Ovarian cancer and bloating

Hi

I've had some unusual symptoms for a few months. The most troubling is needing to wee a lot. And I mean A LOT. Plus, the feeling that I'm not fully emptying my bladder.

I had already decided that enough was enough and I should see a doctor. Then I recalled I'd had some other vague symptoms too that I'd kind of overlooked and maybe I should mention that too. I've had some pelvic pain, bloating and heartburn. And, come to think of it, I do feel full quickly these days. I do know I have some fluid in my peritoneal cavity.

I'm 40 and know ovarian cancer is unlikely. I've had IBS for 20 years so bloating isn't unusual for me, but this feels different. I wouldn't, however, say it was persistent in the sense of permanent. I feel it every day, but it's worse at certain times. After eating I can feel like it's difficult to breathe because my tummy feels so big. I am worried about mentioning it and being told it's just fat - I do have too much fat around my middle, though I'm generally average size 12.

So I'd be interested to know how to go about talking to my doctor about this and how to make sure ovarian cancer is ruled out. I have no idea what to expect. How do I make sure nothing is missed?

Thank you.

 

  • Hi. 

    This is my journey.

    I was diagnosed with overian cancer, grade 3c at Christmas, 2017, aged 53.   Had all the symptoms you mention, but thought it was IBS.  I was doubled over with cramps.  I saw my GP, he instantly said there was a lump.  Referred me to a gynecologist immediately, confirmed was was a tumour, the size of an orange, and was Ovarian cancer, turned my world upside down.

    I had a major operation, full hysterectomy, and debulking, the size of the tumourt was a melon, had 7 rounds of chemo.  I am now on Avastin, a maintenance drug to stop the regrowth of cancer cells.  I was admitted several times to being nutrapenic.  Body could not tolerate chemo, or Avastin, having a break from Avastin.

    Each day is different, cannot get out of bed sometimes.

    Visit your GP asap.

    Good luck

    Hayley

     

     

  • Thank you for replying. It feels a bit empty to say I'm sorry to hear about your experience - it must be devastating - but I am. 

    I have a week till my appointment. I know I have a lot of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, but I don't sense anything serious is wrong. I got ill with an autoimmune arthritis a few years ago and I knew something was up, even when tests came back negative, even when specialists repeatedly told me nothing was wrong. I KNEW. And eventually scans proved me right. So I'm not overly worried about cancer, but I had a friend, only a few years older than me, die this time last year of ovarian cancer, so I don't want to be an idiot about it and ignore this. I want to be prepared and make sure I get the right diagnosis, whatever it may be.

    Thank you again.