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ovarian cancer fears

Inkydogstudio
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I'm 61 and am absolutely petrified I might have ovarian cancer.  I've been getting constant discomfort "downstairs" and need to pee every 15 mins or so - and then I can't seem to empty my bladder properly and still want to go.  A UTI has been ruled out by my GP and he's now tried me with some medication for thrush, which he said would work quickly if it is thrush (it hasn't, and I don't think it is) and I'm to go back and see him tomorrow if I'm not feeling better. When I expressed fears that it could be ovarian cancer, he played these down, saying that it wouldn't have come on this quickly (it's been 5 days) and that my tummy would be a lot more swollen and bloated, although he didn't examine me. I asked for a CA125 blood test which I'm having tomorrow morning. I know I won't feel better tomorrow as I'm sure I don't have thrush.  I have been using Ovestin oestrogen cream on and off since February and at first wondered if it could be a (delayed) reaction to that, but as the days go by and no improvement I'm getting more and more stressed. Has anyone else experienced these types of symptoms? Grateful for any replies, Jane

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    Hi Jane,

    You have done the right thing by asking for a CA125 blood test but even if the results are in the normal range I would insist on a Transvaginal ultrasound and a referral to Urology.  The TV ultrasound will examine your ovaries and check the thickness of your uterus. I am post menopausal and a similar age and have been experiencing incomplete emptying of my bladder. My CA125 was normal but the TV ultrasound showed my uterus was slightly thicker than normal. I have not had any vaginal bleeding so now waiting for a gynaecology appointment  who will arrange a hysteroscopy and a biopsy.  Don’t let your GP fob you off but if he won’t refer you or the waiting list is too long you can have a TV ultrasound privately very quickly for around £130.00. Hope this turns out to be nothing sinister but keep pushing for answers. 

  • Offline in reply to jow27

    Hello,

    thanks for your reply and thoughts, based on your own experience. I had the bloods done yesterday and I guess will get the results next week. The medication has seemed to work, in that the discomfort has largely eased and so it seems possible that i did have an infection which also was causing me to pee frequently (which has also improved for now). I suffer from chronic severe health anxiety which cripples me and affects my relationships with all around me, so I’m trying to balance that with a sensible awareness and monitoring of any symptoms I have. I’m seeing another gp next Thursday who I know to be thorough and cautious in her approach, so will hopefully be able to move forward with confidence.

    Wishing you well with your ongoing investigations x

  • Offline in reply to Inkydogstudio

    That sounds reassuring Jane, I had two UTIs prior to this latest problem and they are very common in post menopausal women. Hope your bloods are all normal and that the GP you see next week will arrange any further tests if she deems it necessary. Take care. x

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