awaiting to confirm if I have cancer

[Nattahlee]

I had a scan which advised that my right ovary is enlarged and contains a heterogeneous lesion and appears to contain droppler flow within. I have free pelvic fluid and my endometrium is thickened (18cm) - Any clue what this means please?

I’ve been having number of issues for last 6 months from extremely heavy periods (so heavy I’ve been in A&E and I can’t leave house for several days), losing weight without trying, pain in pelvic area and stomach, being extremely tired along with other things like bloating / feeling full quicker and more.

I’ve had blood tests where the cancer one was normal but everything flagged like high white blood count etc. I’ve been referred for abdomen scans now and I’ve a lump in my side I’ve been putting down to being cyst but now I’m worrying if I have cancer & spread 😫 got this next week

Anyways I was referred to cancer pathway after my scan on my ovaries etc to see gynaecologist. It’s been three weeks and after pushing Hopsital I’ve finally been given a date and time but nothing else confirmed. What can I expect from this appointment? Do I bring someone with me? Will they do tests on that day or will it just to be discuss?

I’m super anxious and I’ve planned worst case scenario in my head. Just not sure how to deal with the waiting.

[Zelam]

Sorry to hear you are in this situation. I remember the anxiety well.When I was referred to cancer pathway I was booked in for an MRI and bloods then about 5 days later to see the consultant who gave me a diagnosis although he did point out it was not 100% until the surgery confirmed. The consultants have an MDT meeting to discuss results and I think timing depends on when they have these meetings. Different hospitals seem to differ with how they diagnose. Some ladies have biopsies. I don't know who they've booked you in to see. I really hope you get some answers soon.

Sending lots of love Liz

[Nattahlee in reply to Zelam]

Thank you so much. Hopefully il find out more this week and will keep updated

[A1r1t]

Hi Nattahlee, sorry to hear about your anxiety and the not knowing for sure is stressful. I would suggest you take someone you trust with you to see the gynaecologist because they might remember more of what as been said plus moral support. I hope that it's just cysts and it sounds to me with all the bleeding that you have with your periods that it probably is. Fingers crossed that, that is all it is, which is bad enough! But hopefully they won't find evidence of oc. Wishing you the very best of luck and please let us know what the outcome is because this is a great platform of support. Everyone's condition is slightly different but we've all been through the mill and know about stress and anxiety issues. The support you get from this group is brilliant! 💖 🤗 And good luck 🤞 xxx.

[Nattahlee in reply to A1r1t]

Thank you. Do you think it’s more likely to be a cyst then? I wasn’t too sure with it appearing to contain droppler flow within. Would they do anything to remove a cyst?

Thank you so much. Definitely will be taking someone with me incase but I’m going to presume they’ll want to do tests to confirm

[Melody6]

Hello Nattahlee, very sorry to read about your situation. When my early stage (1a) ovarian cancer was picked up on an ultrasound the sonographer could see a large complex cyst (7.5 cm) on my right ovary, some fluid in pelvis and a slightly thickened endometrium. I was then fast tracked to see a gynaecological oncologist. It was all absolutely terrifying. The consultant gynaecological oncologist examined me, didnt take any biopsies and booked me an urgent MRI. When the results came in I was strongly advised to have a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, omentectomy and removal of cervix. Basically everything out. I was 47. They could not be certain it was cancer till they took it out. They didn’t do a biopsy on the “complex cyst” as that is likely to spread cancer cells, if there are any. Anyway, I took all the advice, had the surgery, it did turn out to be very early stage cancer. The fluid in my pelvis was normal, as was my endometrium. Stage 1a cancer removed with capsule intact. The cancer was an aggressive type so chemo was recommended, which I also did as well.

The not knowing and the waiting are really difficult - it felt like being stuck in a really dark limbo. I was so terrified of the surgery and surgical menopause. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other during the whole terrifying process and kept following my Consultant’s advice, which I am very glad I did.

I am on the other side now and it’s over 4 years now since my surgery and it all seems like a bad dream! I am still having routine check-ups about every 6 months and all is well as far we all know - touch wood.

Good luck with your hospital appointment - please let us know how it went. Love from Mel

[meadowgirl]

Waiting for a diagnosis is the worst thing. You just need to know what is going on in your body and what needs to be done. None of us can tell you what your specialist will say. Each hospital is different. My consultant told me that although they could see something was amiss on the scan, they would need to take biopsies from the area. I was then sent for a pre-op assessment: height, weight, BP and ECG and told I would be contacted with a date. Some people are told that they can see what it is and that they will operate straight away.

On another thread on this site we have been talking about prehab, that is preparing yourself for surgery. It can do you no harm, and may do you some good. Start to get yourself fitter, eat healthily, and you will be ready for whatever comes your way. All the very best for your appointment and let us know how you get on 🤗

[delia2]

Hi. I’m sorry you find yourself in such an anxiety producing state but I would be thankful they are pursuing this seriously. It’s not necessarily cancer but you want it to be investigated and ruled out if it’s not. I definitely encourage you to bring a companion with you to the appointment. My experience has been that I barely register anything the oncologist says when something serious is happening. I pretend I’m listening but I’m actually in shock. My husband repeats it all to me later! Please let us know how it goes. Xx