Breast Cancer Survivor Worried about Ovarian Cancer

[spagirl41]

I survived inflammatory breast cancer, diagnosed when I was 29.  I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago (36 years old) and removed only my uterus due to endometriosis. I didn't have them take my ovaries to avoid menopausal issues. I now have a constant dull back pain on my right side, occasional nausea, BAD bloating and gas, & either constipation or soft stools. My GP did blood tests and I'm not pre-menopausal. (Unsure why he checked that?) I have done an ultrasound and my GP scheduled me Monday for a transvaginal. He didn't say what he saw on my ultrasound, which I thought was a little strange. My mom passed away of ovarian cancer, so as youo can imagine, I am a strong candidate for ovarian cancer. My question is this: why do all the diagnostic tests / appointments take so long...as if there's no sense of urgency for my pain (back) and a possible malignancy...espacially w/my history? Also, I'm a little panicked.

[Kimashley]

About a month ago my son was experiencing heavy rectal bleeding.  I took him to his primary they decided it's probably nothing but we'll order a colonoscopy. I asked them how long before he'd have the proceedure and they said 2 weeks.  I left the doctor's office and drove straight to the emergency room.  He had his colonoscopy the next day.  When I presented to my gyn complaining of the same symptoms you are experiencing, he said there was nothing wrong with me.  I screamed and yelled so he ordered me a transvaginal which took 3 weeks.  My diagnosis was ov ca stage 111.  
What these ladies say about only having one chance is very true.  Don't let them make you wait.  Good luck!

[Brownie3321]

Hello. I would suggest you get tested for the brac 1 and brac 2 gene. This is a gene that can be passed down that rises your chances of getting breast or ovarian cancer by almost 40%. Once you are tested for this gene, you can use it to your advantage. For example, God-forbid you test positive for the gene, but if you did, you would present this to all of your docs when asking for certain tests to be done. It also may help to ease your mind a bit if you come out negative for the gene. Best of luck, Deandra

[vegas2cr]

It is the nature of the beast of the health care in the United States... Here in Costa Rica I go for my ca125 at 8 in the morning and pick up the results at 4 in the afternoon.. All CT scans PET scans and transvaginal ultrasounds can only be done by Doctors here no techs... the results are given to you before you leave...full written reports... the only time you wait is for certain types of biopsies...If Americans of which I am one would not accept the way they are treated the system could be changed...for too long we have been silent on the type of health care and how we are treated.  Marty pointed out about drug trials taking forever...

To spagirl... . You need to demand the type of health care you want...ask questions of your doctor and remember he works for you..also listen to what dian says about getting it right.. a gynecological oncologist is the only way to go..

Sorry end of rant...its not been my best day...

[silver&gold]

I agree with all that Dian has said, its so true about the waiting times being torturous , if you were a family member you would be straight in !!!
You have to be proactive with your own health , don,t be fobbed off as its true you only get the one chance to get it right the first time.

Wishing you the best of luck , take care Angie

[dian07]

In my opinion, the reason "diagnostic tests / appointments take so long...." is because the ones being tested are not the physician him/herself or their family members.  Don't you know if it was them or their family member there would be none of the "wait and see" we are tortured with!  
I can certainly understand your being a little panicked.....still, you will not know anything until Monday.  I would suggest you get copies of your reports from the radiologist regarding the ultrasounds.....get copies of all your test results as soon as they are available.  I don't leave the office without copies of the results of all my tests.  That way I can read and re-read the results and ask questions about those things that might concern or confuse me.  I would also stronglly urge you to get a consult with a gyn/oncologist.....not because it is cancer but because this is their arena of expertise.  If surgery is in your future...please remember...YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME ....make certain you have a gyn/oncologist perform your surgery.....this is what they have extra years of training for.  Be as pro-active as possible when dealing with your health.....these guys are not gods....you are equal to them in every way.....your doc should have told you what he saw on that ultrasound.....why didn't he do the trans vaginal ultrasound right after the other?  
Please hang in there tough.....keep us posted.....don't be afraid to come here during your wait....we are here for you.
Peace.
dian