Scaring myself

chynabear
chynabear Member Posts: 481 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Ok... I'm probably going to give way too much info for some, but I'm starting to freak myself out and I can't get in to see my primary care until the end of july and her PA until next monday.

In Sept of 2006, I had my annual women wellness exam; everything came back normal.

Shortly afterward, when my period should be ending, I would have a very small amount of spotting for about 3-4 days making the total period around 10 days. I had my CT and bloodwork done in Jan and everything came back normal, but they spotted a large cyst no my ovary. My oncologist was not concerned and the cyst was of normal make-up.

I went to see my primary care. She said that the cyst was likely the cause of my irregular period and put me on a b-c to fix.

Just had my CT a few weeks ago and everything looks normal. Cyst is resolved.

Problem is, I seem to be spotting for longer and longer after the end of my normal period. Normal period and then very light spotting for another 7-10 days or more.

Now I'm starting to be concerned about other problems (mainly cancer). Would a CT pick it up if it were cancer? What in the world could be causing the weird spotting? Neither my oncologist nor the primary care have been too concerned. It's starting to make me crazy though and the worry is just stacking up.

Thanks for letting me vent, if nothing else.

Tricia
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Comments

  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    Tricia,

    Go to Google and search for "brown discharge". You will retrieve a lot of information and you will see that this is nothing for you to worry about.

    If what you read does not comfort you or disagrees with what you experience, have your GYN do ultrasound. They can do it inside and outside.

    This also could be perimenopause, early for you, but possible.

    Hope it helps.
  • shmurciakova
    shmurciakova Member Posts: 906 Member
    I am not sure what could be causing the spotting. However, try to relax about it. I am sure you know it could be any number of things and since you just had your CT a few weeks ago it would have shown if you had any tumors. I am sure they scanned your pelvis, right? Just try to get through the weekend. It is normal for those of us who have been through a cancer diagnosis to become a bit paranoid. I had some pains in my ovaries a while ago and I didn't know what was going on. Turned out to be just normal follicular cysts.
    I hope that helped,
    Good luck Monday. I am sure it will be fine.
    -Susan
  • crazylady
    crazylady Member Posts: 543 Member
    Hi Tricia,
    I agree with Susan. It could be many things non of which is cancer. You've just had a ct and nothing was picked up so it's unlikely that it's cancer. Try to relax,(I probably shouldn't be the one giving this advice), get through the week and then see your doctor. I think that anything abnormal for you should be checked out and you'll feel better knowing that you're being proactive.
    Take care,
    Jamie
  • chynabear
    chynabear Member Posts: 481 Member
    crazylady said:

    Hi Tricia,
    I agree with Susan. It could be many things non of which is cancer. You've just had a ct and nothing was picked up so it's unlikely that it's cancer. Try to relax,(I probably shouldn't be the one giving this advice), get through the week and then see your doctor. I think that anything abnormal for you should be checked out and you'll feel better knowing that you're being proactive.
    Take care,
    Jamie

    Thanks for the quick responses! It helps a lot just knowing that people here understand what it feels like to have something "abnormal" occur in their bodies after cancer.

    I insisted on the PC doing the tests to see if I was perimenopause and I wasn't. She also insisted that I didn't have any of the other signs that would signal being perimenopausal.

    Yes, they did a "thighs to eyes" CT on me. I am just not sure what would and would not be picked up in the scan.

    The prolonged spotting is really starting to play on my emotions, though. Also, I don't want to rely on birth-control pills to "fix" the problem. I want to figure out what is causing it and fix it for good.

    I have tried to google everything I could think of, except "brown discharge". I will try that tonight or tomorrow.

    Tricia
  • usakat
    usakat Member Posts: 610 Member
    Hello Tricia and Semi-Colon Women,

    Weird...I've been experiencing changes with my menstrual cycle post chemo and I considered writing, but I was a little concerned it might be too girl's locker room to discuss here. Thanks for opening up the dialogue, Tricia. Guys, this is going to get very girlie - hit your back button NOW!

    Prior to cancer I never had problematic periods - 3 days and I was done. No problems and they never interfered with life. However, when I was diagnosed last year, uterine and right ovarian cysts were found, as well as endometriosis. Two doctors suggested complete hysterectomy, including removal of my ovaries. Their reasons were that I was at substantially increased risk for reproductive cancers due to HNPCC, I was not planning on having children, and at 42 I was probably within ten years of menopause anyway. It would really be considered a prophylactic surgery because the cysts and endometriosis were not causing problems at the time.

