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Ovarian cancer symptom worries

Raven_Black
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Hi All,

I'm currently on the 2 week cancer pathway and have been referred to gynae oncology. I've been having irregular periods for the last year and the last 2 have been very very heavy and long. I've been on for 5 weeks which prompted me to contact my GP (I had just assumed that my erratic periods this past year have been down to the menopause perhaps as I'm 44 and until last December have been as regular as clockwork with my periods) 

My GP sent me for an ultrasound on 10/11 but the lady doing it couldn't see my ovaries, she then asked to do a TVS ultrasound, doing that she found a large mass across the top of my uterus that was obscuring my ovaries, she told me this was unusual and that she would contact my GP. Later that day my GP called and arranged a ca125 blood test for the next afternoon 11/11. I went for the blood test on the Thursday afternoon and the nurse taking my blood said I'd get the results on Monday/tuesday of the following week. I got a phone call the next morning at 8.30 from my GP to say they were high (65 when they should be below 35) I was then referred to a gynae oncologist and was seen by him the following Thursday 18/11. He performed an endometrial biopsy and said I needed a CT scan as the ultrasound pictures didn't tell him anything and when he had all the results back here schedule another apt to discuss from there. My CT was scheduled for Saturday just gone 27/11. And now I am petrified it's something sinister.

I'm grateful that everything has happened so quickly put it's also not helped my anxiety as I'm now thinking they must suspect it's something untoward because they are moving so fast. Are my symptoms indicative of ovarian cancer or am I just over reacting!? Should also mention that as well as the prolonged heavy bleeding and erratic periods I've been feeling extremely bloated after eating just a small amount and have put unexplained inches on around my abdomen (which again I attributed to the menopause)

Sorry for the long post I'm just besides myself with worry waiting for results, what were other people's ovarian cancer symptoms? Are the symptoms similar to an ovarian cyst??

 

Thanks for reading xx

  • Welcome to the forum, Raven_Black, although I'm sorry for the reason that brings you here.

    it sounds like you've been in a whirlwind in the past weeks so it's no wonder why you may feel anxious.

    Hopefully other ladies who have been in your shoes will come along shortly to chat with you and offer insight.

    As you asked what the symptoms of ovarian cancer are, I thought I might leave you with this page from our website with information that you might find useful. Also, if you feel like speaking to one of our nurses please feel free to give them a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    I too have symptoms of ovarian cancer - bloating, feeling so full after a tiny bit of food and this is not usual for me- I love my food. Also the period problems, I missed period in sep/October which is mega unusual for me, the only times I missed a period was for my pregnancies. But I did soooo many pregnancy tests and I was def not pregnant. Then I've finally come on but it's been so heavy and lasted 2 weeks now-usually it's 3 days long. I only change pad/tampon for hygiene purposes not because they are full. I'm now going through 5 or 6 a day and still leaking!! Very unusual for me. I've had my CA125 blood test -awaiting results next week and have a pelvic ultrasound (possibly transvaginal- they said they'll tell me on the day) in 2 weeks. But what my doctor said is that CA125 can be raised for a number of things- not just ovarian cancer. It basically shows inflammation in that area, so the fact that it was raised and they've found a large mass doesn't necessarily mean it's cancer related, it could just be a benign cyst. The CT will be able to tell them more, they might need to do a biopsy or a removal of the mass and test it for cancer. I hope it's not for you! Positive thoughts. The waiting is the worst!

  • Offline in reply to loubeatrice

    Thanks loubeatrice, hopefully yours is nothing sinister either. I think the waiting is the worst part! I had something similar at the beginning of the year and was diagnosed with a small ovarian cyst, my ca125 at that time was normal at 27 my worry is this time if it was just a cyst why would my ca125 be raised??! Anyway I know worrying and googling isn't going to help the outcome I just need to try and be patient until I get the results, hopefully I should hear something next week ()

     

    Please let me know how you get on with your tests. Xx

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