CA125 anxiety

Carolhodnett
Carolhodnett Member Posts: 27
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Good morning Teal Warriors. Tomorrow I go for my three month check up with my oncologist and find out my CA125#. Today I can hardly breathe, I am so anxious and teary. I know you will tell me this is normal but I want to know if the fear ever lessens? I am taking an anti-anxiety medication but I don't think it's working. Do any of you have strategies to help you cope with these feelings, or is this my new normal? Also Friday is my one year anniversary of my diagnosis and that has me very emotional too. Carol

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    HANG IN THERE, CAROL!
    Unfortunately, the CA125 test is going to be routine from here on. Most of us have realized that it's not the best diagnositic tool, but does have it's place. More importantly, it can fluctuate for any number of reasons. So we've learned to just take a deep breath and not to put too much stock into this one thing. It's really the whole picture.

    The milestones we face, such as anniversaries, can cause us to be extra anxious. We seem to live by all these numbers - CA125, prognosis statistics, etc., etc. I just try to focus on the moment, not too far ahead, and don't look back (except to realize how far you've come and what you've accomplished). Looking ahead creates anxiety. So, hang in there, Carol. It will get better. Keep us informed.

    Luv, Hugs & Prayers!
    Monika
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #3
    Cure Magazine
    I picked up a CURE publication (out for free at my cancer center) that was all about Surviving Well and it addresses the anxiety due to the "new normal" while in transition. Researchers generally say that the first year or two after cancer treatment ends with a period of adjustment depending on your support system.
    Anxiety is normal as is a fear of recurrence, fatigue, sleep issues and pain. They may have some information on their web site at curetoday.com, I have not looked.

    Do you have a support group of survivors to attend? That might help. What I think is, anxiety is normal.
    I try not to pay attention and don't even call for my numbers before my appointment with the oncologist just before chemo now. I used to. You may need to increase you prescription dose after talking with your doctor about these feelings.

    ((Hugs)) Saundra
  • veggiegal
    veggiegal Member Posts: 14
    #4
    saundra said:

    Cure Magazine
    I picked up a CURE publication (out for free at my cancer center) that was all about Surviving Well and it addresses the anxiety due to the "new normal" while in transition. Researchers generally say that the first year or two after cancer treatment ends with a period of adjustment depending on your support system.
    Anxiety is normal as is a fear of recurrence, fatigue, sleep issues and pain. They may have some information on their web site at curetoday.com, I have not looked.

    Do you have a support group of survivors to attend? That might help. What I think is, anxiety is normal.
    I try not to pay attention and don't even call for my numbers before my appointment with the oncologist just before chemo now. I used to. You may need to increase you prescription dose after talking with your doctor about these feelings.

    ((Hugs)) Saundra

    CA125
    I just passed my two year mark, and for me it hasn't stopped being stressful whenever I have the test which is every six weeks. I also try to live in the moment but have a difficult time doing this. I am literally a nervous wreck waiting for my results. Wish I could offer more advice but I also badly need it myself.
  • Jo DeWitt
    Jo DeWitt Member Posts: 2
    #5
    mopar said:

    HANG IN THERE, CAROL!
    Unfortunately, the CA125 test is going to be routine from here on. Most of us have realized that it's not the best diagnositic tool, but does have it's place. More importantly, it can fluctuate for any number of reasons. So we've learned to just take a deep breath and not to put too much stock into this one thing. It's really the whole picture.

    The milestones we face, such as anniversaries, can cause us to be extra anxious. We seem to live by all these numbers - CA125, prognosis statistics, etc., etc. I just try to focus on the moment, not too far ahead, and don't look back (except to realize how far you've come and what you've accomplished). Looking ahead creates anxiety. So, hang in there, Carol. It will get better. Keep us informed.

