scared

[Stills]

in February I became ill and a blood test red flagged cancer. I’ve continued being unwell with scans, endoscopy, subsequent bloods and a night in ER revealing only Orthostatic hypotension and high cholesterol. I’m awaiting a colonoscopy however the last abdominal scan showed cause for concern and I’m speaking to GP on Monday. I’m wondering if the colonoscopy will be changed to a laparoscopy as symptoms lean towards ovarian problems.

Bloating, fatigue, headaches , indigestion , change in toilet habits, period like pain and cramps, nausea , dizziness, strange muscle pain, sore throat, back pain, random stabbing pains, vaginal spotting, sore eyes, loss of libido , anxiety disturbance of sleep.

It’s hard to differentiate the joint and muscle pain from my chronic rheumatoid condition which also seems worse unsurprising I suppose. Thyroid not tested.

My question is : are sharp stabbing pains in pelvis and abdomen a symptom of ovarian problems? I’m 61, post menopause and apart from mentioned here above generally robust .

Thanks for any responses .

[Lyndy]

Hello Stills, I am sorry that you are having all this worry. Ovarian symptoms can be vague but changes in bowel habits, feeling full quickly, bloating etc are all on the list.

Not being medically qualified, I think that I can only say that you have identified things that don’t feel right and you have done the right thing by getting them investigated.

Your doctors are looking for a cause.

Meanwhile you are left in this horrible limbo trying to keep it together. We have all been there and it stinks! Try to get yourself some support right now, you don’t need to wait for a diagnosis. Macmillan have a helpline for anyone suspected of having cancer as well as those with a diagnosis.

Once you know what you are dealing with and if it is cancer, there’s lots of support on here from other patients, you can ask anything, someone will have experience or knowledge to share. Very best of luck xx

[Stills in reply to Lyndy]

Thank you Lyndy , much appreciated, and as you infer it’s the unknown time that’s the hardest to deal with for all involved. I’m busy making peace right now. I didn’t realise Macmillan were able to advise/support those in my position so that’s a great help thank you.

From your bio it looks like you’ve been through the mill so I’m sending …. 🤗

[Motiva in reply to Lyndy]

Such brilliant advice as always for you Lyndy . You are being taken seriously Stills and your GP will be able to arrange a CA125 and urgent referral for CT/transvaginal ultrasound scans.

Speak to Ovacome too if you get a OC diagnosis and need more specific advice.

Big hug,

F x

[Stills in reply to Motiva]

Thank you, I’ve had the trans vaginal US thing with a probe last month and they found something so that’s what Dr wants to tell me about tomorrow on the phone. My marker was up in feb and since then they’ve been treating my heartburn, indigestion and dizziness as nonsense as well as a locum saying I was an hysterical post menopausal woman. Looks like I’m close to finding out the problem though. Question , is if usual to have period like pains and back ache vaginal spotting with OC?

[Vegana]

Hi Stills,

I had a sharp pain in my lower belly, for about a month,followed by ascites ( which I mistook for gas) and was diagnosed with OC 3C.

I wish I went to check it up sooner, but I was feeling strong and energetic , had no clue

You are doing the right thing, checking everything .

Stay robust and positive!

I’m same age as you! 1962. Good vintage 😁

Love from Dubai

PS I’m OK now , after 2 operations , 6 chemos and 16 Parps

Dancing and parting just like before

[Stills]

Is bloating Ascities? Is this a symptom of OC? I feel fat and my tummy is noticeably round but no weight gain and my clothes still fit?

Thank you for your reply and glad you’re still dancing 😀

[Heart12345]

Hi Stills usually a raised ca125 test and CT scan can identify possibility of ovarian cancer but definitive test is with a biopsy. I was diagnosed a few years ago with ovarian cancer stage 3c/4a and am now in remission and enjoying life. X

[Stills in reply to Heart12345]

Thanks for sharing your story.

I had an ultrasound and vaginal probe scan, ( not sure of correct terminology) and the sonographer said there and then my organs looked ok but now GP has called me in on Monday as there is an issue that needs to be discussed with the results. However in between this the vaginal spotting started again with period like cramps ( I’m 61) and GP has ordered colonoscopy. Given my symptoms I think they may chose a laparoscopy instead? Can a colonoscopy detect OC?

