I'm Penny, 51, married and have four lovely homegrown humans aged 20 - 25.
Last week a Transvaginal and Abdominal scan showed I have a multilocular, thick walled, septated cyst with low level echoes that measures 4.3 x 4.1 cms on my left ovary. The sonographer said it was suspicious.
I initially went to the GP with pain in my L side and rectum and changes in my bowels, plus sex was painful (and that has not occurred before, even with my fibroid). I have been a windy bloaty person for years ( TMI but don't give me too many chickpeas etc...!) but this seems worse now. I bloat straight away after eating.
CA 125 measures 20, which was a small relief but I know it's only raised in half the cases of early stage ovarian cancer.
GP secretary called me yesterday with blood results and has said GP suggested re-scan in 10 weeks.
20 years ago I had high stage precancerous cervical cells and 2 lots of ablation surgery for that. My late mother, and aunt both had breast cancer before the age of 60. My aunt was 36 and my mum aged 59. My aunt has been battling breast cancer and been in and out of remission for 30 years - amazing woman. She is currently terminally ill and trying cannabis oil. My mum developed a primary lung cancer after being clear of breast cancer for 10 years, so, there is quite a bit of cancer in my female family. We do not carry BRCA genes but other aunts are currently having genetic testing for other mutations.
And.....I still have these symptoms and some low level pain. It's entirely possible that I have an innocent cyst and a bowel problem but I don't want to leave it 10 weeks. I have private insurance through work. Am I being Princessy for asking to see a specialist and not waiting 10 weeks?
Sending love and kind thoughts to all, especially those who need them most today,
Penny
Written by
mrsgrinchburger
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It's worth looking at Ovacome / Target Ovarian Cancer's website in terms of protocols for referral to specialist consultant... or even better, speaking to OvacomeSupport Anna at Ovacome for advice.
It may well be that given some of your background and individual circumstances, a referral is appropriate. I think this may be the thing to focus on... do get some more information as this will help you to discuss it with your GP.
Thank you, that's a good link. I'm going to keep my appointment to see my GP today as I'm off to Italy in 10 days for a holiday. He might suggest something for the side pain and bowel irritation (as well as refer me privately to a consultant).
O and one more thing, sorry! It is a key factor if you are over 50 and presenting with new bowel issues. One of the often talked about points is that in the past, women over this age were mistakenly told that this was IBS etc. the NICE guidelines reference this point for primary care responses... Sx
also, be aware that ovarian cancer is still relatively rare.... TOC have done a great deal in terms of improving and updating GP's training. That's not to in anyway denigrate GPs. Mine was always ahead of the curve, for which I am eternally grateful, his response was also affected by having recent experience with a woman found to have Ovarian Cancer.
As you say, it's most likely an innocent cyst / bowel problem AND if it is, then there's no harm done by speaking up and making sure that OVCA is ruled out... I do firmly believe its important not to ignore or silence your concerns. Sx
My GP is lovely. He's taken care of us for 20+ years and was on the ball with my blood test and scan. All done on the NHS within a week and no delay in results. I don't want to offend him but don't want a 10 week wait either, or continued discomfort. Thank you so much for taking time to reply x
it's my pleasure.... the returning after a month is, Im pretty sure, best practise so I did have a little alarm bell as it seemed this hadn't been mentioned. There's more stuff on Target Ovarian CAncer, including advice for GPs which might be worth a quick look at. Please don't worry about offending your GP! Its mind boggling that they can do all they do in a 5 min appointment... Sx
Hi I wouldn't worry about offending anyone. This is your life you are talking about. I would ask for a second opinion ASAP. I'm not trying to scaremonger but better to be safe than sorry xx
Why wait ten weeks when you can get answers sooner than later.
I went through genetic testing and nothing was identified. The doctor said it likely just means the gene in my family hasn't been identified yet and recommended retesting at some point. We've got a lot of cancers in my family.
Hello Mrs Grinch i would certainly go ahead with private appt. Thanks to insurance I had transvaginal scan CT scan and 2 essential operations within a space of 14 days. You just want an anwer asap whilst it comes to cancer diagnosis or ruling it out. Good Luck. Dont feel guilty! You have paid for the insurance you have a right to use it! X
Hi Penny, I would agree with the others on here. Don't wait 10 weeks is too long try & get seen quicker it is your right to ask please don't be shy this is your life. I take my very assertive daughter in law with me at all hospital appointments connected to my oc & believe me she won't take no for an answer.
After reading you have female relatives with breast cancer that should bring up a red flag to your doctor. There is oc & bc in my family but saddly this was completely ignore for 5 years. It was only when I was very ill that I was taken seriously. I am now on treatment & fighting to stay well as long as I can. So the quicker you get seen the better let's hope there is nothing to worry about. Take care Cindyxx
You've received a lot of good advice from the members here. I just wanted to add that as Sunfleury-UK mentioned, please do get in touch with me if you want to talk anything through. I'm in the office 10am-5pm Monday-Friday and you can private message me through the forum, or call 0800 008 7054 or email support@ovacome.org.uk
Hello Anna, how lovely of you to reply. Everyone has been so kind and helpful. I'm just of to the GP now and will post an update and his suggestions. Thank you x
It probably is a cyst but there is no harm in having a private consultation and not waiting 10 weeks. If you have private insurance then use it. X good luck
Thank you for all your kind words. GP has approved a referral to a private consultant. I've emailed his secretary and am waiting to hear about an appointment. One of his specialties is Gynae Oncology. GP chose him as he said he would be able to answer a lot of questions.
The way I see this is, the more knowledge there is about our bodies and the more data that is collected, the better the outcomes will be.
Wishing you all a comfortable day. I'll post an update when I've seen the specialist.
Penny--such good advice here. I know when I presented symptoms (the bloating--to my knowledge--is not after eating as much as constant---so that sounds like it may have to do with your chickpeas!) the doctors "rushed" to get all testing done to determine what I had--obviously something but no conclusions till all testing was done (ca125 was MUCH higher than yours at 2100 initially) so the testing alone will take some time...and 10 weeks sounds like alot when you are concerned and have the family history you do. Probably cysts but I join the group is saying better not to wait.
Hi Penny,This is way I'm on this site the advice and encouragement from the ladies has help me many times in the last 3 1/2 years I'm sure you will find that out too.
I would just like to add don't Waite 10 week you need peace of mind now one way or the other, I hope it's sorted out very soon ..Take care Lorraine xx
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i would certainly go ahead with private appt. Thanks to insurance I had transvaginal scan CT scan and 2 essential operations within a space of 14 days. You just want an anwer asap whilst it comes to cancer diagnosis or ruling it out. Good Luck. Dont feel guilty! You have paid for the insurance you have a right to use it! X
Has Anyone out there got 2 unrelated cancers at the same time, or heard of anyone else having this problem
On 'Cancer awareness day' we made it to my local paper, thank you all so much for being there when i needed you most xxx
Mary
Here we go again, breast cancer link.
