Fluid in abdomen but CA125 is alright... Help?

[gina752]

Hi.

I went through chemo when I was 11 (ovarian cancer) and now I am 24 feeling the same type of symptoms. I refuse to get a chemo again :/ ..

So my CA125 result is 23.1 however the person doing my ultrasound told me I have no cysts but a lot of fluid. My results for ultrasound will arrive in a few days... But I am super nervous.

Have been feeling tired and lethargic and a very, very painful abdomen-back pain.

If it is OC again I am honestly considering just going with alternative medicines instead of chemo, I can't go through it. My mother passed from breast cancer last year, so should I also get a mammogram?

What other blood tests or etc do you guys suggest? I don't want to try anything that includes radiation because a lot of people say it just spreads cancer cells.

Thank you so much <3

[Yoshbosh]

Hi Gina,

I suppose what you do next depends on what might be causing the fluid. There must be other conditions that cause it too, not just ovarian cancer. Did they take a sample of the fluid to test? When I was being diagnosed with OC they did that and the fluid contained cancer cells.

I assume you have a consultant or doctor who will take you through the ultrasound results, and who you can ask about further tests?

I can't believe you had OC so young!

xx

[Hidden]

Cant believe you had this so young. I suggest for now wait and see what your consultant says and his advice

[Lily-Anne]

That's harsh only 11 did you have surgery? I would want a biopsy before making any decision or worrying about it

LA xx

[gina752 in reply to Lily-Anne]

hi yes I did... awful and painful memories....

are there any risks with a biopsy?

[greenpink]

Hi, I would think ( same as others) the fluid needs to be tested/a biopsy. I am just wondering if you've been offered Genetic testing? my mother had breast cancer and I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 48, ( though it has been growing at least a couple of years before that-- I had symptoms). My oncologist told me 48 was young & due to family history, she suspected a genetic mutation. I was tested and am BRACA 2 positive. Because of that I have responded particularly well to the chemo carboplatin. Did you have chemo by itself at age 11, or any surgery in addition?

Best Wishes

[gina752 in reply to greenpink]

I had a surgery to remove the cyst. The doctor told my mum to make sure I'm not put under any stress because there is chance it'll come back ... My grandmother also had OC and a cousin too.

What is a test to figure out the genetic mutation please? All types of cancer especially breast and ovarian run in the family from my mother's side.

I have a phobia of biopsy.. mainly because my mom had it done and after that she lost all her senses, and was in extreme agony until she passed.. She was stage 4 at the time

[Perthgirl]

Hey Gina, am so so sorry you have gone through this at such a young age and hopefully this is not a recurrence. Think it is vital you have genetic testing with your history, is a simple blood test or they will take a swab from inside your mouth. If you are BRCA + it will open up another range of drugs for any further treatment if you need it. Wish you all the best and sorry you are already following this path. xx

[Hidden]

Hi Gina,

You've got a lot to deal with. Knowledge is power. Finding out if we have a family variation which explains things can help with treatment planning. And in some cases give more choices.

Ovacome has a young women's group and you might find it helpful to ring the helpline after the weekend and be put in touch with them.

Treatment for any cancer isn't nice and none of us relish it. But it's more tried and tested and based on firm evidence than the alternatives. I wouldn't take any course of action on the basis of "a lot of people say". A lot of people can say some pretty silly things sometimes!

Yes, radiation can cause cancer... if you think about what has happened with nuclear disasters in Ukraine or Japan. But, used differently, it can also be very helpful as a medical treatment, though I don't think it's used that commonly for OC. I had it for breast cancer and am pretty pleased I did.

Stay strong and keep in touch. xxxx