Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer Recurrance

[JmefromNJ]

I was asymptomatic when my Ovarian Cancer was discovered by accident (I had kidney stones and my PCP sent me for an abdominal CT scan where they discovered it).  I felt fine and had none of the "usual" signs that something was wrong (and something WAS very, very wrong!).  My question is, are there symptoms for recurrance if it comes back?  

I had a hysterectomy and everything but the tumors themselves were completely clean & cancer-free, including the tubes, the uterus, surrounding lymph nodes and the Omentum.  I had 6 rounds of Taxol/Carbo as a preventatitve measure, and I sailed through with very few side effects.  At this point, as most survivors will tell you, every headache is a brain tumor, and every cough is lung cancer - I just want to know if there are any additional symptoms I should be on the lookout for, in case the cancer comes back.  Would bloating, lower-back pain and early satiety when eating still be symptoms of a recurrance if I no longer have ovaries??

Thanks for your advice!

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
thank you so much for your questions and comments.

For women who had an elevated CA 125 at diagnosis, this test is the most sensitive tool to detect a recurrence.  In fact,most women who have  experienced an ovarian cancer that makes the CA 125 protein, if they have a recurrence, the CA 125 will go up usually before any symptoms or any xray findings.

Now women are all different and there are many different subtypes of ovarian cancers. Some ovarian cancers behave by spreading in the lining of the abdomen or by causing malignant fluid (ascites) For those women, if cancer grows back on the lining of the peritoneum, they will experience bloating, changes in bowel habits, swelling of the abdomen, and even intestinal obstruction.

There are some women whose only sign of recurrence is shortness of breath from new malignant fluid in the chest cavity

Other ovarian cancers behave by only involving lymph nodes. They may not involve the lining of the abdomen at all. Growth of cancer in  lymph node can cause pain such as back pain or hip pain. Sometimes an enlarged lymph node can compress the blood vessels that the lymph nodes lie on top of. This can lead to leg swelling or a blood clot in the vein.  This can be diagnosed by CT scan.

When you have been diagnosed with a cancer, it is like Alice in Wonderland walking through the looking glass. The world never looks the same. And your relationship to your body is never the same again. Part of the challenges of survivorship is learning to live with your new body and new life. And finding a way of managing the fear that the cancer could come back.

best wishes

[JmefromNJ]

I'll take hip and lower back pain over a cancer recurrance any day!  And getting older sure beats the alternative, so GOOD FOR YOU!!   Thanks for your responses - keep on getting older, my friend!

[jldny]

I was diagnosed Dec 2005 when I was 42. I am also 1C. I had 6 rounds of chemo because they found clear cell as well. I have continued to have bad hip and lower back pain. My onc has my bone density checked every year because I already have osteopenia. Result of surgical menopause and opting not to receive HRT.

So, I just tell myself that every ache and pain is a part of getting older. Ha!

[JmefromNJ]

Thanks so much for your response - I know I'm not alone (and I wish I was, for the sake of every other woman afflicted), but I wish I could get an answer on recurrance symptoms!  I mean, I had lower back pain & bloating before being diagnosed, but who the hell doesn't??  CA-125 is a highly inaccurate test (both false positives and false-negatives), so now that my level is "4", how do I know if I'm in trouble again?  

My doctor has assured me that mine isn't coming back either, but I'm pretty sure that everyone's doctor gives them the same reassurance and hope.

I am 39 years old, and I was lucky enough to be found at Stage IC.  What about you?

[jldny]

Hello, sorry you are going through this. What is your stage? Your age? You seem to have received good care. I know what you mean about every headache and every cough... you will continue to be very in tune with your body! I have asked this same question on this site and never receive an answer. My onc doesn't treat me as though one day I WILL have a recurrence. I believe that until your CA-125 doubles in 2 successive tests, then you'll be sent for additional tests. Hope this helps. Take care.