Ovarian Cancer?

[violetivy]

Hello,
I am a 38 year old female with a history of very large fibroids.  I had a myomectomy after my daughter was born in 2003.  In 2007, I felt bloated and my internist did a CA-125 test, which came back elevated.  I went to see a gynecological oncologist, who did a thorough trans-vaginal ultrasound and said he saw nothing.  He ordered an abdomine and pelvic ultrasound for a follow-up and still nothing.  I had another C-125, which also came back elevated during that time.  However, the third C-125 came back normal, but now I am having severe symptoms of bloating, gas, indigestion, GERD, fatique, severe constipation, and abdominal cramps.  I also noticed that I am not eating as much.  I went for another abominal/pelvic ultrasound and they found another big fibroid.  I am under a big amount of stress right now, but these symptoms are very alarming to me because they came on suddenly and aren't going away.  I know what I did to do, see the oncologist for a scan again, but I am so afraid.  Could the fibroid actually be a cyst?  Is it significant that my CA-125 went back to normal?  is that possible.  I don't even know what to ask, I've already convinced myself that I have it and that it's been missed.  My Dr. ordered an MRI a while back because of flank pain, but my insurance wouldn't cover it, so I didn't get it.  I could have gotten it on my own, but I was too afraid of the contrast.  I have a real phobia with that.  Stupid.  I know.
Thank you.

[lactac1224]

I don't know if a cyst can look like a fibroid on an us.  I know that the 2 times I had surgery the ultrasound clearly showed a tumor and a cyst.  In any case, remember that less than 1% of ovarian cysts are cancer.  If your fibroid is really large it may cause some of the symptoms you listed just by being so large.

As for CA 125 mine was always normal - even when I had cancer so I really don't put much stock in that test.  From what I understand, an elevated number means further tests should be performed.    I would say the fact that your number whent down is a good thing!

You said you are seeing an oncologist.  That is the best thing to do.  Follow what he/she suggests - get all the tests that he recommends and wait and see.  Odds are in your favor and worry will not help!  I hope all turns out well for you!

Laura  :)

[crecco]

   You have every reason to be scared, Your body is doing things that are not normal for you. But never be so scared that you do nothing. If by chance it would be cancer, the longer you wait, you begin playing with your life.
   If the symptoms you are experiencing are new to you and you have had them for more than 3 weeks, you definately need to see a Dr. If your Dr does not listen to you, insist that he prove to you that it is not ovarian cancer. His job is to take care of you and find out what is causing the problems. If he refuses to listen then you need to find another Dr who will.
  But first of all you need to convince yourself that your fears are nothing compared to what might be if you continue to avoid the obvious, and that is something is not right and your body is telling you that. One of the tests any Dr will do will be a scan of some sort, whether it be a CT or PET scan or MRI and all will be done with contrast. that is one of the ways they have of detecting what might or might not be there. There is absolutely nothing to fear from the contrast. It runs through an IV and is over in less than a minute. It doesn't hurt and it causes no side effects.
  You say that you are under a lot of stress and that will get no better until you face the fact that you need to see a Dr and find out what is going on. Yes, the thought of having cancer is something no one wants to think about. But if that would be the case and you refuse to do anything to find out, look what the alternative is. I would choose finding out and fighting it any day.
  I hope that you get your butt back to the Dr and make him find out what is going on, and please do not keep putting it off. this is something you need to take care of as soon as possible.
  Keep us posted as to what is going on.
      Chris

[Teresa222]

In order to get the test you need to find out what might be going on with your ovaries....Ask your doctor for an CT Scan, rather than the MRI that your insurance company turned down. A CT Scan is less expensive than the MRI's.  Perhaps this will work and you will find out what you need to know. Good luck
Teresa

[violetivy]

Thanks for the responses.  I am up now with stomach gurgling and cramps.  I know what I need to do, but I have real medical anxiety issues, so I just reached out to the Dr. I am seeing on Monday to see if there was a counselor he could put me in touch with so I can get done what I need to get done.  I have already convinced myself of what I have and it is paralyzing me, instead of getting the tests and seeing what I'm dealing with - taking it one step at a time.  Like I said, I do understand what the consequences are of waiting, if I have this, and so that is why I reached out on this site.  I have a special needs daughter who is testing borderline for cystic fibrosis and I just want to be there for her.  Both of these situations are happening at the exact same time now, and I am finding it tremendously difficult to deal with.  Thanks again.

[lvfrogs]

You are dealing with so much right now that it would make anyone nervous and anxious. I agree with the other women, you need to go back to the oncologist and ask for a CT scan. I have been dealing with gyn issues for a few years now and I finally got a pelvic CT with contrast and it showed some things that have to be checked out.  The contrast is so quick, it is weird, makes you hot and feel like you have to pee, but it is over so quick that you can do it!! I personally, thinks it makes the world of difference as now they actually am finding stuff on me and I knew it all along. So please, go back and see your doctor. I am sorry to hear about your daughter. I hope that you have some support, friends and/or family with you. Let us know!

[crecco]

violeivy,
   I hope that you have contacted your Dr today and if you haven't. please do so. Though you may be scared, that is understandable. You are not feeling anything that any of us have never felt.
   You mentioned that you have a special needs daughter. There is your incentive to see your Dr immediatety. You are right, she needs you. So you need to try and put aside your fear and medical issues and do what needs to be done to insure that you will continue to be there for your daughter.
   The best of luck to you and let us know what you find out.
         Chris