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I wondered if some of you would be so kind to share how you were diagnosed? I read that most often women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer only by laparoscopy. Does this mean it often won't show anything suspicious on CTs & ultrasounds? Also, is pain in that area (lower side of abdomen) a symptom? Was anyone told they were "ok", only to later receive the diagnosis? Thanks all!
Peace, love, & hugs to all..... & never forget to dance.
Kathleen
Cancer Surgery Hysterectomy Amoxicillin Back pain Physical therapy Fever Ovarian cancer Pneumonia Constipation Pain Chiropractic Diarrhea Stress
I would guess most of us were NOT diagnosed by laparoscopy.
I was diagnosed by my gastroenterologist, who gave me an ultrasound of the abdomen because he was suspicious of the symptoms I'd been having. Anything suspicious definitely does show up on ultrasounds and CT's and that is how most of us were probably diagnosed. This disease has symptoms that causes a lot of mis-diagnosis, so many of us had months of that before getting an actual diagnosis.
A pain on the side can be a symptom, but there are others that can show up too. You should check the American Cancer Society, The Alliance and any hospital website that will give you all the details you should be aware of. It's important to know them.
Hi Kathleen,
I am sorry for the loss of Mike and for your concerns about your own health. My cancer was diagnosed & operated on this past July 09 and I have 1 more carbo/taxol chemo treatment to go. I discovered my mass which was rather large 20cm while lying on my back and massaging my lower abdomen. I felt a large firm mass with well defined edge. I had been experiencing a constant dull bloating feeling which felt like chronic constipation. My stools were pencil-like when I could go. I had several sciatic attacks after playing golf/tennis which I attribute to the pressure of the tumor.
I went to my GP who sent me the same day for a CT which confirmed the mass. I then went to a GYN for exam, intravaginal Ultra Sound and blood work. Although my CA-125 test was only 42, the gyn decided to refer me to a Gyn/Oncologist. I was diagnosed with Stage 1C Clear Cell Carcinoma.
I have a strong sense that this cancer may have been triggered by the enormous stress I was under last year. My husband had a nervous breakdown shortly after the economic crash last Sept. I own and run a busy wellness shoe store and the market events of last fall certainly had an impact. My Dad died very suddenly in Nov and I was extremely close to him.
Do have your symtoms evaluated. I believe that this disease is not so silent, just most will not hear! You have been under enormous stress for a very prolonged period and stress does wicked things. Hopefully, this will be nothing more than a good wake-up call to take better care of yourself and eliminate as much stress as possible.
For me, I'm taking my bald head to the golf course today and playing some hooky from the store.
Symptoms are usually there, but can be attributed to something else -- commonly gastrointestinal ailments since bloating is one of the key symptoms.
I had pretty severe bloating, but what got me to the doctor was periodic low-grade fevers that never lasted more than a few hours, but continued off and on for a month. My doctor ran a CT-scan after finding microscopic red blood cells in my urine, but no white blood cells which might have indicated a urinary tract infection. The CT-scan revealed my tumor, but it couldn't definitely be diagnosed until after the surgery and cytology reports.
In answer to your questions -- there was lots of suspicion before the surgery, which meant that I was referred to a gyn/onc, thus giving me the best possible outcome for my situation.
I had a month of pelvic pain, like ovulation, which didn't go away after my period. I went to Ob/gyn who felt something during pelvic exam. He then did an ultrasound right there and saw something. He referred me for a Transvaginal ultrasound, which also showed something. CA 125 was normal, and always has been for me. The radiologist recommended an MRI, which indicated something more serious than the planned for laproscopy would handle, so I was referred to Gyn/Onc for sugery, and was diagnosed 3C at surgery.
Jeanie
I have Primary Peratoneal Cancer (treated medically like Ovarian). It was difficult to find as there is not a measurable mass to see with ultrasound, CT or MRI - It is more like salt on a pretzel. Like MinnieM I had a low grade fever that came and went. I had bloating with weight loss and problems voiding. The medical people tested me for everything except cancer during my hospital stay. I studied the Internet and demanded a blood test for Ovarian, Pancreatic and Colon cancer. Only the Ovarian came back positive. The rest is history. During the discovery process I received an emergency colostomy with a Gyn Resident looking in and declaring all was OK. IMy PPC was verified during a second surgery to be IIIC by a Gyn/Onc. If you feel that you have not been heard or helped - keeping pressing. Stacey
Kathleen,
My wife Patty had no symptoms till the night before she went to the ER due to severe pain in lower left side. CT revealed 10CM tumor. Internal sonagram confirmed. CA-125 was around 600. Good luch. Keep pursuing tests until you are absolutely satisfied.
