Very anxious at the moment, How do you know if your OC returns?

[trolleydollyuk]

[spanishanna]

Oh trolleydolly I am not a Dr, what are your symptoms, you say so little on your post. How long is it since you have seen your Oncologist ?

I am on change of chemo due to cancer marker going up, but I feel fine. My physical examinations are good,my scans good, mine is just a slowly rising CA 125

Ann x

[wendydee]

Hi Trolleydolly!

I know it's always a worry, and I've been OK for 9 years (fingers crossed!) What I've done is keep in touch with my specialist nurse and I check out any weird symptoms I get with her first, then she advises me what I need to get checked out or what I need to just keep an eye on. It's worked, so far. However, if you are having any pain, bloating, feeling full, bleeding, sickness, anything that just does not feel right, then check with your GP or hospital. They all want to keep you as well as they can, so don't feel you're making a fuss. I go very much by instinct, I knew that something was wrong before my diagnosis, so now I trust my body to tell me when it needs a check.

I hope this is helpful. If you're feeling general fear about "what if ....", I think it's something we can all sympathise with. Maybe contact your local Macmillan survivorship group. They are doing a lot of work on what happens after we have cancer.

All the best

Wendy xx

[trolleydollyuk]

Thank you Ann and Wendy

Apologies for not writing much in the question, for some reason the website wouldn't let me put a longer question on. I had 6 cycles of carboplatin followed by surgery in January this year followed by another two cycles of chemo. My treatment finished in April this year, since then i have had the occasional bout of constipation which I have always been able to sort out with medication over a few days. However for the last couple of weeks i have been very constipated and had the feeling of being full. I have not noticed any bloating. I have taken lactulose and a number of herbal remedies but just don't feel as if i've been able to empty my bowels.

I saw my surgeon about 3 weeks ago and asked him how i would know if it was back and he basically said i would tell him. I asked about having a CA125 and he said that there had been a new study which proved that the CA125 wasn't a good marker when you were in remission as this could be raised for a number of reasons. I did question why i had one just before every cycle of chemo and he told me it was to determine whether or not the chemo was working.

I have been in to my GP practice today and been told to call back in the morning to speak to the DR. I have decided to ask him to send me for a CA125 as i think this will put my mind at rest. I am seeing a counsellor also as i do have a huge fear of this horrible illness coming back and i am trying to cope with that, most of the time i am ok but it's when my body starts behaving abnormaly that i get extremely anxious. Fingers crossed i am worrying about nothing

[wendydee]

Hi Trolleydolly

I'm glad you're seeing a counsellor to have a chance to chat through all the issues and worries. There's also the ovacome nurse helpline which may be useful for you to know for when you're having a wobbly day! It's 08453710554. They are very experienced and sympathetic! I hope all the owrry is unfounded, it often is. I know how easy it is to convince yourself that there is a problem, when there often isn't. I agree about the CA125. It does act as a safety net psychologically sometimes!

All the best

Wendy xx

[sarah1963]

Oh I feel for you. Even when you are healthy the blasted disease messes with your peace of mind. Yes get the CA125 done and out of the way. I know they say it isn't perfect but it must be of some use as 'they' do keep using it. Take the laxatives and may be change your diet just for now. Its beautiful weather so I hope you can spend plenty of time outside. Sorry if this sounds a bit bossy - its just that I've been there, done that and had the counselling.

Lots of love to you

Sarah