How will I know if I have ovarian cancer?

[Iyana271]

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer and where can I get tested for this in India?

[Lizchips]

When you go to your female Dr for pap, ask for ca125 test. It's a marker. I was crazy tired and lost weight but stomach grew. Best wishes Liz

[Iyana271 in reply to Lizchips]

Thanks for the respose! Can you tell me about more symptoms?

[Lizchips in reply to Iyana271]

No matter how much I slept I was physically exhausted. My menstrual cycle stopped. But I had clear cell ovarian cancer. A large 2 lb tumor. I've heard some people have heavier flow. When I laid down on ground flat on my back my right side of my stomach was larger. Hope this helps. Liz.

[Iyana271 in reply to Lizchips]

I think this answer will help me a lot! Btw how are you now?

[Lizchips in reply to Iyana271]

I'm great cancer free 6 yrs.in April. Originally diagnosed stage 3c clear cell. I did intraperitenil chemo. I'm back to normal other than constipation. I take stuff for that. In the future let me know if I can help. Liz

[Iyana271 in reply to Lizchips]

It's a relief that you are all right! Can you share your whole story of treatment procedures and how did you fight with cancer?

[Lizchips in reply to Iyana271]

If you go to my home page you should be able to pull up my story

[Apwulady]

I had alot of bloating around my stomach right before my menstrual cycle. My cramps also because more painful than usual. And my flow became heavier than usual. I just attributed it to getting older. These are symptoms that we usually get before or during menstruation. I found out I had OC when I got my tubes tied. The CA 125 blood test is a way to check . Hope that was helpful. Best wishes

[Iyana271 in reply to Apwulady]

Thanks for the response! Are you still suffering with OC or recovered?

[Iyana271 in reply to Iyana271]

I think I'm not facing any of these symptoms. Yes sometimes I also feel that my cramps are more painful than usual, but I'm not having any other symptoms. I will Keep in mind your words in future so that if there are any symptoms I can visit doctor asap.

Can you suggest me which treatment is better to treat OC? And may I know which treatment you were taking to cure OC?

[Apwulady in reply to Iyana271]

I am currently in treatment for a reoccurence. I had surgery on December 9th to remove an ovarian mass and am waiting for my platelets and potassium to rise so I can take my next treatment.The treatment I receive is carboplatinum and placitaxel. I pray you don't ever have to deal with this chronic disease. All the best

[Iyana271 in reply to Apwulady]

Thanks for your concern! I wish you good luck with your treatment and hope you'll recover soon.

[Lobster2]

Ovarian cancer is called the silent killer because it doesn't manifest symptoms until it is in advanced stages. Many of the symptoms are attributed to other things such as being overweight (if you are), out of shape, or menopause/pre-menopause. That was what I did. When I was diagnosed I was stage 3C (next stage level is 4). My symptoms that I attributed to my weight and being out of shape were being out of breath when I climbed only a few steps and I thought my fatigue was the same reason. Then about 1 week before I went to my GYN, I noticed that my stomach was quite large and it felt hard (not soft). I thought it was strange because I had lost a few pounds. I was also having a short period every 2 weeks. I had stopped for several months and then started again so I attributed that to menopause. It was the cancer.

My GYN couldn't perform my PAP smear because of an obstruction so she sent me for a CT scan with contrast. They found the cancer from the CT scan. Then they tested for CA125 and mine was in the 800s. Normal range is 0-30. Although CA125 is not a for sure diagnosis, it is an indicator of inflammation in the abdomen. From the time I was diagnosed until I had surgery to remove the cancer and do a full hysterectomy it was 2 weeks. I am very thankful my doctors were proactive and moved so quickly.

I pray you don't have this disease. Keep us posted if you do go to an GYN and what you learn. We are all here for you.

[Iyana271 in reply to Lobster2]

Thanks for your support! I will surely post an update after meeting with GYN. Even if I'm not finding these much symptoms but still I'll prefer to visit GYN for once to be assured.

[JanCan15]

Ovarian cancer is tricky. So many subtle symptoms. I had a cyst on my ovary for 11 years. Stayed same size. Then started having sharp hip pains on that side. Did ultrasound and cyst had grown. Doctors still didn’t think cancer. Had entire cyst removed. Then discovered it was cancer. Listen to your instincts. If something seems off, get it checked out. I started with getting an unltrasound. Some get a CA125 blood test done. Good luck!

[Iyana271 in reply to JanCan15]

Thanks for your kind advice! I was going to meet with GYN to get tested to be assured and to avoid future risks so that he can give me full consultation to avoid future circumstances.

[Palpharm]

Hello,

I feel like I am in the same frustrating emotions as you are. I am just worried Bc four days ago I had abdominal pain not pelvic but still ... and nausea . 10 years ago I had a fermions and cyst removed , no cancer. I can’t live thinking about why that happened. I had a baby a year ago and I just keep feeling my body. I don’t have bloating pain never came back it was after I ate so go figure what was the actual reason. Please let me know what happened with you.

[Iyana271 in reply to Palpharm]

Have you figured out why was there pain in abdominal? Are you ok now? If not get checked with your doctor, I hope it will be all ok.

Btw thanks for the concern! I've got it checked with my doctor last week and there is nothing serious and I'm feeling relieved now.

[Palpharm in reply to Iyana271]

I don’t have any pain . Just happened once . It was abdominal not pelvic though. I am still so scared. Did u do blood work?

[Palpharm]

I didn’t check it out . I am trying to see if it comes back or see OBGYN soon. Let’s see what happens .

[Iyana271 in reply to Palpharm]

Oh I see! I'll recommend to get in touch with your doctor and seek consultation if you've a bad gut feeling. But if you're positive that there is nothing serious then it's good.

[Palpharm in reply to Iyana271]

I feel I am just worrying too much but better than not being. I had a cyst and dermoid before 10 years so that’s why I am worried.

[Iyana271 in reply to Palpharm]

Actually I also had gone through the surgery for cyst removal 3 years ago, so I can understand your worries.

The thoughts of going through with all that shit again really scare me a lot.

[Palpharm in reply to Iyana271]

Thank you for mentioning that !! Yes, I don’t want to go through the same . It’s been 10 years had two kids. Any pain that happens shakes my peace. Thank you for your time!

Take care.