    Then I went on chemo and my periods stopped anyway - chemical menopause set in. I said no to the hysterectomy, but for the last 6 months I've had TV and pelvic ultrasounds (inside and out) every two months to make sure there are no changes to the cysts or endometriosis, and all was stable as of last March.

    But now my periods have returned and wow, I'm making up for lost time I suppose. I now have back aches, mild cramping, head aches, and a 4-5 day heavy flow, with a few days spotting after, which are completely out of the norm for me prior to cancer.

    Having recently relocated across country I'm currently over due for all my scans and tests (my six month post-chemo checks and TV ultrasound). Also I am now in the military health care system, needing a new medical team, so truthfully I guess I have kind of been avoiding the whole thing...stupid, I know...

    Here is my question for the women here. Is it common to experience various changes to menstrual cycles post-chemo? Like Tricia, I'm trying not to worry. And I don't want to discuss hysterectomy with the next set of doctors. It seems like so many women are encouraged to go this route and I don't fully understand why? Doesn't it seem a bit barbaric? My California oncologist, a Romanian woman schooled in Germany thinks so. I mean really - if a man has a testicular cyst is he encouraged to get it lopped off? I think not! One man's testicle is another woman's ovary...right?

    I would appreciate hearing from as many women who are comfortable to post...hopefully this may help more than just Tricia and I.

    Thanks!
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    chynabear said:

    Thanks for the quick responses! It helps a lot just knowing that people here understand what it feels like to have something "abnormal" occur in their bodies after cancer.

    I insisted on the PC doing the tests to see if I was perimenopause and I wasn't. She also insisted that I didn't have any of the other signs that would signal being perimenopausal.

    Yes, they did a "thighs to eyes" CT on me. I am just not sure what would and would not be picked up in the scan.

    The prolonged spotting is really starting to play on my emotions, though. Also, I don't want to rely on birth-control pills to "fix" the problem. I want to figure out what is causing it and fix it for good.

    I have tried to google everything I could think of, except "brown discharge". I will try that tonight or tomorrow.

    Tricia

    Yes, please try to search "brown discharge" on Google. Also, do ask your GYN for pelvic and TV ultrasound. It is different than CT Scan. Go to GYN and not to your physician.
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    usakat said:

    Hello Tricia and Semi-Colon Women,

    Weird...I've been experiencing changes with my menstrual cycle post chemo and I considered writing, but I was a little concerned it might be too girl's locker room to discuss here. Thanks for opening up the dialogue, Tricia. Guys, this is going to get very girlie - hit your back button NOW!

    Prior to cancer I never had problematic periods - 3 days and I was done. No problems and they never interfered with life. However, when I was diagnosed last year, uterine and right ovarian cysts were found, as well as endometriosis. Two doctors suggested complete hysterectomy, including removal of my ovaries. Their reasons were that I was at substantially increased risk for reproductive cancers due to HNPCC, I was not planning on having children, and at 42 I was probably within ten years of menopause anyway. It would really be considered a prophylactic surgery because the cysts and endometriosis were not causing problems at the time.

    Then I went on chemo and my periods stopped anyway - chemical menopause set in. I said no to the hysterectomy, but for the last 6 months I've had TV and pelvic ultrasounds (inside and out) every two months to make sure there are no changes to the cysts or endometriosis, and all was stable as of last March.

    But now my periods have returned and wow, I'm making up for lost time I suppose. I now have back aches, mild cramping, head aches, and a 4-5 day heavy flow, with a few days spotting after, which are completely out of the norm for me prior to cancer.

    Having recently relocated across country I'm currently over due for all my scans and tests (my six month post-chemo checks and TV ultrasound). Also I am now in the military health care system, needing a new medical team, so truthfully I guess I have kind of been avoiding the whole thing...stupid, I know...

    Here is my question for the women here. Is it common to experience various changes to menstrual cycles post-chemo? Like Tricia, I'm trying not to worry. And I don't want to discuss hysterectomy with the next set of doctors. It seems like so many women are encouraged to go this route and I don't fully understand why? Doesn't it seem a bit barbaric? My California oncologist, a Romanian woman schooled in Germany thinks so. I mean really - if a man has a testicular cyst is he encouraged to get it lopped off? I think not! One man's testicle is another woman's ovary...right?

