on life.  Also how old are you?  I am 43 and my gynocologist found a large mass on or near my left ovary.  I am awaiting an MRI and have been very sick for about 5 months.  Very scared.  Thanks for any advice you can offer.

[marcy1234]

Hi -- July 2009 I was right where you are now.  I had my CA-125 back though -- it was over 7000. The doctors prepared me for the worse. Those few weeks before surgery were the most intense ever.  I was convinced that life as I knew it was coming to an end.  Everything I did -- going to the mall, grocery shopping, taking a walk -- it was all so heightened, and I wondered if I'd ever feel like a normal person again.   Yes, they found cancer when they did the biopsy, but it was caught early and all removed.  I recovered well from surgery and underwent a short course of chemo "just in case."  My hair fell out but then it all grew back!  A year later, it's like it never happened -- except for what I learned through the experience!    

I was struck by your comment "the anticipation is killing me."  Yes it is -- it is stealing away your life, causing you to be filled with fear and worry rather than awareness and enjoyment.  People like you and me are given a gift with this experience -- we're reminded that our life is just a loan and every minute is precious.  It's so important to try to stay focused on that and not waste time on useless worrying.  There's a great book called "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Toole that may help.

Good luck!

[dian07]

If your gyn/oncologist has another opening find a way to get there!  I drove three hours to get to my gyn/oncologist....it's not convenient but some things are more important than work schedules or "convenience".
If your husband can't be there then he can't be there!  You need to be your own advocate.....get a friend to take you....or a parent......find a way to get there and get your surgery behind you .....
Chances are your CA125 will be elevated.....a chest cold or sore throat can raise the CA125.....I would think a growth on your ovary would do the same.  Right now is not the time to worry about that....whatever is causing your problems needs to come out.  First things first.
Get your surgery done.
Please do keep us posted.
Peace.
dian

[burtka]

Thanks Dian, I am having my surgery done by GYN-Oncologist, my husband and I feel very good about him. We was immediately referred to him by my OB/GYN as he seen me the next day. He says he doesn't think it's cancer which I'm grateful for but what worries me is all these other things going on that links itself to cancer. I'm tired of feeling like crap all the time and looking back over the past couple months things are starting to add up. I just need to know...

I'm curious on your option or anyone else opinion...."what if my CA125 test comes back elevated?" would that be of concern or considering the issues happening expect it?

My doctor was ready to perform the surgery yesterday (Friday) but we had to wait a couple weeks due to my husbands work schedule....I'll have to have it done 2 1/2 hrs away too because of his specialty, so working out our work schedule has been a little difficult. Now I wish I would've just did it to get it over with. The anticipation is killing me.  

[dian07]

There are plenty of us here to talk with.....you are not alone anymore.
Your symptoms are of concern, especially since you have a mass on your ovary.  I think the symptoms we get when there is a mass on the ovary are pretty much the same whether it is found to be benign or malignant.
Most masses, however are NOT cancer.....something like 96% of them are benign.  Knowing that most masses aren't cancer won't help until you know what is going on and that won't happen until it is biopsied during your surgery.
YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.......your surgery must be performed by a gyn/oncologist.  This is their arena of expertise and that is who you want by your side during surgery.  You need to get a referral to a gyn/oncologist and get all your records and reports sent to him as soon as possible.  If you can't get a referral from your gyn, then make an appointment yourself and get copies of your tests and records.
Fear and waiting are a very frustrating thing when our health is involved so you need to be your own advocate within  the system.  Don't let anyone pat you on the head and try to make you feel like you are "just being a baby"......that's not acceptable.  Fight back and reclaim your power.
We are here....there are no silly questions....and you are not alone.  Just hang out here and we will walk your path with you.
Peace.
dian