lots of questions

[mommyofmy2]

Hi,
I am 35 yr old mom of 2 - i have had cervical cancer... for about the past 12-18 mos. i have had the following symptoms: bloating and severe pain in my stomach (feels kind of like horrible gas pains but i have very little to no gas), very painful sex and alot of pain after, loss of appetite, weight loss, exhaustion, cant "hold it" at all, and constipation (i can go a couple of weeks), maybe some others that i cant think of.  All of these didnt happen at once and really I never thought any had to do with the other, just thought maybe i have ibs or am lactose intolerant or something.  about 3 weeks ago i went to an urgent care because i thought i had slept on my neck wrong (very painful & stiff) - they prescribed me muscle relaxers and anti-inflamitories.  the dr told me that my lymph nodes on my right side were swollen - he started asking questions and i told him about my previous cervical cancer and then all of these other "symptoms" i have, he suggested that i see an gyno dr because some of my symptoms sounded like symptoms of ovarian cancer.  
My question is what kind of tests are they going to determine whats going on?

[mommyofmy2]

I heard from my dr yesterday and they scheduled me for a hysterectomy on the 23rd - i have 2 tumors but they cant say yes or no to cancer until they do the hysterectomy and biopsy the tumors. BUT the dr said that because my blood work all came back normal he feels confident that it is not cancer.  WHEW!  just wanted to give an update to the ladies that were so kind to me.  I will keep you posted and keep everyone in this forum in my thoughts and prayers.  I really knew nothing about ovca before - but now feel like i can spread the word and help in so many ways.  I am not completely out of the woods yet but i am keeping positive and will be glad when its over.  Take care of yourselves and i will keep you all in my prayers.

[mommyofmy2]

update - i went to the dr last wednesday.  he did a pap and and a biopsy of my uterus? he took blood.  i went Sat morn for the transvaginal ultra sound.  the dr wasnt there - the tech was very nice at first- told me i had a tumor on my uterus but not to worry usually not cancerous - then she looked at my ovaries and clammed up - wouldnt say another word - when i asked her what she was doing she said "measuring".  The dr called me this morning but i was away from my desk and when i called back they said he would be back from the hospital around 1 to call back then.  i dont know if i can make it thru the day - i really feel like i'm gonna throw up and im so tired because i only slept for a couple hours last night.  sorry for the feel sorry for me pity party, i just had to get this off my chest. thank you again for all the thoughts and prayers

[stylez37]

Wow that IS frightening!  I would love to hear more about your situation.  I was turned away from the ER like I was crazy.  But I'm serious now.

I hope you are doing well...

Romnie

[manneca]

Please keep after the docs for a diagnosis. I had a transvaginal ultrasound and they didn't find my tumor that was 7.5 pounds. It was only after I had a CT scan that they found the tumor. I had docs tell me it was psychological, that I couldn't possibly be eating as little as I said. It may not be cancer, but it may. Whatever it is, please don't let them tell you it's nothing.

[stylez37]

Hey girl.  You sound a lot like me.  32, mom of 2, had cervical cancer 2 times in my 20's.  I'm waiting for my US as well.  

Make sure you write all your questions down as you think of them.  I found the 2 times I went to the Dr I always forgot something.

I wish you good luck.  Let us know how it's going for you...

((HUGS))
Romnie

[mommyofmy2]

i went to my appointment yesterday.  They took blood, the usual pap and some biopsies of my uterus??  I have to go back on Saturday for the ultrasound.  I have a ton of questions, but can't think of any right now.  i will let you know when i find out something.  thanks again for your prayers.

[mommyofmy2]

Thanks so much for the responses and the prayers.  I have an appt with a gyn next wed.  I am really scared, but i think i have been in denial for a while about whats going on with my body.  I am going to try to stay positive and i will let you know the outcome of my appt. Thanks again for the prayers and support.

[JC145]

Agree with the CA-125, but realize that it is mostly used to monitor the success of the chemotherapy.  It is still the only thing available, so I would go for it.  The other test is a transvaginal ultrasound.  In my case, I had a CT scan of the chest, abdomen & pelvis.  Cancer cannot be determined 100% until a biopsy of some sort of tumor confirms cancer.  Most tumors are benign, so don't panic, but get yourself to a gyn.  If by any means you do have cancer, you need to transfer to a gynecologist/oncologist for the debulking surgery and treatments.  BUT that's getting way ahead of ourselves, just have the blood test and the transvaginal ultrasound .. or CT scan .. or both.  Good luck.  Will keep you in my prayers for good news.  Judy

[Texas Grannie]

Cute name, and I didn't even get  it right. It Has been 14 years since I had my tests. Your blood test is CA125 and  it tells the amount of cancer in the blood. I had a CTscan.  The only uncomfortable thing about this is drinking about a quart of juice. Then a week later, I had a sonogram. Very painless and kind of interesting if they let you see the machine. Of course the usual examination, and isn't it embarrassing when you are constipated? I am taking Sprinkle Fiber. No taste and you can put it in liquid or on food. God's blessings on you (if you don''t mind) and remember this was aa long time ago.
Texas Grannie