PLease Help

zass · February 2018

Hi All,

i am 36 years old my and pass decmeber is started periods thinking this is a normal cycle. beinning of the periods it was a dark blackish/ brownish ( never saw this color before) color for about 2-3 days and red as usual may little dark brown aswell with red. Then it stopped for 2 days then on 3rd day i started spotting dark brownish and that happened all of the december, when to doctor she said its nothing just hormonal will get better. then come january no period nothing seems normal to me then after 2 weeks or so i started back pain that i never had experienced. Did heating pad and advil for 2-3 days then just fine. later in the month i had intercourse and next morning discharge was tinted with brown blood never happened before. after weeks or so again had sex no discharg tinted but day after started spotting again with dark brownish almost black then red after 2-3days. Along with that sever overall pelvic pain (i never had any pain with my mensturation). now i have left sided pelvic pain that radiates to my outer and inner thigh. I am so worried that i freak out every day. i went to the doctor but she is ignoring and telling me the chances of ovarian cancer is very low for me. she is doing all other stuff not what she needs to do. I dont have any abdominal pain so far. I am thinking to go to another doctor on monday but week end will kill me with all the worries. Are these symptons pointing towards OVCA or i am just thinking too much.. Your help will be apriciated.

Tethys41 · February 2018

Second opinion

Hi zass,

I sure understand your concern. You definitely want to find out what is causing your symptoms. I would not, however, jump to conclusions, without finding out the facts. Your current doctor sounds dismissive and you need someone who is more practive about finding out what is going on. Have you had a CA-125 blood test? That is the tumor markder for ovarian cancer. It isn't the most accurate test and can yeild false positives, but it is a good place to start. In the meantime, since it is the weekend, you could try a pregnancy test. Tumors can produce the same hormone, hGC, which is used to determine pregnancy. When I was diagnosed, I had a preganacy test run and it was positive and I was not pregnant. Otherwise, just try to relax and find yourself a more attentive doctor to help you find out what is going on.

Good luck.

LorettaMarshall · February 2018

Zass~Agree w/Tethys41~Find another doctor~U need tests!

Hello – "Tethys41" has given you some good advice. How can you ignore someone calling for HELP? I haven't checked the site today. So thought I would do so before "falling into bed!" That was a few hours ago. Now it’s even “later” but I’ve already put together a sausage casserole that my husband will bake for me in the morning. But even though I’m tired, I thought I just had to answer you. "Tired" is every cancer patient's middle name I do believe!

Ovarian Cancer is often silent and so I’m not liking “your doctor!” What kind of doctor have you been to, and what kind of doctor do you intend to see this coming Monday?

I’m nowhere 36, try 79 on February 12, 2018—however I remember being 36. I was 36 when I had my uterus removed and thought it was wonderful to not worry about heavy periods or getting pregnant during the “change of life.” And at age 36—sex was normal—but by age “78”—“been there—done that!” I had to laugh—not at you but just thinking about one of the funniest jokes I ever heard Rosanne Barr tell. You know how she talks with a “whang in her voice.” I don’t know where she is now, but she was a standup comic several years ago, and I know she had her own TV show for a while. Anyway, in one of her routines, she said, “My husband said, “I can’t remember the last time we had sex.” She said, “Well I can and that’s why we’re not doing it anymore!” I still get a laugh out of that.

But onto some serious stuff—your pelvic pain and “colorful” discharge. It sounds suspicious and not normal. Why would you have this same kind of discharge after sex, and you weren’t having your period? That’s not normal. And that’s what doctors are for—to help us when we’re experiencing some “abnormal.”

And so, “Dr. Marshall” (NOT REALLY) will tell you that you need to change doctors if all your first doctor wants to do is tell you that you’re too young to have Ovarian Cancer. My advice would be to call a gynecologic oncologist because they will take your “pains” seriously and conduct tests. I’m sorry you’re just getting a “shrugged shoulder” from a doctor that seems to be able to diagnose a woman simply by her age!

Back in November of 2012, I didn't have any warning--just some "groin pain" –no abdominal pain one weekend. However, I had tried to lift something heavy and associated the new small “knot” I could feel with a possible hernia. During the weekend, I had felt a small "moveable" nodule on the left side just below my waist line. I diagnosed myself as probably having a hernia, but a close friend said, "Promise me if you have that pain again, you will go to the doctor." All the groin pain happened in a short period of days, so I did go to the ER the following Tuesday. I did NOT expect any earthshaking diagnosis but it came!

A CT scan report given to me had some big words on it--PERITONEAL CARCINOMATOSIS. Having previously been a caregiver for my husband for Esophageal Cancer, I had sense enough to know that words with "SIS" on the end meant nothing good. The scan showed numerous cancers floating around in the Peritoneal fluid in my abdomen.