    I would appreciate hearing from as many women who are comfortable to post...hopefully this may help more than just Tricia and I.

    Thanks!

    Your Californian Romanian doctor is right. It is barbaric. Hysterectomy never should be done unsless it is really necessary. Especially ovaries. Ovaries should be kept if at all possible, even if uterus has to be removed. The reason for this is that ovaries produce very important hormons. The lack of them will create multiple other problems. Hormonal supplements, on the other hand, do create risk of uterine, ovarian, breast cancer. So, keep the natural makers of hormons (ovaries) if possible and not life threatening.

    As for brown spotting, as I advised Tricia, go to Google and search "brown discharge". You will find out reasons.
  • usakat
    usakat Member Posts: 610 Member

    Your Californian Romanian doctor is right. It is barbaric. Hysterectomy never should be done unsless it is really necessary. Especially ovaries. Ovaries should be kept if at all possible, even if uterus has to be removed. The reason for this is that ovaries produce very important hormons. The lack of them will create multiple other problems. Hormonal supplements, on the other hand, do create risk of uterine, ovarian, breast cancer. So, keep the natural makers of hormons (ovaries) if possible and not life threatening.

    As for brown spotting, as I advised Tricia, go to Google and search "brown discharge". You will find out reasons.

    Googled as you suggested, but doesn't really apply to what I'm experiencing. I'm concerned about the differences from what I had prior to chemo and if it's "normal." Light vs. heavy, longer duration, etc...
  • crazylady
    crazylady Member Posts: 543 Member

    Your Californian Romanian doctor is right. It is barbaric. Hysterectomy never should be done unsless it is really necessary. Especially ovaries. Ovaries should be kept if at all possible, even if uterus has to be removed. The reason for this is that ovaries produce very important hormons. The lack of them will create multiple other problems. Hormonal supplements, on the other hand, do create risk of uterine, ovarian, breast cancer. So, keep the natural makers of hormons (ovaries) if possible and not life threatening.

    As for brown spotting, as I advised Tricia, go to Google and search "brown discharge". You will find out reasons.

    I feel that I must give my 2 cents on this discussion. I have never had a regular menstrual cycle. During my original surgery my uterus was enlarged, no reason found, and was in the surgeons way. He thought about removing it and decided not to. I went 13 months without a period and was told I was probably in menopause due to radiation and chemo. I was 46. It came back with a vengence, very heavy and lasting months at a time, causing me to be anemic. I finally saw a specialist and was diagnosed with polycistic ovary disease, putting me at high risk for uterine cancer. Surgery is not an option because radiation damage, scar tissue, has caused my uterus to be stuck in there. No one can figure out why I haven't gone into menopause with all the treatment I've had. I now have uterine biopsies and ultrasounds every 3 months, medication 14 days out of the month to reduce the thick lining and a shot every 3 months to put me into drug induced menopause. I am still getting light periods.
    I now believe, after this experience, that anything that I don't need may as well be removed if I'm having surgery. I strongly regret that I didn't ask to have a hysterectomy when I had my surgery!!
    Jamie
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    usakat said:

    Googled as you suggested, but doesn't really apply to what I'm experiencing. I'm concerned about the differences from what I had prior to chemo and if it's "normal." Light vs. heavy, longer duration, etc...

    Did you see these:

    http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/femalehealth/discharge.html

    http://www.health-science-report.com/vaginal-discharge/white-vaginal-discharge/vaginal-brown-discharge.html

    http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070524084735AA60SY5 (note 3rd paragraph after "best answer chosen by voters"

    http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/womenshealth/206997.html
  • KFalvey
    KFalvey Member Posts: 118 Member
    usakat said:

    Hello Tricia and Semi-Colon Women,

    Weird...I've been experiencing changes with my menstrual cycle post chemo and I considered writing, but I was a little concerned it might be too girl's locker room to discuss here. Thanks for opening up the dialogue, Tricia. Guys, this is going to get very girlie - hit your back button NOW!

    Prior to cancer I never had problematic periods - 3 days and I was done. No problems and they never interfered with life. However, when I was diagnosed last year, uterine and right ovarian cysts were found, as well as endometriosis. Two doctors suggested complete hysterectomy, including removal of my ovaries. Their reasons were that I was at substantially increased risk for reproductive cancers due to HNPCC, I was not planning on having children, and at 42 I was probably within ten years of menopause anyway. It would really be considered a prophylactic surgery because the cysts and endometriosis were not causing problems at the time.

