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If you could ask an expert one question about ovarian cancer, what would it be?

joann86 profile imagejoann8611 Voters

Please select all that apply:

23 Replies
Tesla_7US profile image
Tesla_7US

Why don't General Practitioners look for this? Especially when some patients have already had breast cancer?

Maceymae profile image
Maceymae

I didn't have any change in my periods (still regular every 4 weeks). Unfortunately the diagnosis came at a late stage. I was going to ask why is there not more checks done like regular ultrasounds but the answer would be it is not cost effective. Smears are done and great for that because otherwise they would not have found pre cancerous cells and saved my life 7 yrs ago. I had the lletz procedure done and bled for 3 months solid but it was worth it in the end and now this. .it is just shocking that there are so many routine tests for other cancers but not this...Yes I rambled on but it has made me angry. I am strong and continue to be strong but having to get a hysterectomy at 41 with a possible colostomy bag and chemo has made me feel like this...

eileen_alberti profile image
eileen_alberti in reply to Maceymae

Don't blame you. I'm angry also. Have strong history of colon cancer. They have known about Lynch syndrome, ovarian a strong possibility with that background. I went for my colonoscopy's, complained about abdominal issues, got the shrug. We need media coverage like the breast cancer got. Unfortunately, ovaries are not glamorous. You are stronger than you realize. Take that anger energy and let it help you move forward. I promise, it will get better. Blessings, Eileen

Maceymae profile image
Maceymae in reply to eileen_alberti

We def need more coverage about ovarian cancer. There is nothing out there at all.

CALENA profile image
CALENA

Why isn't there more public awareness like there is for breast cancer?

Quiltet profile image
Quiltet

How can I convince my provider that since my cancer is not standard issue, my treatment should not be standard issue? They seem to be unwilling to think outside the box or even consider the testing results they asked for until I have been through chemo that continues to make me sick while my CA-125 rockets upwards? I am having difficulties with the care I am receiving, but can't afford to relocate to get into a better system.

Sunnylee profile image
Sunnylee

What makes clear cell different

Choski profile image
Choski in reply to Sunnylee

Yes yes I have clear cell; stage 1C last year. It recurred within 6 months and I am now quite unwell. Oncologist is giving me chemo whilst I can manage it but I am palliative now, have had multiple strokes attributed to my cancer and remember one previous Oncologist saying

" clear cell is aggressive, it can go boom at any minute "! Wow thanks. Luckily I have a sense of humour...

Clare

Shire62 profile image
Shire62

How close are the experts to finding a cure ?

eileen_alberti profile image
eileen_alberti in reply to Shire62

unknown

rppizio profile image
rppizio

Is Acites always present in the end stages of OC?

Twinie2 profile image
Twinie2

What causes primary peritoneal cancer if you are not braca?

Quiltet profile image
Quiltet in reply to Twinie2

Bad luck. BRCA genes are not the only ones that are involved. There are are plenty of theories,but no clear evidence. Last I knew they were blaming Fallopian tube cancers cells that escaped into the belly instead of the ovaries. Unfortunately there is no one tumor they can remove. Poison is the preferred treatment, although some new targeted treatments are beginning to hit the market. I have this type and recurred before my three month checkup. Currently receiving Doxil. CA-125 is rocketing upwards inspite of it.

Dee345 profile image
Dee345

Why are so many doctors seemingly unaware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer? For example; why are we spending so much time ruling out IBS which is not life threatening before ruling out OC which is?

Cropcrop profile image
Cropcrop

Why do the medical profession have such difficulty in diagnosis when a simple blood test could save so much suffering and potential recurrence. We also need more public awareness such as is given to breast cancer.

Choski profile image
Choski

Why is so little research being done into the different types of ovarian cancer a) their specifics of behaviour; treatment ; success rates and issues? b) and their impact on Stage ie.clear cell, serous etc

Sunnylee profile image
Sunnylee in reply to Choski

Have had clear cell stage 3c in 2007. Had recurrence in psoas muscle in 2015. In March found node and same type cells in lungs. Now on taxol. CA 125 has always been very low so false negative. Ask drs here in so California about trials but nothing for clear cell. Less than 5% of ovarian cancer cases in us are clear cell. 30% in Japan.

Choski profile image
Choski in reply to Sunnylee

I WAS 1C after full surgery and pathology diagnosis last year.finished chemo 29th July 2016 and full blown recurrence in Jan. Platinum resistant now plus masses of Disease progression. Had a stroke too. Now palliative and after a frank discussion with my wonderful new Oncologist last week-I know and accept that I am being given chemo on a reduced dose 'while I can take it'

I have gone downhill very quickly and have many OC related issues- too may too mention.

I love my husband however I am in a bad place healthwise a day life is difficult.

My CA125 was only 30 at diagnosis too! But went to 2292in Jan and 5800 by first chemo in March

Thinking of you

Clare

Sherryross profile image
Sherryross

Why didn't my general practitioner pay attention to all my warning signs I had them all. I am Advanced stage 4 ovarian and I told her over and over something's wrong with me. I checked myself into a hospital and saved myself. Too many primary care doctors don't have a clue.

eileen_alberti profile image
eileen_alberti

Why didn't I get a diagnosis 2 years earlier when I kept saying "My belly hurts, gas, indigestion, extension, misery." I also felt like I would be getting my period any minute, at age 72.

CancerCarerChats profile image
CancerCarerChats

How can we ensure consistency in treatment for ovarian cancer? How can we raise awareness of OC?

MarieSun profile image
MarieSun

What are the signs of a recurrence of ovarian/uterine cancer?

La_Griffa profile image
La_Griffa

Why did the consultant not take me seriously when after a year of symptoms and describing to him being doubled up in agony one morning for over an hour ( which according to the NHS website did indicate possible Ovarian Cancer), did he just laugh when I asked if it could be cancer? Why did no-one do a CA125 blood test until nearly 2 years after first presenting with symptoms?

PS despite all this I am now 5 years in remission thanks to swapping hospitals.