Ovarian Cancer? - please help

[shells17]

Please help -

I've been struggling with severe gastrointestinal problems since December. At first, I thought that it could be GYN related, because my hormones were way out of whack and I had a lot of symptoms of pregnancy. When I went to the ER with severe pelvic pain I was sent to the OBGYN. I have a family history of ovarian cancer and although I knew it wasn't likely (I'm only 23), I was afraid that it might be the case. She did a transvaginal ultrasound and said it was clear - however, I'm still worried because they could not see my left ovary (due to stool) and the left side is where most of my pain is located. I wanted to do the CA125 as a precaution, but she said that it wouldn't tell us anything. She said that if it is positive it could be endometriosis or cancer or a cyst - it wouldn't help us. I don't know what to think....but I think I should push for it? How accurate is the test?

She ended up putting me on a new birth control pill with higher hormones to help stop the pregnancy symptoms and then she sent me to a GI doc. The GI diagnosed me with diverticulitis and the intense pain did get better. However, in April I began to get upper GI and lower GI pain again and my appetite decreased severely. I have lost 20 pounds in 1 month, have abdominal pain, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, and bloating. I had a colonscopy and endoscopy a couple of weeks ago that showed gastritis in my stomach and inflammation in my sigmoid colon. My doc thought that it was IBD and tested for Chrones and Ulcerative Colitis, but now those tests have come back negative. Furthermore, I didn't have any diverticuls in my intestine. SO now she says that it wasn't diverticulitis in January. She said it was due to the IBD, but now that the tests are negative I don't have that either. She has put me on an acid blocker and anti-inflammatory but so far nothing is helping.

I guess what I am wondering is if there is a chance that this could be ovarian cancer or if it is just a GI problem. Should I push to get the CA125 test since they didn't see my left ovary? Or should I just wait and see what the conclusion of the GI stuff is? I just don't want to spend all this time with my GI doc if maybe it is all being caused by a problem in my ovaries.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Shelley

[crecco]

shells,
  You need to contact your Dr and demand that he run more tests. The CA125 test is not always very accurate for diagnosing ovarian cancer as there are many reasons it could be elevated. With ovarian cancer in your family history you have every right to be concerned. Demand that your Dr do everything possible to determine that it is not ovarian cancer. And being referred to a gyn/onc is a very good idea.
  Please do not put all of this off. Though there are other reason that your CA125 could be elevated, it is a good place to start. So don't wait, contact your Dr immediately and demand that he prove to you that it is not ovarian cancer. If he will not listen then, find another one who will. And yes, keep us informed as to what you find out. I wish you luck.
   Chris

[dian07]

If you were my daughter  I would insist you  be referred to a gyn/oncologist.  Not because I think it is cancer, but because that is the person who is specialized in female reproduction issues and disorders.   If there is ovarian cancer in your family history you must be  diligent.  YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.....make certain you have a gyn/oncologist at your side from here on out.  You are right...you are young but you are not invincable....please see a gyn/oncologist.
Please do keep us posted.
Peace.
dian

[Stage3overseas]

Hi, my mom also had OVCA - I'm 34 and my GP did order the CA 125 test for me; and I think will be doing that yearly as precaution.  I didn't have any symptoms, but my family history prompted her to do so.  YES, DEMAND IT! I think it doesn't cost very much too.  Hope everything gets better!

[shells17]

anyone? please help!