    Then I went on chemo and my periods stopped anyway - chemical menopause set in. I said no to the hysterectomy, but for the last 6 months I've had TV and pelvic ultrasounds (inside and out) every two months to make sure there are no changes to the cysts or endometriosis, and all was stable as of last March.

    But now my periods have returned and wow, I'm making up for lost time I suppose. I now have back aches, mild cramping, head aches, and a 4-5 day heavy flow, with a few days spotting after, which are completely out of the norm for me prior to cancer.

    Having recently relocated across country I'm currently over due for all my scans and tests (my six month post-chemo checks and TV ultrasound). Also I am now in the military health care system, needing a new medical team, so truthfully I guess I have kind of been avoiding the whole thing...stupid, I know...

    Here is my question for the women here. Is it common to experience various changes to menstrual cycles post-chemo? Like Tricia, I'm trying not to worry. And I don't want to discuss hysterectomy with the next set of doctors. It seems like so many women are encouraged to go this route and I don't fully understand why? Doesn't it seem a bit barbaric? My California oncologist, a Romanian woman schooled in Germany thinks so. I mean really - if a man has a testicular cyst is he encouraged to get it lopped off? I think not! One man's testicle is another woman's ovary...right?

    I would appreciate hearing from as many women who are comfortable to post...hopefully this may help more than just Tricia and I.

    Thanks!

    Hey Katie,

    Not wanting to scare you, but my recurrance was in the left ovary and my DRs. said it is more common than first thought for it to go there. They are now recommending removal if you have no plans for having children. As for the heavier periods for more days, that happens as you get older, at least it did for me. I was 54 and still going strong when I got the colon cancer and only the chemo stopped it. Can't say I miss that part of life, but getting used to having hot flashes isn't fun, but it is getting better. The first 6 months is the worst while your body adjust to the loss of hormones. Hope this helps you understand why they recommended a hysterectomy. I only had my ovaries removed. The surgeon said the uterus (that still has fibroids on it) would shrink up as soon as the ovaries were removed. Good luck with your test.
    Kandy
  • usakat
    usakat Member Posts: 610 Member
    Thanks for the info, Information, but doesn't apply to my situation.

    I found a better term, Menorrhagia and a good link:

    http://www.gynob.com/menses.htm#2ndabn

    I'm going to the Naval hospital/clinic today to get checked out...
  • usakat
    usakat Member Posts: 610 Member
    Thanks for the feedback everyone....I appreciate your comments.
  • kmygil
    kmygil Member Posts: 876 Member
    Hi Tricia,

    I am going to contradict many replies, and here is why.

    In August 2006 I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I had been perimenopausal prior to this. During chemo I experienced some spotting which both my gyno & onc said might be an artifact of chemo. Just to be sure, I had a pap/pelvic done which came back normal. Just to be really sure, my gyno ordered a vaginal ultrasound a month later. All systems go. But just to keep the record straight an FSH was ordered and mine came back 27.6 - full menopause. The spotting had stopped, so we all decided that yes, it had been an artifact of chemo.

    Then towards the end of May I started what appeared to be a normal period. Since I was supposed to be in full menopause I immediately scheduled an appointment with my gyno. Two weeks later she saw me and did an endometrial biopsy on the spot. It came back cancer, thankfully early stage.

    I would not ignore symptoms that aren't supposed to be there. Insist on a biopsy, especially if you have HNPCC. The gyno/onc I just consulted with said that if you are carrying the gene and you are through bearing children or over age 50, a prophylactic hysterectomy is being recommended now. So get a biopsy done ASAP. It probably is nothing, but be sure.

    I don't mean to get all dire on you; I just want you to be sure. Insist on the biopsy.

    Take care and God bless!

    Kirsten
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member

    Tricia,

    Go to Google and search for "brown discharge". You will retrieve a lot of information and you will see that this is nothing for you to worry about.

    If what you read does not comfort you or disagrees with what you experience, have your GYN do ultrasound. They can do it inside and outside.

    This also could be perimenopause, early for you, but possible.

    Hope it helps.

