Understanding results of blood tests

My Mom told her ob/gyn during her annual pap smear exam that she experienced abdominal pressure for 1-2 weeks and he ordered an ultrasound.  He called her 4 days later to have her come in for "blood work" to check for ovarian cancer since they found an ovarian cyst.  He called her a couple days later to come in for surgery.  He told her that normal blood results should be 35 and hers was 51.  What does this mean?  Shouldn't she have a CT or MRI before surgery?  He said an oncologyst would be present during the surgery to "repair" any other damaged organs.  I am confused and my Mom doesn't understand.  Shouldn't she get a second opinion?  The surgery is scheduled for 7/9/04. What are good questions to ask?