Tomd
I went to the ER in March with severe abdominal pain. a CT scan showed a large tumor. Next morning I went to my GYN who did an ultrasound and immediately sent me to a GYN/oncologist at UNC. A complete hysterectomy the next week showed cancer, which the doctors felt they had removed all of it. 6 chemo treatments later I am cancer free, hopefully forever.
I had a regular gyno visit in Nov 07. By Feb 08 I had what I thought were systems of IBS. I kept a food diary , presented it to my gyno. and he decided it was worth investigating further.
He sent me for a transvaginal ultrasound which showed absolutely nothing wrong. He was smart enough to send me for an MR I which showed I have a huge mass. I had surgery May 3, 2008.
It symptoms pop up on you.
I had some abdomial pain that I chalked up to menstral cramps. I finally had my yearly exam and he suggested a vaginal ultrasound. This test found my tumors and we were off and running! I then did a CT scan and scheduled meetings with 3 different hospitals. I loved Sloan-Kettering and then my journey began. This began in Nov of 2207 and August 2008 clear CT scan. I had stage 4. PHEW...
Taking study drug vaccine and still clear! I say that lightly!
Good luck, ladies on your journey!
Jan
On my yearly pap, I had an abnormal reading. Went back for a redo (CA125 was 35 at the time) and the gyn must have felt something (although 2 months previous no one felt anything) sent me for a TVU where I was able to see a large mass (11cm) on my left ovary. Had a CT scan, and went to the recommended gyn/onc. He said, "no cancer there". Going to pre-op I stopped and opened the envelope with all test results; read them; called my husband and had him take notes; went for pre-op; 1 week later went into surgery with gyn/onc saying no cancer; to finding out 2 days later I am in stage 111A. The Lord has been so good because I have had minimal side affects from chemo; still teach full time and do mom things with my younger children. I think my job and mom things are keeping me focused on doing instead of sitting and thinking. My prayers are with you!
I was diagnosed with OvCa, stage III-C, during gall bladder surgery (laproscopy). Fortunately for me, the surgeon referred me to an excellent gyno/onc who did my debulking barely two weeks later.
I did have symptoms but they were so vague. Perhaps if I had known the list of "silent symptoms" I might have pushed for an earlier diagnosis. I had begun to lack energy, feeling less "strong" than before. But then, I was in my early 60s and thought that was due to age. Now, 3 months after my six sessions of carbo/taxel, I feel better than I did a year ago. More energy. More self-motivation. Mentally good.
My symptoms (as I look back at them) a bit of tiredness and lack of energy, bloating, some slight discomfort under my lower right rib when lying down, constipation (not all that unusual for me). The night before my gall bladder surgery, I noticed that my breathing was shallow, as when you have pneumonia. I realize now that was due to the pressure caused by the fluid buildup (ascites). The ascites was pretty light compared to how some describe it. I did not notice it standing or sitting except I felt bloated and my jeans kept getting tighter. Again, I thought that was due to age, that my body was changing.
I think it would be key to get a good blood test...look at the CA-125 and the alkaline phosphatase. In my case, an abnormally high alkaline phosphatase led me to google which led me to ask for an ultrasound of the gall bladder. A large stone led me to ask for surgery which thankfully led to my dx. (My blood test did not include the CA-125).
My doc did not notice the high alkaline phosphatase reading. But I ALWAYS get a copy of my labs, etc. And I generally check to see if readings are all within the normal range and to see how they differ from the previous year.
Your medical records are YOUR property and you should take advantage of the fact that you have a right to have copies. When I request copies, the staff are always happy and quick to provide them. Don't be afraid to ask.
I had lower right pain in my pelvic area mid June, this year. I went to a walk-in clinic. They found E.coli in my urine and gave me Cepro for my urinary tract infection. I didn't get the full dosage of Cepro because it gave me severe diarrhea. Then I was switched to Amoxicillin.
I finally went to see a urologist in July and he found a mass. The CT scan confirmed OVca. I didn't have any other symptoms like bloating or back pain.
I had dull pain in my right rib cage when I took a deep breath, yawned or sneezed which after a month developed into a sharp pain in my right shoulder. This was in April 2007. My PCP diagnosed "intercostal neuralgia" or pinched nerve in the rib cage. It responded to chiropractic and physical therapy. I didn't get the "usual" symptoms of ovarian cancer, like fatigue, bloating, abdominal and back pain until Thanksgiving; my cancer was diagnosed two weeks later. Had a rapid onset of severe shortness of breath and thought it was pneumonia. Went to the ER and found out it was OV CA spread to my lungs.
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