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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
What questions should I ask
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
What questions should I ask
by ceegee, Jul 02, 2008 04:25PM
Hello,
I am a 50 yo, post menopausal with a history of DCIS in 2003 radiation and tamoxifen (almost completed my five years) Papillary thyroid cancer multi-focal both lobes in 2006 TT two clean RAI scans. The only meds I take are synthroid 125mcg and the tamoxifen 20 mgs.
Since Memorial weekend I have been bloated. I look like I am 5 months pregnant. Over that weekend I gained 12 lbs. I am fairly active, I walk at least 45 minutes 5 out of 7 days, play tennis once a week and play softball once a week. I also ride bikes and push mow my lawn.
Also since Memorial Day I have been more tired than usual. Some of this is due to my thyroid meds not being correct, they just bumped me up to 125 from 112, but I don't think all of it is. Even when I went off all meds for the RAI scans my stomach did not bloat up like this. I have also had bladder control issues. Sometimes when I have to go I have to go. I don't think I am going more often, it's just sometimes there is no warning and I can hardly make it to the bathroom in time.
There is a heavy occurence of cancer on my mom's side. Three of her sisters have breast cancer, like me, and her oldest brother (74 yo) was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May and has already died from it. He was all bloated too.
I have my regular pap smear physical already scheduled for Monday, July 7th. I want to know what questions I should ask my doctor to rule out ovarian cancer as I know some of the things I am experiencing can be symptoms, and having had two previous cancers I am a little concerned.
Thanks for your time and any information you can give me to be better prepared for my doctor's appt will be appreciated.
I am a 50 yo, post menopausal with a history of DCIS in 2003 radiation and tamoxifen (almost completed my five years) Papillary thyroid cancer multi-focal both lobes in 2006 TT two clean RAI scans. The only meds I take are synthroid 125mcg and the tamoxifen 20 mgs.
Since Memorial weekend I have been bloated. I look like I am 5 months pregnant. Over that weekend I gained 12 lbs. I am fairly active, I walk at least 45 minutes 5 out of 7 days, play tennis once a week and play softball once a week. I also ride bikes and push mow my lawn.
Also since Memorial Day I have been more tired than usual. Some of this is due to my thyroid meds not being correct, they just bumped me up to 125 from 112, but I don't think all of it is. Even when I went off all meds for the RAI scans my stomach did not bloat up like this. I have also had bladder control issues. Sometimes when I have to go I have to go. I don't think I am going more often, it's just sometimes there is no warning and I can hardly make it to the bathroom in time.
There is a heavy occurence of cancer on my mom's side. Three of her sisters have breast cancer, like me, and her oldest brother (74 yo) was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May and has already died from it. He was all bloated too.
I have my regular pap smear physical already scheduled for Monday, July 7th. I want to know what questions I should ask my doctor to rule out ovarian cancer as I know some of the things I am experiencing can be symptoms, and having had two previous cancers I am a little concerned.
Thanks for your time and any information you can give me to be better prepared for my doctor's appt will be appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Jul 05, 2008 10:32AM
, Jul 05, 2008 10:32AM
Hi There,
The standard workup includes a pelvic ultrasound and a CA 125 blood test. Sometimes it is helpful to consider a CT scan because that scan will look at your upper abdomen as well.
best wishes
The standard workup includes a pelvic ultrasound and a CA 125 blood test. Sometimes it is helpful to consider a CT scan because that scan will look at your upper abdomen as well.
best wishes
