Dreading upcoming results of CA125 test

[Canyonbuff]

I'm 68, a full-time breadwinner. I've believed myself to be in good health, but I just learned I have a very large ovarian cyst extending across the abdomen, 27 cm wide. It was discovered during hernia repair surgery a week ago. Its presence surprised the general surgeon doing the procedure, and surprised me too - it is so huge that it had popped out the umbilical hernia. My belly has seemed large for around 5 years and I have bought my pants and skirts one-two sizes larger than my tops; but I thought it was due to overweight (which, however, has been next to impossible to lose). I have had no other symptoms whatsoever. The surgeon said this thing certainly hadn't appeared "over night" and felt it would probably prove benign. A CAT scan revealed a large cystic mass - other organs scanned as normal. The surgeon said it appeared to the naked eye as unilocular - a smooth-surfaced, regular oval shape. My PCP is sending me right off the bat to see an oncologist, and I had the CA125 blood test three days ago. I am terribly frightened of getting these results. I have read that postmenopausal women with malignancies usually show high values on this test - well above the 35 normal level; but also that benign tumors and other conditions can cause false positives. I am hanging on to my emotions for dear life, and don't know how I will handle it if the results come back very high. Surgery is guaranteed at my age, with a tumor of this size; but is ovarian cancer a "given" as well? Would appreciate any input.....I'm so grateful to have found this forum. God bless.

[Canyonbuff]

I think that what Sandymac said is correct - since you are a younger woman, results on that CA125 test can vary widely due to many factors, including endometriosis and other "female" conditions -  and therefore it is certainly not a "verdict" in itself. And I also agree with Sharon that if the doctor felt you were truly in danger at this moment - and she could not do the surgery herself until Dec. 11 - then you would have been referred PRONTO to another surgeon!  I will hold you "in the Light" with affirmative prayer that this waiting, too, shall pass and you will become renewed and completely healed.
God bless you - Love, Roberta (Canyonbuff)

[Sharon2714]

Canyon ... may the Lord fill you with His peace and I pray you find the releif you so richly deserve. amen.  I have been in your shoes as well.  Do something really nice for yourself pre-op (like a spa day) and take your time and relax as best you can post-op.

Steph ... I pray you peace in your heart.  amen I know your mind is reeling right now but for sure worrying won't help.  Actually I would consider it good news if your doctor was thinking about surgery but doesn't feel the need to rush into it.  I hope this helps.
Love
sharon

[Sandymac]

Please , please do not worry unnecessarily about this.. Let's take it one step at a time.
What was the reason for the Ca-125? You must go and read the American Cancer Society opinion on the CA-125 test . It is not to be relied upon for screening purposes in pre menopausal women for Ovarian Cancer.  There are a number of things that can elevate the results, such as an infection , endometriosis, and lots more. This test is given primarily to those already dx. with Ovarian Cancer to determine how well their treatment is working. There are those with OvCa with low numbers on the CA-125 . Also, there are women with high CA-125 tests that do not have cancer.  

What symptoms are you having? Do you have cysts? Have you even had a Transvaginal Ultrasound? How on earth can your Dr. come to a conclusion based on a blood test that is not necessarily reliable? Please google "CA-125 Reliability" and you will see that the American Cancer Society is not recommending this test in younger women without symptoms as a screening tool.

No Doctor is just going to perform surgery that quickly without further testing..A Gyn/Oncologist is a great idea if there is a suggestion of malignancy,but an elevated reading is not usually by itself reason for surgery.

Why not ask your Dr. -- or another Dr. if you 'd like a second opinion, for a TVUS and go from there. Let's not rush to do surgery yet.. And please try not to worry. If indeed it is endometriosis, that is reason right there to elevate those CA-125 results.
And check out the top right of this page.. There is a lot of information on Health Pages on cysts (if that's what you have) and CA-125 information.

Keep us posted,
Sandy

[stephr74]

Well I received word back from my doctor today that my ca125 results are elevated.   My doctor says it could be cancerous or it could me endometriosis, I don't know what to believe anymore.  This thing has been a roller coaster ride for me.  She wants to do surgery but when I talked to the receptionist she said the doctor is booked until Dec. 11.  I can't wait that long to know if this is cancer.  She said she would talk to the doctor tommorrow and get back with me.  I want to do surgery next week if at all possible, I plan on calling other doctors and seeing what the wait time is with them.  Also, I plan on finding a gyno oncologist as soon as possible.  I am scared and have to know if this is cancer or not before I go crazy.

[Sandymac]

Just wanted to say best of luck on your upcoming surgery..! I know it will all be fine.. Please let us know how you are feeling when you are able..I don't know if you are going to be having the laparoscopy or laparotomy.. but in any eent, check out "Painterchics" 10 things about Laparoscopy...I''ll bump it up for you.. There is good information and a lot of humor too.....

Take care and keep in touch,
Sandy

[Canyonbuff]

I am humbly grateful to God that my CA 125 test proved negative - and now my surgery to remove this huge cyst is set for next Tuesday, Oct. 21st. I am really, REALLY ready to do this thing.....as Winston Churchill was reported to have said, "When you're going through hell, keep going!!"

Love to all.