Raised ca125

Hi! I'm 46 and for the last 4 weeks have been experiencing distended belly and indigestion. At first I attributed the increase in waist size to gaining weight but noticed that my belly is not going down even first thing in the morning. I went to the GP and had some blood test done. My ca125 was 47 which is above normal of course. I have been referred to an urgent scan and 2ww gynaecology. This is of course worrying me and have cried my eyes out on the day I was told of my blood test result. Has anyone experienced same symptoms as I did? 
 

  • HI sms76,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. It's good to hear you have had this checked out, although I can understand it must be concerning. It sounds like you hopefully won't have too long to wait, and the urgent referral should mean you get answers sooner rather than later.

    I can see you have also posted elsewhere on the forum. You should expect to receive an appointment within the two week period, and then it shouldn't be too much longer to wait after that to get the information you need.

    In the meantime, try to keep busy and keep yourself distracted where you can - I know this can be easier said than done.

    There will be others here who have experienced something similar, so hopefully you'll receive further replies soon. You can also browse or search the forum for other relevant discussions.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Ben! Thank you for your response. I did get a phone call today that they will see me tomorrow for my scan. I'm glad I didn't have to wait long but does that mean my case is actually "urgent"? I try to be positive but there's always that C-word that pops into my head. I hope I will be able to sleep tonight. I know my appetite is very poor at the moment. Oh well, tomorrow's the big day.  
     

  • Hi

    I thought I'd share my mums story here...

    She is 57 postmenopausal, with a complex cyst found in her ovary. We went through a number of tests either doctors who are very careful about what they do and don't tell you. Normally a lot of these cases aren't cancer so please try and not worry. I know its easy to say, ove been in this situation myself a number of years ago but I think it's the not knowing that's the worst. Hoping for a positive outcome x

  • Hi 

    I thought i had responded but doesnt look like it went through.

    Please try not to worry.  I am 55 had ca125 @ 85

    These results came back after referal to hospital and bloods MRI and biopsys taken all very scary at time. Biopsys fine but mri showed complex mass left side. 

    To rule out anything turning to cancer I had full hysterectomy 2 weeks ago and am just waiting results from op and recovering.

    My Ca125 dropped to normal so please try not to worry ca125 levels can be high for various reasons like infection but doesnt automatically mean cancer. 

    I am sure you are going to be just fine and are now in best hands to be looked after.

    Be kind to yourself try not to worry. Be thinking of you big hug  claire xx

     

  • Hi worriedbja!

    Thank you for sharing your mums story. 
    I have an urgent scan this afternoon thank God because I don't think I can get through another day without knowing. 
    I'm so glad I found this chat group though. It helps to see what other people are actually experiencing and not just what Google says. 
     

  • Hi snow08! 

    I'm glad you're on your way to recovery. 
    I'm glad I found this chat group because we understand how each other feels. I am trying to be strong but sometimes it takes too much to be strong and easier to just give in and cry. I keep thinking of my 6year old and my 15year old. My husband keeps telling me to wait for the tests first and not to worry too much. But it's easier said than done. 

  • Bless you its so hard trying not to worry. 

    Sadly doesnt matter how our hubbies try they never say the right thing even though we dont know what that is. They worry in their own way.

    Us mums we are there to look out for everyone and dont have time to be poorly. We worry about our children. Mine are older and I have grandkids but we never stop worrying.

    When do you next see anyone? 

    Its good to have a good cry I keep being told that. But again we are good at giving advice not good taking it  because we think we have to be strong 24 / 7

    I really do feel for you the waiting is the worst thing.  You have no control because until you get results you will always think the worst thats just a normal reaction.

    Take care and stay in touch if it helps x

     

  • Hi snow08!

    i just had my US external and TV this afternoon. The most frustrating thing is the consultant refused to answer any of my questions. All she would say is there's a small bit of fluid accumulation but it could be caused by anything. She will discuss with other consultants about the next steps to take. I should wait and speak to my GP in about 2-3 weeks! I said that's too long! But she said she will send the report to the GP tomorrow. 
    It's so frustrating. If there's fluid, why wait a few more weeks? Surely it's a sign of something serious?! Aaaaarg! I have to wait again. And I feel the stomach is getting more distended. I don't know... :( 

  • Hi,

    I thought I'd provide an update which may also help others...

    She went in yesterday and was told her ovarian complex cyst was borderline, but there were signs of invasive cells likely to have been cancerous if not caught early. They also found a lump in her appendix... She was told she will not need any further treatment aside from check ups every 3onths. Looking at responses on here it seems as though others have got much more detailed explanations so unsure if there was more information we could have pushed for. I myself was not there, but my sister went with my mum. Its difficult waiting and I remember the many appointments I went to with my mum, the doctors are so careful to not say anything. Fingers crossed for you.

    Anna x

  • Hi Claire! Hope you are well. 
    It's been a while since the last time I have joined in the forum. I want to give an update on my condition since you all have been kind to me in my darkest moments. I had an MRI and they found severe endometriosis plaques in various places and an endometriosis cyst 10cm. I have met up with the surgeon and I am now on the waiting list for a surgery. But he reassured me it is nothing malignant despite the raised Ca125. He said the endometriosis could definitely cause the Ca125 to be raised. Ca125 definitely does not always mean cancer!