Ca125 dropping but other symptoms getting worse!

[Jayk26]

Hi All.

This is my first post on here, so forgive me if some of my questions have previously been answered!

My mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May 2019. Successfully sailed through chemo- de bulking- chemo and was given the all clear.

Sadly, she reoccurred in Sept 2020, again she was able to have secondary de-bulking followed by 6 cycles of carbo-caelyx. (She did struggle with Caelyx). Mum is due to start a PARP inhibitor in 6 weeks.

Her CA125 has slowly been dropping with the chemo and as of the last blood test, the results showed the CA125 was 20!!

However, I worry that even though the CA125 is in the normalised range, she is exhibiting other symptoms such as:

-Bloating,

- Tummy pains,

- Rushing to the toilet after every meal,

- Lack of energy and constantly tired.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation? My fear and gut tells me, that these symptoms are swaying towards a reoccurrence… Am I being too cautious and paranoid?

Any advice, tips, words of wisdom will be much appreciated.

P.s. to all you ladies going through OC- you are all hero’s. I salute you all.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Wishing you all the best with your pursuit.

Best,

J

[Rankij11]

And I would say a big salute to you and all those other family members who support us with the disease . I think the worry and stress for those that love us is awful . Having said that I would think (can’t know for sure )that all your mums symptoms could be related to the treatment, and take time to settle . A scan would clarify ???? As far as I remember they do one before starting PARP ????? . Anyway just really wanted to say hope your mum feels better soon and the PARP will work well Jennifer

[Jayk26 in reply to Rankij11]

Hi Jennifer

Thank you for getting back to me.

It’s always daunting with this disease. Never knowing when it may reoffend. I think the nature of it makes one constantly worry and keeps you on guard.

We have asked the oncologist to perhaps do a PET scan, as there is some confusion with the images on the CT (they are unclear if shows tissue scarring or is it actual tumour). Hopefully they action this ASAP.

Thank you for your well wishes.

I hope your journey through this battle is going the best it can and hope you stay fit and well. Keep fighting!!

J

[14523ok]

I do not not have OC but am in the midst of treating stage IV serous cell endometrial. If the CA 125 is at 20 I believe that is a good sign. Talk to your health care professionals about those side effects you mentioned. They can be brutal and difficult to deal with.

Also CT scans or PET SCANS or MRI may be helpful diagnostic tools to guide the M.D to treatment modalities.

Best wishes! the very best and effective treatments are when. we maintain a positive attitude and create a healthy lifestyle.

Trust in God He's got this! And your medical team if course...

[Nicky100]

Hello,It’s lovely your mum has your support.

I can’t really give direct advice, but I’d try talking again to her/your oncologist or cancer nurse and highlight these worries.

Maybe a scan would help or even an ultrasound. The fact her ca125 is in normal range is usually a good sign but it’s definitely worth checking.

Much love, Nicky xxx