Recurrence?

[Crickie]

In Jan 2004 I had TAH/BSO,omentum removed, lymph nodes and washings negative.I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 2B (cancer spread to rectun) grade 2.I had no further treatment. I am being followed every 3 months -my CA125's have been normal. I have been feeling very nauseated for past month wirh some stomache pains. Last followup doctor felt a lump in my adbomen -he sent me for abdominal ultrasound that showed nothing. I still feel the nausea and sometimes severe pain after eating (feels like my intestines will burst). Should I be worried? If the ultrasound showed nothing does this mean I shouldn't worry. My main concern is that this is a recurrence. I have not had another CA125 yet. How would I know if this is a recurrence? Should I just wait for my next followup and not worry? Any advise you offer will be apprecisted.

[Crickie]

I did request a PET/CT scan ... and have just had it on Monday, Jan 10. The technician wouldn't tell me anything, only that results would be given to my doctor and it could take about two weeks. I should think that if there was something wrong they would see it right away and advise my doctor? I'm assumuing that since I haven't heard from the doctor that all is normal?

[MickeyVicki]

Unfortunately, the risk of recurrence of ovca is high, even with chemotherapy , and that fact is why this disease can be so deadly.  Your decision to not take the standard chemotherapy options after surgery has given you one precious year of 'normal' life, and I applaud your courage.

[Crickie]

Yes, my dotor is a gyno/oncologist. I didn't do the 6 rounds of chemo because after many researches I found that the cure outweighed the risks of the disease. My doctor was not very informative about the chemo and what he did say, was very scary and my odds were not any better from what I understood. To date I have had normal CA125's and scans. My only worry now is this lump. The ultrasound was clear so I'm to assume that everything is still normal? If I should recur, I will be doing the basic treatment of chemo (and any other surgery if necessary). From what I read my risk of recurrence is 50/50?

[Lh]

You should also have a CT Scan or PET scan, or even better a combination CT/PET scan.  I had a transvaginal ultrasound when I was first diagnosed with Stage IV because this test is better for viewing the ovaries.  Afterwards, I've received a CT Scan every 3-4 months.  I also get CA-125's drawn monthly.  I'm not trying to scare you, but if you are having a recurrence, you'd want to catch it early and get treatment started right away.  I had a recurrence 2-1/2 years from initial diagnosis that was caught immediately.  After 6 more rounds of chemo, I've been ok, thank the good Lord, but I'm still very closely monitored.

[Lh]

I'm a litte surprised to read you didn't have further treatment following surgery.  I was under the impression that all ovarian cancer staged 1C and above were to have chemo.  Is your doctor an onc/gyn?