Might Have Cancer

Hi,

I had a CT scan last Friday, where they found a very large mass in my right ovary.  I thought it was constipation and IBS which I have problems with, but my stomach was bigger and bigger and the pain is very intense.  They did a blood test, and I have now been referred to an oncologist for surgery.  I meet with her this Friday.

My CA125 was 74.5 (they said normal is (0-35) but they said my AFP was 6.5, which is encouraging (?).  So all I can do now is wait unti l see the oncologist and they will schedule surgery.

 Is my CA125 a sign that I have cancer?  I just want someone to be straight with me, this waiting is driving me crazy.

 Thank you for any responses

Hi,

Elevations in CA-125 can occur for many reasons, so this is not a reason to conclude you have ovarian cancer (see John Hopkins site for good information on CA-125). Hang in there until all the information is in.

Good luck,

G. 

Hi,

An elavated CA 125 is not definative that you have Cancer but the mass on the Ovaray is something to be concerned with. Also, that your Stomach is filling up with water is something to be concerned with. You could have Fibrosis which is treatable. My Mom passed away from Ovarian Cancer on Decmber 5th she was stage 3C and battleved for 22 months. Your CA 125 is not that high which is a good sign. There are those that after going through surgery still have a much higher CA 125 than 75. I hope and pray everything works out for you.

Tom

Hi.  Last March I was having abdominal pain and swelling along with nausea.  They scheduled me for a laparoscopy.  At that time they discovered tissue had grown around my appendix and that it had to be removed.  At that time they also discovered I had cancer.  My CA-125 was 177.  To make a long story short, I had a complete hysterectomy last June.  I went through 6 treatments of chemo.  I was diagnosed with primary peritoneal serous carcinoma.  I am now through chemo and back to work full time.  My CA-125 is down to 6.  Like others have said, the CA-125 level is not the only indication of cancer.  I strongly urge everyone I talk to that has any of the symptoms that I went through to get checked out as soon as possible.  I've been fortunate to have great doctors that were quick in checking every possible area of concern.  You will be in my prayers and I hope things will turn out ok.  Please keep us up to date.  Remember - you are not alone.

Hi,

I had surgery, and am very grateful that I don't have cancer.  The oncologist took a very large, 10lb tumor that was benign.  It was very large, I have a hard time believing this but she said it was almost as big as a basketball!  She also had to take the ovary and uterus. 

I am so happy, but not out of the woods yet.  The ct scan that found the tumor also reveiled that I had a few nodules on my liver, so once I am better I will need to follow up with that.  Everyone I am talking to says it is probably nothing, especially since I have a good health history and don't drink, so it's not cirrhosis.  Still, it makes me nervous, but I am still greatful.

Thank you everyone for responding to my post.  I pray for those that are in treatment, and for those who are caretakers for their loved ones.