Symtoms and Diagnosis

What are the symtoms of ovarian cancer and what is the best test for diagnosis?  I've had some problems with ovarian tumers and had one removed, but I keep having problems.  I have read the medical books and online information, but would like some answers and feedback from real people.  My prayers are with all of you and your families who have fought the fight and still fighting the fight with cancer.

WanaMcGrew

Hi Wanna, My symptoms of OVCA were: bloating, feeling full after eating just a bit of food, constipation and urinating frequently. Unfortunately mine was not caught in time which happens almost 80% of the time . I'm a stage 3C. The tests you can have to check for OVCA, are a CA125 blood test, and a transvaginal ultrasound and Ct Scan. Please make sure you have a GYN/ONC , its very important. Good Luck!! Sending prayers that everything turns out okay and that you don't have this horrible disease.

Hugs and Prayers, Terry

On 3/29/2009 ladyjogger31 wrote:

Hi Wanna, My symptoms of OVCA were: bloating, feeling full after eating just a bit of food, constipation and urinating frequently. Unfortunately mine was not caught in time which happens almost 80% of the time . I'm a stage 3C. The tests you can have to check for OVCA, are a CA125 blood test, and a transvaginal ultrasound and Ct Scan. Please make sure you have a GYN/ONC , its very important. Good Luck!! Sending prayers that everything turns out okay and that you don't have this horrible disease.

Hugs and Prayers, Terry

 Hi ..This is the first time I am even reading things on the computer . I was told do not go on the computer because of the horror stories. and every one is different. I do believe that. I also am a patient of stage 3c ovarian cancer. I am in my 20 month. I was in remission for only 1 month. I am in my 6th different chemo. It is very scary I have 3 children .ages 34 ,30 and 12. I worry about my 12 year old and my 3 grand chilren. but I also know you have yo have a very very positive attitude. I have a great drip buddy..who is also one of my best friends. ..without her .. I do not know Where i would be. My very great and dear husband of 18 years has to work to kep us going. I know I am Rambling so sorry and hope you can follow  me. I was thinking of getting into a group of women who has the same cancer. did you? and did it help? thanks for listening to me pam

Hi Pam, welcome to this site, there are a few other sites that I visit.

www.cancer.org

John Hopkins ovarian message boards

OvCa.net  ovarian cancer network

They sites are full of wonderful brave women fighting like you and I. They are all so helpful.

We do have a small group on here its listed under Chemotherapy, you have to go onto the 2nd page there are 438 messages on there, just go to the last message and join in and post.

I'm also a stage 3c and have been on chemo non-stop since April 08.

If you need anymore help let me know.

Hugs and Prayers, Terry

Terry,

Thank you so much for the information!  I am scheduling an appointment with my GYN, but I wanted to know from someone who really knows what tests I need.  I've had the paps but I still keep spotting and I am 49 and havent had a period for over a year.  I do have problems with bloating and I stay constipated.  So with your help, I will know what tests I need.  Thank you!  My prayers are with you and your family and know that God is with you every step you take.

Hugs and Prayers

Wana

Hi Wana,

Seeing as you had asked for comments from those who have gone through ovarian cancer, I thought my story might provide some insight.

I am an ovarian cancer survivor of some 35 years now. I had this when I was 14. I am now close to 50. One of the most important tests that you can have done is an ultrasound, which will most likely be followed up by a CTscan. 

The progression of my cancer happened fairly quickly once tumors were discovered through an ultrasound, but leading up to this, I had been having a lot of abdominal pain, weakness and fatigue. I woke up one morning and my stomach was quite distended, 'hard' and painful. My mother brought me into emergency that day and an ultrasound was performed which determined that there was a large mass.

I was admitted to hospital and surgery followed quite soon after. They took out most of the tumor and performed a total hysterectomy as the tumor basically had exploded inside and was everywhere from what I was told. At first the oncologists wanted to follow up with radiation to get some of the 'seedlings' that were found in the omentum and other places, but then it was decided that they would do a wait and see which I am grateful for. I had had enough done to me. Fortunately I have been well ever since.

With your history of already having tumors, I think it is very important to continue with the pap tests, but I would definitely want to be followed by a gynaecologist and have regular ultrasounds done as well. Seeing as your initial post is a few days old, perhaps you've already had an ultrasound and/or hopefully well on your way to a good prognosis. If I can answer any questions you might have, just let me know. All the best to you.

On 3/29/2009 mydaddysgirl wrote:

What are the symtoms of ovarian cancer and what is the best test for diagnosis?  I've had some problems with ovarian tumers and had one removed, but I keep having problems.  I have read the medical books and online information, but would like some answers and feedback from real people.  My prayers are with all of you and your families who have fought the fight and still fighting the fight with cancer.

WanaMcGrew

Hello Wana, this is Ann. I am 65 years old...so sorry you have to worry about this. I had problems that they thought were Irritable Bowel Syndrome but when my abdomen got quite bloated a CT Scan was done and they could see the tumors. That was March of 2008. When the fluid was drained from my abdomen (nine pounds worth), I weighed myself before and after, ovarian cancer cells were in the fluid. A vaginal ultrasound that I had shortly before my original diagnosis did not show it. I was referred to a Gynecolgical Oncologist, This is a MUST!!! I was started on Carboplatin/Taxol the next week and had 2 cycles before my total hysterectomy...everything including the omentum and appendix thrown in to boot. I had a problem with foot numbness so he put me on Taxatere which I continued with up to last November when I had a metastasis to some lymph nodes. We tried Doxil but it was not completely helpful and now I am on a drug study clinical trial of PEG Irinotecan from the Nektar company. My CA-125 was 147 at first diagnosis and is now at 9 with the PEG Irinotecan. That gives me hope even though this last week I found that 2 of the lymph nodes that I found in Nov 2008 are sore and hard again. I see my Gyno/Onco on Thursday and will ask him what's up.
A long road for sure and everyone's experience is so singular! Be sure to ask your doctor about everything that puzzles you!!!

Hugs,

Ann