IBS, cyst or ovarian cancer?

[ChrisFitz]

Hi,

For the past six months I've had the following symptoms: abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, indigestion, gas, lower back pain, unusual fatigue, difficulty eating, change in bowel movements, and now an increase in urination.  

Here's my history: I'm 44 years old, had a molar pregnancy 2.5 years ago, had two rounds of methotrexate and have been cancer free for two years.  I had a breast biopsy six months ago (Birads 4) which turned out to be benign calcifications.

Family history: mother had colon cancer 1.5 years ago and is in remission; she also has chronic lymphocytic leukemia which is being watched.

I had a CT scan 2 months ago which showed a small cyst on my left ovary.  An abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound showed that the cyst was functional and I was told not to worry about it.  I then had a colonoscopy which was normal so my gastroenterologist believes I have IBS.  

I'm not convinced that this is IBS.  If it is then I have a severe case of it.

I told my gastroenterologist that I didn't want to find out 6 months from now that I have ovarian cancer and could he please speak to a gynecologist/oncologist about my situation.  One hour later he called and is scheduling another ultrasound which he will show to the gyn/onc.

By the way, my CA-125 is 1.

I have to admit I've become quite paranoid over the past 2.5 years about cancer due to my molar pregnancy, breast cancer scare, and of course my mother's cancers.

Any thoughts/suggestions/words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.  I'm just so frustrated and scared.

Thanks.

[ChrisFitz]

Thanks for your comments.  I'm going to push this until I know for SURE it's not ovarian cancer.

Best of luck.  And don't give up!  

Chris

[Helmar]

Hi Megan... first of all I would like to offer my condolences to you for the loss of your precious sister. I understand how heart wrenching your loss would be, as I lost my eldest son, and although time does dull the pain, it never goes away, but comes back with a force on the special days.
I can well understand that you would be nervous re your health too, but surely lightning doesn't strike in the same place twice..... in other words, it would be a tragic event if you had to face ovca too. No.. I didn't have any cramping...just bloatedness and bowel changes, and finally I wasn't able to keep down a cup of coffee. When I saw the Doctor for my scan results, the cancer was well advanced and as he put it... 'I was riddled with it'... but here I am...over 3 years later, and still doing o.k.. I have fought this with the conventional chemo treatments, a good diet, and an active lifestyle, but I never ponder on it at all. Just take each day as it comes, and enjoy my life.
I wish you all the best Megan, and I hope you don't have too many worries in your life, as you've had enough.  hugs to you...Helmar.

[TealSupporter]

Just to add with all of the above...


I have had all the same symptoms minus frequent urination and lately abdominal cramping has eased.

Helmar, did you have abdominal cramping?

My sister Brittany died from OVCA 10 months ago.  I had a similar tumor on my left ovary (where her's was located) but mind was filled with benign junk and nothing malignant.  My left ovary was removed with the 4lb tumor via c-section.  Brittany's the same (c-section).

I am way more aware of my body now that my sister is gone.  I went to the doctor Jan. 2 and everything (CA-125, pap smear--i know it can't detect but still and vaginal ultrasound all checked out) about 3 weeks later but stomach was bloated, shooting pain on the right side of my stomach and a lot of pressure.  I went back to my gyn and the ultrasound was normal except for fluid around my "remnant of a left ovary".  My ovary started growing back apparently with 3 weeks, produced a cyst which must have ruptured and caused the fluid.  

I go to G.I. who reads my CT scan that says "limited fluid near the abdomen" which is normal.  This isn't normal for me thought b/c I know what this can mean.

I had a colonoscopy and my Dr. said I had a spastic colon aka IBS problems.

I'm going back to the GYN tom to see if the fluid is still there.

So I think you are doing everything right.  Get that CT scan.

Helmar, my sister Brittany's spread on the outside of her organs too and didn't show up on CT which is why I am nervous (that and other reasons).  I will most likely live out my life "nervously" from now on.

How did you battle your cancer?
love,
megan
www.ovariancancerforum.com
www.brittanywaldrep.com

[Helmar]

Hi girls... Your story sounds similar to mine... IBS. Gastro etc. and this went on for about 9 months. I had a colonscropy/gastroscopy and they came back clear too. When I wasn't getting any better the Doctor sent me for a CT scan, which showed advanced Ovca. Even though the above tests showed negative, the cancer was working outside, so naturally nothing showed.
I would suggest you go for a Ct scan. That should give you a good idea of what's going on.
Wishing you both the best, and I hope it's something less worrying for you.
hugs..Helmar..

[justscore]

I'm in the same boat and don't believe my diagnosis of IBS.  I had a partial hyst 2 yrs ago and my ovaries removed last Wednesday because of cysts.  They said I could wait but I really wanted to get it over and see if my "IBS" is better.  I will let you know if my IBS is over or atleast better.  Persue additional tests and go with your "gut" feeling.   Good luck.........
IMO - IBS is diagnosed when Dr's don't know how to treat you when all other treatments fail to work.