In pain and nervous

[Brandelena]

Hi everyone, I am in remission for stage 4 colon cancer of a little over 2 years. About a week and a half ago I started having pain in my lower back. It has been constant pain since. Not horrible however a few times like a needle was in me. For the most, a dull pain. Then my stomach started hurting non stop I would say the past week. It feels like severe menstrual cramps. However chemo killed my periods and I have not had a period since for over two years. I kept thinking I was going to all of the sudden start a period. I have this gut feeling it has returned to my ovaries. I know my body really well. Right before being diagnosed with colon cancer I was sent for regular blood work that came back totally perfect however a week later I was having a colon resection and a tumor 8 inches in size removed. I went to the er the other day and don't have insurance. They did blood work and a CAT scan. Both came back good. I am laying here in pain still almost two weeks later. Today I woke up so weak and had to keep laying down. Went back to er and all they did was the same blood test. They can't do a CEA or CA 125 in the er so I have to call a oncologist and obgyn Monday. I am also not in the state in which I live which makes it hard. Any advice?.

[Lindaura]

Dear Brandelena,

Ouch! I wish I could help, but I live in the UK, so all medical treatment is free, so showing up in ER, which I did when hubby called an ambulance, with symptoms like yours, meant an instant CA-125 test, ultrasound and CT scan and immediate hospitalisation. I was so ill, but never occurred to me it was OV.

So, the States make it difficult, as care is so so costly, but you need it.

I am not sure what the cancer charities are like there, but try calling a helpline.

You can call the Ovacome helpline, too. Perhaps they can point you to a way out of your painful limbo.

Persevere,

Laura

[Nancy222]

Which state are you in? My suggestion would be to call the top cancer clinics like MD Anderson (Andersen?) or the Mayo clinic, or Dana Farber.

Can you get back to your original oncologist for help? I know your primary cancer is bowel, but that oncologist might have some suggestions for you.

Hugs.

[Margiedolly]

Dear Brandelena, when I felt my cancer was returning, they did tests but found nothing. Then I met an oncologist from heaven who prescribed a PET/CT scan. The PET part of the scan lit up the tumors "like a Christmas tree". I would request one of these scans from your doc on your next visit.

I hope you will find out what is causing your pain🙏💖Margaret

[Brandelena in reply to Margiedolly]

I don't have insurance so they won't do a PET scan. I wish! Xxoo