Is Ovarian Cancer a possibility?

[Emg31]

Hi everyone. Thank you for reading and listening to my concerns.

I have had stomach ache in my lower abdomin now for around 2 weeks. It’s a low pain but being constant it really effects my life. I am struggling with sleep and even getting comfortable at a desk in the office. Along with this I sometimes get sharper pains in my lower left side. Other symptoms I have include nausea, lower back ache, abdominal swelling/bloating (I look four month pregnant. Constantly so. I’m noticing in my clothes and this has happened the last week so couldn’t be weight. I’ve been told I look like I’ve lost it generally) picture attached. I also feel the urge to wee more.

My docs have been great. Listening to my worries and trying to find a solution. I had private health care so asked to be referred for an ultrasound after other tests came back negative. Had an abdominal ultrasound sound today and she said everything looked normal. I cried afterwards because I was so hopeful to get answers to my pain and I am beginning to feel crazy. But I am in pain all the time. Only pain meds take the edge off.

I managed to get back to my docs who once again listened to my worries amazingly. My mum has suffered a lot with cysts and has had an ovary removed so I mentioned this. He is now asking for blood tests and stool samples to try and help me find an answer. The blood test includes the CA125 test and my symptoms seem to point to the possibility of gynae problems.

I just wanted to reach out to see if anyone else had had symptoms like these. I am 23 years old and starting to get so upset and frustrated with the constant pain.

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hello,

Firstly it sounds like you are doing all the right things, seeing your doctor, getting a scan and ca125.

23 would statistically be very young to develop ovarian cancer, however I would always urge you to push your doctor until you get some sort of reason for your symptoms.

Waiting to get tests and results can be extremely stressful and isolating. Are you able to share your worries with friends or family. We are here and I’m sure there must be some younger women amongst us.

Take care and keep us updated.

Lisa x

[Emg31 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for replying. My mum and dad are great they just live far away. My boyfriend is very supportive. I think they feel as lost as me. Especially when I have been so frustrated.

Thank you for letting me know I’m going in the right direction. I was convinced I had an ovarian cyst that was causing the issue. We will see what the further tests bring.

Thank you for your support <3

[Hidden in reply to Emg31]

No problem, someone on here will always listen to your concerns. We have all been in the same boat, what you don’t get on here are are the lovely ladies who went through all of the tests and were given the all clear, they are in the majority. X

🙂

[Here2Day]

I agree that 23 is a very young age, however, I am aware of women in their late 20s who have been diagnosed, so it's not unheard of completely. I ignored my bloating, lower back pain and cramping too long. My ultrasound was fine. It wasn't until I had a CT scan of my entire abdomen that the diagnosis was clearly Ovarian Cancer. I don't want to alarm you. Bloating, low back pain, and cramping can be signs of so many things -- irritable bowel, gastritis, celiac disease, etc. But they are also signs of OC. Do yourself a favor. Your body is ringing an alarm bell. Don't stop insisting on more tests until you have your answers. Best wishes to you.

[Emg31 in reply to Here2Day]

Thank you so much. I am always cautious of googling my symptoms but OC was one that seemed to connect. My Docs don’t think it’s IBS because of the sudden onset and no bowel issues or toilet relief.

My bloods are being tested for those things too. So hopefully I will get an answer. Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate it. I will keep pushing at the docs xxx

[Tabby91]

Hi! I'm 27 years old and I'm still recovering from ovarian cancer as we speak. I started off with having to use the restroom more often, and having lower belly pain. I went to the doctor and they told me maybe I had a UTI and gave me meds. I went back because the pain was getting worse and I couldn't get comfortable sitting down or laying on my stomach. I also start gaining weight in my stomach and getting heart burn everyday. Long story short, no matter how many times you have to go to the doctor just know that you know your body best! I kept telling then something was wrong. Finally a CT scan is what caught my tumor on my ovary as well.

[Basketofhope]

I am happy your Dr is following up with blood work. There are many causes for ascites or fluid build and not all are malignant. Ca125 is a good blood test to have to answer your question. Congratulations for insisting on further testing. I pray you find an answer.

[Lobster2]

I agree with your 2 other replies. O.C. is usually a middle-aged cancer but it's not to say it can't occur to younger women. See what your CA125 comes back as - 0-30 is a normal range. It's not a "for sure" that it's O.C. if it's elevated but it does indicate levels of inflammation. If it's high then push for a CT scan, not just the ultrasound, and ask for CT with contrast. Are you periods very painful? Another cause could be endometriosis. My niece, who is 25, has this as well as having Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She was gaining weight without having changed her diet or routine and was very ill every month with her period. Her new GYN diagnosed her issue immediately. Try not to get too worked up until you get some answers. At least you are not ignoring what your body is telling you. And it seems that the doctors are listening to you. All good!

[Steitlk]

Did the doctors rule out a hernia? Specifically an umbilical hernia? My tummy looks like yours and that’s what it turned out to be. I can’t get it repaired until I finish my chemo, wait 6-8 weeks and get clearance from my oncologist. In the meantime, I have to gently push it in every day while laying flat with my legs elevated. If it gets hard or I can’t get my nausea under control with zofran, I go to the emergency room for a super dose of nausea meds.

[dream-ot]

Hi!

Can I ask if you experienced any abnormal bleeding in between periods, and if you have found an answer to your diagnosis?

[Palpharm]

Can you update us what happened?