Ovarian cancer query

Hi Im new to this page. 46 year suffering from bloated tummy for past 4 to 5 months. Gp didn't see me (cause of covid) but based on my symptoms referred my to surgical team back in June to rule out diverticulitis... On a waiting list for them. Bloating got worse and was sent to A&E last week. No infection found but Dr there has red flagged me to gynae to rule out ovarian cancer. My mother died from ovarian cancer so think that is why I'm getting seen urgently. My ca125 level is normal... Only symptoms bloated tummy and at times it gets sore... which hasn't gone away despite being on movicol for 2 months. I've actually stopped taking them this week to see if it made a difference but bloating is still there. My waist is normally 30/31 but when I'm bad I go up as far as 37-38 inch... Can only wear elasticated trousers gym gear etc. Just waiting now on scans and appt with a gynaecologist. Anyone else have similar symptoms?

[Yorkiepudd]

Hi, well what a worrying time for you. You are probably all too aware of symptoms if you went through it with your mum. Thankfully that A&E doc has taken precautions and I hope you’re seen very soon (my experience was that the machine moved very quickly once it started).

CA125 is often a good indicator but it’s not a definitive test as it can rise with things such as infection and even inflammation from fibroids; not every woman’s CA125 reacts though even if it is OC. Mine does so happy that I have this in my arsenal!

You’ve come to a good place-please stay off Google as you’ll drive yourself demented! If you’re someone like me who likes/needs information then stick to NHS and sites like Eve Appeal, Ovacome etc.

Do let us know how you get on (if you want to share of course) x

[Hidden in reply to Yorkiepudd]

Many thanks for your kind reply. Its just that unknown stage... Is it bad IBS or Cancer?! Big big difference but will definitely stay off Google now that I've found this site xx

[Iwillbeatit]

Very worrying for you I hope you get a scan very soon. To relieve pain try buscopan and activated charcoal both recommend we by my oncologist and they help with the bloating also eat little and often and stomach and bowels being pushed around by bloating. Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Iwillbeatit]

Thank you xx

[ZenaJ]

This is a very worrying time for you. I had the same with my kidneys, my mother died from kidney cancer so keep thinking I'll be the same. Luckily, I haven't had kidney cancer.

Before getting OC I didn't worry too much about my health but since, every little ache and pain I think I've got something serious. I think this is a normal feeling so you're bound to be worried after seeing you mum with OC.

I went to A&E with pains and was told it was diverticulitis but my CA125 showed the cancer and the scan showed a big tumour.

It turned out I carry the BRCA gene. Perhaps you should get that checked as if you carry the gene you'll get checked more often for different cancers.

I do hope you get good news and feel quite confident that you will as your CA125 was normal. It's not a guarantee, I know, but it can be a good indicator.

Wishing you the best, Zena x

[Hidden in reply to ZenaJ]

Thank you Zena xx

[delia2]

Hi. I’m glad you haven’t let this drop. Bloating can be a lot of things but since your mum had OC you need to be vigilant. Unfortunately CA 125 is not necessarily an indicator. Mine was 8 at diagnosis. Catching it early is most important. And, as Zena recommended, see if you get tested for the BRCA gene. I truly hope the bloating is nothing serious.

[Hidden in reply to delia2]

Thank you xx

[molly12]

Hi, the same happened to me large bloated stomach and pain ca125 normal. I rang docs in March but was also fobbed off with ibs. In may I was still in pain and large stomach rang docs again this time I said someone needs to actually look at my stomach as it was so large I looked 8 months pregnant. Once again fobbed off but they did say they would refer me for a scan. I went for a scan and was told I had a multicystic ovarian tumour. All systems go from there on w week pathway with nhs was seen then mri with 6 weeks I was admitted to hospital for a hysterectomy both ovaries and Fallopian tubes cervix and omentum removed along with a 26cm ovarian cyst.mine was a borderline ovarian cyst.not cancer just had results but I think the way he described it was it was pre cancerous so once removed that’s it no more treatment required. Scary times and with Covid even harder. Hope all goes well for you I’m 5 weeks since my op now and feel very well and a stone lighter 😂 quickest weight loss I’ve had.message me on here if you need to ask anything

[Boymom11316]

Did you by chance have changes to your bowels?