Raised CA125 and awaiting ultrasound

Hi everyone, i'm new to the forum and I am very worried I have cancer.

I went to the Dr 2 months ago as I had some spotting after my period.  An internal was done and told ok but due to the spotting a referral to gynae would be made.  I got an appointment through which was cancelled due to covid!  I went back 2 weeks ago as I have been feeling bloated and discomfort in my upper abdomen.  The Dr felt my tummy and said he would run some bloods.  He mentioned gallstones which I guess would explain the discomfort.    

He rang me earlier this week to say my CA125 level was slightly elevated at 77 and my iron levels are low.  I didn't know he was running this test but so glad he did however since he mentioned it I have been going out of my mind.  He said try not to worry too much about it but he felt it right to refer me to gynae.  I have an appointment for the 11th Aug for an ultrasound and i'm scared for what they may find.  

I know something isn't right as when I press on my upper abdomen it feels tender.  Could it be I have something in my tummy pushing my other organs up?! 

I was diagnosed with Colitis 10 years ago and in 2018 I had 2 flare up's in succession and the latter nearly ended with me being hospitalised.  In April 2019 I had a colonoscopy which came back clear.  I am now concerned it is related to my ovaries after reading ibs can mask ovarian cancer.

My main symptoms are lower back pain, niggles and a dull ache in my abdomen, loose bowel, breathless and tired.  I feel bloated sometimes but no visible swelling.  

 

Sorry for the long post but i'm scared.  Any advice would be appreciated

Thank you

  • Hi Maxi and welcome to the forum.

    I noticed you're having your ultrasound today so I just wanted to wish you good luck and let you know we'll have our fingers crossed for good news.

    Hopefully you'll get some support and advice from some of our members who have been in a similar situation soon as well.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you Steph, as it turned out my appointment today was just to see the Consultant my ulstrasound is on the 23rd August with a follow up appointment on the 25th August.

    The Consultant did an exam of my tummy and said she couldn't feel any mass in my abdomen and did an internal of my pelvis and said all was ok.  She tried to do a biopsy of my womb but I was too tense.  I have had my bloods redone to check my Ca125 levels, she didn't seem bothered about my current levels.  She said it could probably be due to fibroids or polyps but wouldn't be able to tell until after the ultrasound results come back.  I told her I was concerned it was cancer as my mother in law died of Ovarian cancer 7 years ago as she was diagnosed late.

    Maxi 

     

    Be glad when the 25th is done so I know what is going on.   Not enjoying this waiting

     

  • Hi did you get your scan, just wondering what was the outcome as I am in a similar situation awaiting a scan after slightly elevated ca 125 levels and worried sick . Hope it turned out well xx

  • Hi, yes I had my ultrasound/transvaginal scan at the end of August which was clear.  During the scan I did get a bit upset because the machine kept bleeping which made me think it was because of tumours.  The sonographer saw I was getting upset and she said the bleeping was due to her taking measurements of my organs.  I asked her at the end if she could see anything and she said there was nothing to cause concern which was a relief.  She said I should hear from the consultant in a couple of days.

    I didn't hear from the hospital for 2 weeks when I got a letter for my next appointment which was at the beginning of October.  When I went to the appointment my consultant said all was ok and there were no signs to show that there was any cancer there but he did diagnose me with Adenomysois which is where the uterus starts to grow into the lining of the womb.  He offered me the Mirena coil or a hysterectomy if I feel it necessary which at this moment in time I don't.  My CA125 levels slightly reduced to 50 which he said was ok and that it will be slightly elevated due to my diagnosis.  I have to say I nearly skipped out of the room when he said it definately wasn't cancer    I now have an open appointment for the next 6 months with my Gynaecologist should I be worried about anything else which is a comfort as my periods are still hit and miss.

    What is your CA125 level? What symptoms have you been having?

    Hope my reply has been a help

  • Hi, thanks so much for your reply and so happy for you that your raised levels is nothing sinister! It helps to ease my stress levels! I went to the doctor a few weeks back due to my severe period pain each month. I’m 43 and have always suffered with cramping but the past year it’s been getting worse and worse to the point I cant go on each month with 2 days of severe pain. She ran a lot of blood tests which came back ok apart from slightly anemic and slightly elevated CA 125 Levels. No idea what the level is or how high but I’ve been referred for an urgent internal pelvic scan so just waiting word on that! It’s the waiting and not knowing that is the worst as I’ve been googling too much and have myself in a right tizz fearing the worst!! 

    I’ll going to try and not worry all over Christmas but it’s easier said than done!

  • Hi, glad I was some help.

    If they have referred you on the 2 week wait you should hear very soon.  In the meantime please try and keep away from google, I was on it constantly and it took me to some very dark places which isn't good for any of us going through the waiting period.  At least your gp is being proactive.

    Try and keep positive and enjoy Christmas and let me know how you get on 

  • Hi thanks again I will sure let you know how I get in x

  • Hi, just thought i'd message to see how you are.  Have you had your appointment yet?  Hope you are ok.

  • Hi there, I got my scan a few days ago and thankfully all looks ok! I have one small cyst but they don’t think it’s sinister. I’ve to back in 6 weeks to get a repeat scan to see if the cyst has changed and also a repeat blood test to check my ca 125 levels. They think my problems are coming from possible endo so to see if it helps they are starting me on a mini pill! It has put my mind at rest somewhat mind you I will be happy to see normal Ca 125 levels as that still plays on my mind that it’s coming from somewhere else! Thanks so much for asking, hope you are doing well  xx