Glad to hear you’re doing well .

[Heart12345 in reply to Stills]

A colonoscopy is in the lower intestine (the colon, rectum) so wouldn’t really see ovaries probably worth mentioning could you have a CT scan as well to look at both as concerned about possibility of cancer once you have mentioned the word cancer the gp might feel obliged to give you one. Wishing you well X

[Stills in reply to Heart12345]

Good advice thanks, given my classic OC symptoms and blood test I shall mention this.

[Bookclublover]

Hi Stills,

Sorry you find yourself in this position, but you’re getting some sound advice here. I’m on a Scottish OC facebook support group and know from the experiences of others that being bounced between gynaecology and colorectal is not unusual. The women I know of course have OC but in some cases the journey to diagnosis took a while because colorectal also being investigated/ ruled out. In some cases the colonoscopy picked up problems caused by OC - blocked bowel etc- but not OC. This was eventually picked up in the usual way- elevated CA, ultrasound, CT, biopsy. I hope this helps. The women I know are all doing fine now. X

[Stills in reply to Bookclublover]

Thank you that’s informative. There’s so much to find out. My Mums from Kilmarnock.

[Bookclublover in reply to Stills]

I’m Ayr, it’s a small world. The lady initially investigated for colorectal was tested in Ayr and Kilmarnock. X

[Motiva]

No, a colonoscopy only examines for internal large bowel disease unless mass is so large it is putting pressure on the wall.

I had a colonoscopy too as ovaries were within normal size limits on US and CT but a LN nearby was enlarged. Good to be thorough but it was a rule our rather than rule in procedure. On a positive note (and you get very adept at looking for the positives,) the endoscopy dept gave out very nice warm socks with grippy soles which I kept to use at home 😊.

F x

[Stills in reply to Motiva]

Thank you and reassuring, when I had an upper gastroscopy the only thing they gave me was wind 😜

[Motiva in reply to Stills]

😆

[Stills in reply to Motiva]

Read your bio, how are you now? My Mum had a mastectomy and recovered and is now 86. Your reply referenced LN, my Dad died of non Hodgkinsons Lymphoma last December and I assume that’s an added risk factor for me but will ask Dr.

[Motiva in reply to Stills]

I am well thank you. I have started my maintenance treatment now of bevacizumab every three weeks by infusion and the PARP inhibitor olaparib orally. I had my second infusion yesterday and so far so good 🤞.

[Stills in reply to Motiva]

Great, wishing you good days .

[Pianoplayer731021]

Hi Stills, my CT scan and CA 125 showed signs of ovarian cancer. The biopsy confirmed it. I had much bloating and discomfort in my belly also. I was losing weight and that can be a sign of cancer even though I was bloated. Hope you find the diagnosis soon and sending well wishes. Donna xx

[Stills in reply to Pianoplayer731021]

Thanks for your reply. Yes the bloating is evident, I feel pregnant almost but have not put on any weight. I feel like there’s no room for food. These last few weeks have also brought new stitch and stabbing pains in the pelvic/abdomen. I’m not sure where the pelvis starts and ends or where it becomes the abdomen tbh but it’s a low down pain. How are you getting on with treatment may I ask?

[Pianoplayer731021]

I had 4 rounds of chemo, debulking surgery, 3 more rounds of chemo and took niraparib for 3 years. I am NED , but I had some on and off again while taking niraparib. I had some side effects and now I am seeing a hematologist for blood tests. These drugs can take care of the cancer cells, but they also can give you blood tests that aren’t normal. The low down pain that you are experiencing is in the area where ovarian pain starts. Mine also spread to my omentum and intestines. Hoping your diagnosis comes soon. Donna xx

[Stills in reply to Pianoplayer731021]

I’m wishing you good days ahead with high notes 🎶 at Xmas 🎹

[Pianoplayer731021]

Thankyou for your best wishes with high notes and those piano keys. I’ve loved music as long as I can remember. Sending my best wishes! 🥰