I've read enough on this message board to feel more empowered about pushing for further investigation into my problem. Ladies, take your gynecologists with a pound of salt is all I can say. Here's my experience... to date. 3 months ago, normal gynecological exam, felt cyst upon pelvic, ordered ultrasound, showed 4 cm cyst. Recommended 3 months birth control pills, followup yesterday, cyst still there, still 4 cm. Doctor's recommendation - come back in 8 months and we'll continue to monitor your CA125. My CA125 aren't alarming - 26, 36, 28, and just had another test, no results yet. Doc says - don't worry, most of these cysts are benign. He truly is waiting for 1) me to have more pain, 2) the cyst to grow larger, or 3) CA125 levels to increase - before he thinks further action is needed.... Well, my Mom had ovarian cancer, genetically, I could be predisposed. She survived and is living today. Doctor asks me "How paranoid are you?" Sorry, but that is an AHole question don't you think? "My Mom had ovarian cancer" is just a sentence to him. To me its watching your Mom be ill, be operated on, lose her hair, think her time is up, and then wonderfully survive and be living today. Sorry Doc, YEP, I'm paranoid. I've seen the journey and would like to avoid it if at all possible. If 80% of ovarian cancers aren't diagnosed until the disease is advanced, then maybe I think I'd like to be one who was diagnosed EARLY because she ranted and raved! This same GYNO - after being in his office THREE TIMES and having his asst. ask me "When was your last Mammogram" and me answering "more than 5 years ago", Doc STILL has not suggested a mammogram. Not that I'm worried about my breasts, but wouldn't you think this guy would say - hey, why not get your mammo. done? I'm 48 years old.
So, I'm giving his office 2 weeks, to get the results of the next CA125 test, and then regardless of the results, if he doesn't recommend a consult with a gynecological oncologist - I PLAN TO GET ONE ON MY OWN. Yes, I am Paranoid, and I WANT AN EXPERT, not a general gynecologist to tell me I have nothing to worry about!
I'm probably a pretty difficult patient to deal with, but then, have your ever had your gynecologist make statements to you like "How paranoid are you?" "I could take this cyst out now if it is bothering you?" "Your hedging your bets - this is probably not cancer, chances are only 1%" "Well the cyst hasn't changed, so that's where we are".
Thank you all, just felt the need to RAVE and RANT! Feel better now.
And here's a PS - Have any of you ladies had the hard sell - endometrial ablation? "Free yourself from the burden of heavy bleeding - wear white clothing everyday....blah...blah. 60 seconds and no more heavy bleeding". This, to me, is the latest remedy my gynecologist tried to sell me for heavy bleeding. I think he makes big bucks on it. He mentioned it to me within 5 minutes of me being in his office. At second visit, I declined. At THIRD VISIT yesterday, his asst. asked me if I WAS THERE FOR AN ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY which is one of the steps toward prepping for endometrial ablation. GEEZ. NO NO , I don't want it. Let this MD get his boat payment some other way. When to pee in his bathroom, big poster on the back of the bathroom door "Free yourself from the burden of heavy bleeding....."
This is NOT a quack gynecologist. He is american educated, 20 years experience, perfect record, and owner of his own women's practice with out 12 practicing gynecologists. So disappointing!