Help?? diagnostic laparoscopy???

[angelbox]

I have posted previously and had no response but i do need some advice, reassurance? I had a ct scan for back pain which indicated a  5cm mass/ cyst on my ovary and two uterine fibroids. Then i had tumour markers Ca125, CEA, and CA19.9 checke d my ca19.9 came back abnormal had it rechecked again and higher than previous at 59. I had an MRI that showed that the the cyst had bled, i had severe lower abdominal and pelvic pain and it has now settle though very constipated and bloated at times. I was told today that while i am having breast reconstruction after breast cancer that i also need a diagnostic laparoscopy to look at my ovaries. I am very confused and starting to panic. I have no menstural cycle post chemo, im 36. Please if any one has any idea please get back to me thank you.

[angelbox]

Hi Bron

Thanks for replying. I think that you are right in respect of inflamation etc possibly causing raised Ca19.9. I have been having a lot of abdominal symptoms which i assume is from the cyst bleeding, and i suppose that could raise the marker. It is hard not to think the worst when you have already had an experience such as cancer.  I did have both BRCA 1&2 and they were almost certain that they were negative. There was still a little segment of the gene to test in BRCA2 but i haven't heard anything back from genetics so i assume it was normal.

THe chemo does affect all parts of your body and i have only finished my chemo so my body is still recovering from the insult.  

I know that laparoscopy will bring peace of mind. Positivity all the way!!

Ang

[OzBron]

I'm afraid I don't really know much about CA19.9 other than what I have read on this forum. I understand it is a non-specific tumour marker that like many of the markers can be influenced by other factors like inflamation in the body and other GI illnesses. It may be that this is raised due to the chemo you have been on for your breast cancer and not related to the ovarian cyst that may be resolving.
You mention not being BRAC1 but did you get tested for BRAC2? To my understanding, those with either mutation are more likely to get both Breast and ovarian cancer so worth checking the test you did was for both mutations.
It can be challenging for doctors to diagnose what is going on with cancer survivors due to the havoc that chemo reaps on the body (all body systems - not just the target of the treatment). Personally, I would go ahead with the exploratory laparoscopy. You will already be under anesthesia. The look see would not elongate your surgery and may bring peace of mind.
Bron