When do you know there's a recurrance?

[Lafnatitall]

I was diagnosed OC IIIC, had last chemo on March 25th.  About 3 weeks ago, I started having the same symptoms I had when I was first diagnosed. Abdominal bloating, felt full after maybe 1/2 cup of food, nausea, and abdominal discomfort...SAME EXACT symptoms.  My CA125 was still at 36...1 point over 'normal'. So, since fear is what really guides most of us after an OC diagnosis, I requested a CT scan...came back negative... whew...  So, my question is this...if I can't recognize the symptoms of a recurrance, will it be too late when and if I ever DO have a recurrance?  I have one doctor telling me that the CA125 might not be a good indicator for me...so, how do you KNOW?

I am so frustrated and anxious with myself.  I'm a pretty intelligent individual...but don't feel like it right now.  So, is it like 'love' or 'labor pains'?  Do you just know???  I'm a very positive person, have been throughout all of this...but now, I am insecure and depressed...is it ok for me to just go ahead and vent and cry?  

[crecco]

When I had my first recurrence, I noticed that I was experiencing some of the same symptoms that I had when I was dx. I asked my onc about it and he said that mamy times when you have a recurrence, you will have a milder form of the same symptoms you had in the begining.
But being stage IV, my CA is checked monthly and is a very good indicator for me.
I would say that you did the right thing in going to your Dr when you started having those symptoms. And I would not hesitate to go again if they do not ease up.

You go right ahead and cry and vent all you want. But one thing that you need to make sure is that you do not let the fear of recurrence take over your life. We all worry about that from time to time, but we can not let ourselves dwell on it. We live for today, we cannot dwell on the past and we cannot worry about what tomorrow brings.

I do hope that you are feeling better.
  Chris

[vegas2cr]

I think my question to you would be how often do you go for re evaluating.. With stage IV I go every 8 weeks for a transvaginal ultrasound once a month for a ca 125 and seeing my oncoligst....also  every 8  weeks back to the gynecological surgeon who performed my total hysterectomy..

I truly understand how you feel for every ache or pain or if my ca 125 goes up 1 point I am crazy.  but I prefer to be monitored this closely....It is so normal to feel the way you do.... talk with your doctor..... and I hope you stay well....  Ronni.

[gah_70]

First off, let me say you certainly are not alone.  I believe just about any lady on this forum who has finished chemo the first time will tell you when it's over, you can't help but feel a bit insecure.  It's like you had a security blanket when you were on chemo, but now it's over, and you feel like cancer is just waiting to rear it's ugly head again at any time.  Because of that, you are very sensitive to any changes, and easily convince yourself cancer is back.  I suppose there are women who have that intuition that tells them the cancer has returned, but for the most part, we don't.  It is understandable that you want to vent and cry, and you should always feel free to do that when you need to.  You won't ever do yourself any favors by holding it in.  You've been through hell and back, and it is your right to cry anytime you want!  But, I think you should also give yourself a break.  It is completely normal to feel insecure, so try not to be so frustrated and anxious with yourself.  Easier said than done, I know.  At any rate, it doesn't make you any less intellegent.  Keep getting your regular appointments, and if anything does happen, then no, it won't be too late.  

Thought and prayers are going out to you.  I am sending you all my best wishes that you find a way to get through the fear of the unknown.  You know you can always come here to "let it all hang out" any time it gets to be too much.    

Gail

[msjazz]

Sometimes a cry helps me, except for swollen eyes. My only sign of recurrence was ca125. If your ct was clear, you are probably doing o.k.. It could be scar tissue or adhesions. I don't know why it would be too late? If by some chance you do recur, you can still get remissions. I think they will moniter you closely for a while, most do under stage 3, so you will know. Try not to worry, maybe your stomach will settle down. Stress can really get your stomach messed up. Depression happens to a lot of women after finishing chemo. You had a goal to reach and made it. Now that its over you can start havings those thoughts creeping in on you. I hope you feel better soon,  Donna