    Hi information<

    I don't believe we've seen you on this site before. Tell us something about yourself and your experience with cancer. You seem to have a lot of websites for us.
  • chynabear
    chynabear Member Posts: 481 Member
    Hey Katie and everyone else,

    Thanks for all of the support and information. I spent most of lastnight wide awake with worry and fear. I phoned the only GYN in our area first thing this morning. She is booked until the end of September but agreed to see me first thing tomorrow morning. Thank God for small favor's.

    Most of me believes that it is not cancer... but then I think if not cancer then what and we start all over again. I am at the end of my emotions and just need it to be diagnosed and fixed NOW.

    Katie,

    Please let us know ASAP if you figure out what is going on with you. I'm praying for you.

    Darn Aunt Flo, Hate her when she visits but sure miss her when she starts visiting at the wrong time or not at all.

    Tricia
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    kmygil said:

    Hi Tricia,

    I am going to contradict many replies, and here is why.

    In August 2006 I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I had been perimenopausal prior to this. During chemo I experienced some spotting which both my gyno & onc said might be an artifact of chemo. Just to be sure, I had a pap/pelvic done which came back normal. Just to be really sure, my gyno ordered a vaginal ultrasound a month later. All systems go. But just to keep the record straight an FSH was ordered and mine came back 27.6 - full menopause. The spotting had stopped, so we all decided that yes, it had been an artifact of chemo.

    Then towards the end of May I started what appeared to be a normal period. Since I was supposed to be in full menopause I immediately scheduled an appointment with my gyno. Two weeks later she saw me and did an endometrial biopsy on the spot. It came back cancer, thankfully early stage.

    I would not ignore symptoms that aren't supposed to be there. Insist on a biopsy, especially if you have HNPCC. The gyno/onc I just consulted with said that if you are carrying the gene and you are through bearing children or over age 50, a prophylactic hysterectomy is being recommended now. So get a biopsy done ASAP. It probably is nothing, but be sure.

    I don't mean to get all dire on you; I just want you to be sure. Insist on the biopsy.

    Take care and God bless!

    Kirsten

    I agree. If something does not make sense, have it checked out immediately.

    I don't agree with prophylactic hysterectomy. It should be done only if necessary and not just in case. If this was the case, then everything would need to be removed - cancer can get anywhere. Every organ in the body has a function, and should only be removed if this organ is diseased.
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    chynabear said:

    Hey Katie and everyone else,

    Thanks for all of the support and information. I spent most of lastnight wide awake with worry and fear. I phoned the only GYN in our area first thing this morning. She is booked until the end of September but agreed to see me first thing tomorrow morning. Thank God for small favor's.

    Most of me believes that it is not cancer... but then I think if not cancer then what and we start all over again. I am at the end of my emotions and just need it to be diagnosed and fixed NOW.

    Katie,

    Please let us know ASAP if you figure out what is going on with you. I'm praying for you.

    Darn Aunt Flo, Hate her when she visits but sure miss her when she starts visiting at the wrong time or not at all.

    Tricia

    I am glad you are going to see GYN. You are doing the right thing. If they only would do pelvic exam, insist on tests.

    Good Luck and God Bless. Let us know what happens.
  • chynabear
    chynabear Member Posts: 481 Member

    I am glad you are going to see GYN. You are doing the right thing. If they only would do pelvic exam, insist on tests.

    Good Luck and God Bless. Let us know what happens.

    Thanks information,

    What testing should I ask for? I plan to ask for an ultrasound. I had the test to see if I was perimenopausal. I had the tumor marker test for breast cancer. I had some hormonal testing.

    Should I ask for a biopsy as well?
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    chynabear said:

    Thanks information,

    What testing should I ask for? I plan to ask for an ultrasound. I had the test to see if I was perimenopausal. I had the tumor marker test for breast cancer. I had some hormonal testing.

    Should I ask for a biopsy as well?

    Tricia,

    Yes, first ask for transvaginal and pelvic ultrasound. Ask for the blood test CA-125 which is used to diagnose ovarian cancer.

    Ask if there any other blood tests for gynecological types of cancer.

    Then if that is not satisfactory, ask for hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. This is done under anestesia.

    See for more information:

    http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/reproductive/menstrual/470.html

    http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/surgery/a/hysteroscopyqa.htm

    http://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/hysteroscopy.htm

    http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Cancertype/Ovary/Causesdiagnosis/Diagnosis

    http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/880000044.html

    Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions and do let me know what happens.

    God Bless.