Early symptoms ovarian cancer

[smilerkel86]

Hey, I'm having some symptoms hence joining this group. I'm 37 and recently my periods have changed so every month since I was treated for level 2 cin cervical cancer cells my period have been brown blood for a few days then goes to red. So that last couple of months my period pain has woken me up in the middle of the night which has never happened in my life. Also having some lower to mid back pain which hurts more than what I've always experienced. I bloat a lot I think that has got worse in recent months but my upper abdomen like right under my bra line always seems bloated whereas over last few years I think it was lower abdomen. I'm pretty certain I have a wheat intolerance celiac was ruled out a few years ago. I've also been catching every bug in under 6 months I've been ill 9 weeks 2 x flu which lasted 3 weeks each time then 2 x covid one followed by a sinus infection. I eat healthily and try to exercise when I'm not ill or exhausted or my children aren't ill 🫠. I seem to have such a low stamina for exercise I'm not massively over weight 12.5 stone but I struggle so much in the gym classes compared to everyone else even people in their 60's do better than me. I've been thinking maybe I have cancer and it's getting bigger and affecting me more 🤔 anyone else had any of these small symptoms?

[wendydee]

Hi, I’m sorry that you’re having all this worry. It’s always best to get these symptoms checked out.

If you look on the Ovacome website, ovacome.org.uk, there’s a symptom diary on there (under information and support/ovarian cancer symptoms). It gives lots of information and also lets you record all these symptoms and then you have something to take to your GP to see what needs investigating.

There is lots of other information on there, including a helpline number and an email for questions and support. It’s all very supportive and the information you will get is knowledgeable and accurate. They’re very good.

All the best with finding out more about what’s going on with your symptoms.

Wendy xx

[G_chook]

Hi,

Have you been to your GP, to get your tummy checked out and also ask them to do a blood test to check your CA125 which is the OC tumour marker it should be 0-35.

Target Ovarian Cancer are a good contact to speak to one of there nurses.

Please get it checked out. 🩷

[Trickysite in reply to G_chook]

Hi, I would follow G--Chook's advice above about GP and CA125. If it's any comfort, I always used to get days on my period when the blood was brown and then turned red or vice versa in terms of order and I just assumed it was the lining of the womb being shed. Never consulted a doctor about it. But go to doctor and get checked out to put your mind, hopefully, at rest. Emma xx

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Dear smilerkel86

Thank you for your post. I’m sorry you are having such a worrying time at the moment. You've had some really useful advice from our members and I just wanted to add to their replies and agree that as you have symptoms that are persistent and are worsening, it would be advisable to see your GP.

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are also the signs and symptoms of much more common, more easily treated conditions, but it is important to have them investigated so that the cause can be identified. Your GP can investigate further to try and identify the cause and arrange appropriate treatment for you.

As wendydee mentioned, you may find our symptom diary helpful when talking to your GP: ovacome.org.uk/symptoms-tra... Please let me know if you need a paper copy printed off and sent to you, and we would be happy to do this.

As G_chook and Trickysite explained, you could talk to your GP about a CA125 blood test, which is a protein in the blood which is used as a marker with ovarian cancer. The CA125 is not diagnostic so it can’t tell you what is wrong, but it is an indicator when elevated that further investigations such as an ultrasound scan are needed to try and identify the cause of the rise.

Some people have a naturally higher level of CA125, and if you have the test on your period this can cause it to double or even triple, so a raised CA125 doesn’t mean you have cancer but it can help to determine what is happening for you.

I hope you are able to see your GP soon so they can help to resolve your symptoms. Please do get in touch if you have any questions or if you want to talk anything through. We’re here Monday-Friday 10am-5pm on 0800 008 7054 or you can direct message us through this forum or email [e-mail] .

Best wishes

Anna

Ovacome Support