    Luv, Hugs & Prayers!
    Monika

    hang in there Carol
    well put Mopar...I just had my 3rd 3 month check up and it really wasnt any easier than my 1st one....I too am trying to not put too much emphasis on that CA125 but when mine started at 3700..I am so happy to hear this weeks was just 14 even though it was up from 6 in June...as long as that CT scan stays clear...thats the important thing....so...HANG IN THERE,CAROL! I am new to this website and I am looking forward to keeping in touch with you all....
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #6
    HUGS
    Hi Carol, I can still remember the anxiety of test time in the beginning. I said a prayer for God's peace to push all the anxiousness away. The fear does lessen, at least for me it did. Congratulations on the one year celebration ~ what an awesome milestone.

    Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

    1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
  • Carolhodnett
    Carolhodnett Member Posts: 27
    #7
    BonnieR said:

    HUGS
    Hi Carol, I can still remember the anxiety of test time in the beginning. I said a prayer for God's peace to push all the anxiousness away. The fear does lessen, at least for me it did. Congratulations on the one year celebration ~ what an awesome milestone.

    Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

    1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

    Thank you
    Well today is the day and I am doing everything in my power to not think about my Dr. appointment. I want to thank all of you for taking the time to reach out to me. I am resigned to the fact that there is nothing I can do to change my CA125 number. It is what it is. I am prepared to handle the news and fight the good fight if I have to. I am so thankful that I have this site to voice my concerns and fears. When I hear from all of you I don't feel like I am on a island alone fighting this beast. I feel like I am part of an incredible army who will one day defeat this thing called cancer. We are armed with knowledge and fortified with strength and it is my belief that together we will see to it that a cure will be found. I wish you all a wonderful day. Carol
  • Carolhodnett
    Carolhodnett Member Posts: 27
    #8
    Carolhodnett said:

    Thank you
    Well today is the day and I am doing everything in my power to not think about my Dr. appointment. I want to thank all of you for taking the time to reach out to me. I am resigned to the fact that there is nothing I can do to change my CA125 number. It is what it is. I am prepared to handle the news and fight the good fight if I have to. I am so thankful that I have this site to voice my concerns and fears. When I hear from all of you I don't feel like I am on a island alone fighting this beast. I feel like I am part of an incredible army who will one day defeat this thing called cancer. We are armed with knowledge and fortified with strength and it is my belief that together we will see to it that a cure will be found. I wish you all a wonderful day. Carol

    CA125
    Good Morning: I did not get the news I was praying for. It seems my numbers rose from 15 to 38. I was hoping they would go down. My doctor wants me to have another CT scan and then we'll see where we go from there. He said he is not a firm believer that your CA125# is a relevant predictor but wouldnt we all want it to go down instead of up? I'm trying to keep positive and I'm covering up the tears as they fall. I just seems to me that this battle is not yet over. My good wishes to all of you as we fight another day. Carol
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #9
    Carolhodnett said:

    CA125
    Good Morning: I did not get the news I was praying for. It seems my numbers rose from 15 to 38. I was hoping they would go down. My doctor wants me to have another CT scan and then we'll see where we go from there. He said he is not a firm believer that your CA125# is a relevant predictor but wouldnt we all want it to go down instead of up? I'm trying to keep positive and I'm covering up the tears as they fall. I just seems to me that this battle is not yet over. My good wishes to all of you as we fight another day. Carol

    So sorry
    Carol,

    I am so sorry it has risen. I know that must be discouraging to you. It sure was for me.

    Prayfully it is something else. We will be praying for you.

    In His Grip,
    Libby
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #10
    Carolhodnett said:

    CA125
    Good Morning: I did not get the news I was praying for. It seems my numbers rose from 15 to 38. I was hoping they would go down. My doctor wants me to have another CT scan and then we'll see where we go from there. He said he is not a firm believer that your CA125# is a relevant predictor but wouldnt we all want it to go down instead of up? I'm trying to keep positive and I'm covering up the tears as they fall. I just seems to me that this battle is not yet over. My good wishes to all of you as we fight another day. Carol

    Sorry
    I am sorry, Carol that your CA125 is on the rise. Mine started rising at the first of this year and nothing showed on the CT until the end of May. I only started the second round of chemo in August. Go for my third dose today and my CA125 has gone from 434 to 71 on the first two doses...carbo.

    Yours may be something else causing the rise. Keep us posted. (((Big Hugs of Support)) Saundra

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