Hi, I am a 32 year old from the UK and guess I am being screened for ovarian cancer so just wanted to ask some questions if possible.
I have had 3 children in the last 3 years. During my 2nd pregnancy at my 12 week scan (October 2006), they found what they thought was a large fibroid measuring approx 12cm. Nothing to worry about. It was still there at later scans but thankfully did not intefere with childbirth or anything.
In my 3rd pregnancy, the fibroid was still there and measuring the same size roughly. Of course fibroids can grow during pregnancy and I had only had 4 months between pregnancies so wasn't surprised it had not gone.
My ob/gyn advised me to see her in her gyn clinic 3 months postnatally to have another look at the fibroid. I had an ultrasound 2 weeks ago (my baby is now 3.5 months old). When I went to the doctor (about something else) she said to me that she had had my ultrasound report back and it looked as if the fibroid was in "an odd place" so I might be called to see my consultant before my scheduled appointment (which is 26th of Aug). Sure enough I got a letter on Saturday saying that I should go for an MRI and a CA125 blood test as there was a possibility that my fibroid might "involve one of ovaries".
I had a quick look on the internet and it doesn't take a genius to work out they are screening me for ovarian cancer.
However what I don't understand is that I have had many ultrasounds (baby-related) since they first saw the fibroid and everyone has just dismissed the tumour as a benign fibroid. Why now then do they think it might not be a fibroid after all? Surely they can see the difference on an ultrasound?
I was called by the hospital yesterday (Monday) morning and asked to come for an MRI that afternoon which I did. My CA125 blood test is scheduled for next Tuesday. Then I have my consultant appointment on the 26th. But if they see something dodgy on the MRI then surely they won't make me wait until the 26th? Although this is the NHS we are talking about!
Since giving birth I have also had quite bad lower backache - something I have never suffered from before. However I thought this was just my body getting used to not being pregnant and also picking up my baby all the time etc. Now I am worried I might have cancer.
How fast does cancer spread? Surely if the tumour is cancer, then we know it has been there for nearly 2 years at least, does that mean I have probably had it?
Worried of England.