EARLY SYMPTONS.....CAN U HELP!!!

hether727

Hello, I was hoping that you all could give me some insight on the early signs of cancer. I am almost 29 yrs old and started to have abnormal periods back in Jan. with practically either spotting or bleeding almost every day. I was quick to blame it on the IUD that I had placed last summer, so I took a trip to the OB/GYN and he put me on some estrogen the end of Feb to see if that would work. I am so busy with my career that I have a hard time going to the doctor, so I finally made myself go back last week after only really "not-bleeding" for about a 2 week span since Jan. I had a sonogram done on last Thursday and they found what they believe to be a polyp, which could be the cause of the bleeding. I was told not to worry because these polyps are common in women and most of the time are non-cancerous. I will be having a office procedure done on Monday to attempt to remove this polyp in my uterus. If that does not work, then a D & C will have to be done. I can do nothing but worry that something else might be wrong and I do not know if I am just being a "worry wart"-:) I read some previous post from individuals that they had leg pain and I do have stiffness and joint pain in my legs recently that I could figure out, along with various other symptons people have described. Can anyone tell me what their early signs were? Thank you very much!!

mopar

So sorry to hear of your concerns, but I understand. Most often there are no early warning signs of OVCA. I had none - just a fibroid that was to be removed and at that time they found the OVCA. I was fortunate - I would have never known otherwise, maybe until it was too late. You can request a CA125 blood test. Be aware that it is just a marker, and does not always indicate cancer one way or another. Normal range is 0-35. Will they biopsy the polyp? That would be important. I had a history of endometriosis which they say was the precurser to my cancer. Do you have any other health situations? I never experienced the leg pain, etc. But I have read about that on several occasions. Again, not always does it add up to cancer. I would ask for the blood test, and be sure that they will biopsy the polpy. Please keep us informed. I'll be praying for you! Hang in there.

mcdermom

Hi, I am a stage IIIC ovarian and stage 0 breast cancer survivor. I am doing well at this time. I was diagnosed in 6/02. No early symptoms unfortunately. Had only one episode of acute abdominal pain, lasting about 20 hours. Thought it was my appendix. Did have some mild right groin discomfort like a pulled muscle weeks before the abdominal pain. Nothing else, though. My medical history though-had 3 miscarriages and doctors could never find the reason. It would be wise to have the polyp biopsied to make sure everything is okay since you are going to have it removed. I had no family history of ovarian cancer. My mother nor grandmother did not have. However, my paternal grandfather had prostate ca. Hope this is of help. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Through this whole journey, I learned it's important to be an advocate for yourself if you don't feel right about something. Good Luck!