A SECOND OPINION at University of Pittsburgh Med. Ctr. revealed cancer also in my ovaries. So I went from "0" to full-blown Stage IV cancer in a matter of 3 weeks. While I don't want to "scare you", in a sense I really do. Follow your inclinations. It's your body. Your doctor doesn't have a "magic marker" like at age 36, it's not cancer, but if you're 56--well maybe! Don't you just love doctors who figure out what you have and they haven't even conducted preliminary tests for the cancers that we women usually develop?

So the only way to quell the "worry" factor, which is normal for what you describe—is to find a doctor that will take your concerns seriously! And she probably won’t give you a reference for a SECOND opinion either because in her “mind” you’re just fine. But you can ask her just the same. If nothing else, you could call your local hospital and ask for help in finding a gynecologic oncologist that they can recommend. Or look on the web, and type in the title, Gynecologic Oncologist and see what comes up. Then you could check up on their credentials by looking sites like the 3 references I have listed below my name. That’s the most I can suggest for now. Check back here and someone will answer you, because I may not be physically able to when you write. I’m undergoing a series of chemotherapy treatments and they are not treating me kindly, but the Lord has already blessed me with a lifespan twice as long as most stats predict, so I can’t complain. And as for you, I hope it isn’t really cancer, but “at age 36” sex should be enjoyable without questionable discharge right afterwards. That’s not normal.

Glad you wrote. There are many here who keep a check of this site, and will be as helpful as they can.

Love Loretta

_________________________________________________

[This is a long search link but this is Rosanne “way back when” telling the joke I told you. She was on a show with Rodney Dangerfield. It’s about a 4-minute video of funny stuff. Laughter does the soul good like a medicine.]

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=video+comic+rosanne+barr&&view=detail&mid=A6806DA9ACFDE44DCA9DA6806DA9ACFDE44DCA9D&rvsmid=419CB9C6BD2D9BD6F0E0419CB9C6BD2D9BD6F0E0&FORM=VDRVRV

P.S. First 3 references are places to check up on doctors

1. https://www.vitals.com/

2. https://www.ratemds.com/

3. https://www.healthgrades.com/

____________________________

4. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/pdf/cdc_gyn_comprehensive_brochure.pdf

[“Zass” – Booklet described below is indeed a “comprehensive” description of all kinds of gynecologic cancers, among them you will find Ovarian cancer, but in case it is something other than that, if it should be found to be some form of cancer of the female anatomy, you will find it here as well.]

“ABOUT THIS BOOKLET - This booklet was developed in support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Inside Knowledge: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer campaign.

The campaign helps women get the facts about gynecologic cancer by providing important “inside knowledge” about their bodies and health. As you read this booklet, you will learn about the different types of gynecologic cancer. These are cancers that affect the female reproductive organs.

They include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

You will find information on:

1. Signs, symptoms, and risk factors related to each gynecologic cancer.

2. What you can do to help prevent gynecologic cancer.

3. What to do if you have symptoms.

4. What to do if you think you may be at increased risk for developing a gynecologic cancer.

5. Questions to ask your doctor.

Each year, about 89,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. While all women are at risk for developing gynecologic cancers, few will ever develop one. Still, it is important to know the signs because there is no way to know for sure who will get a gynecologic cancer.

The information included in this booklet will help you recognize warning signs so you can ask your health care provider about them. These signs and symptoms often are related to something other than gynecologic cancer. But it is important for your overall health to know what is causing them. Important words to know appear in italics and are defined in the glossary at the back of the booklet…

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 Gynecologic cancer overview

5 Gynecologic cancer symptoms

6 Questions to ask your doctor

7 Cervical cancer

10 Ovarian cancer

14 Uterine cancer

16 Vaginal cancer

18 Vulvar cancer

19 Gynecologic cancer diagnosis

20 Glossary

21 Resources…”

_______________________________

Ovarian Cancer

Basics

§ Summary

§ Start Here

§ Symptoms

§ Diagnosis and Tests

§ Prevention and Risk Factors

§ Treatments and Therapies

Learn More

§ Living With

§ Related Issues

§ Specifics

§ Genetics

See, Play and Learn

§ Images

§ Videos and Tutorials

Research

§ Statistics and Research

Resources

For You

Summary

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They produce a woman's eggs and female hormones. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond.

Cancer of the ovary is not common, but it causes more deaths than other female reproductive cancers. The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better your chance for recovery. But ovarian cancer is hard to detect early. Women with ovarian cancer may have no symptoms or just mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage. Then it is hard to treat. Symptoms may include

A heavy feeling in the pelvis
Pain in the lower abdomen
Bleeding from the vagina
Weight gain or loss
Abnormal periods
Unexplained back pain that gets worse
Gas, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

To diagnose ovarian cancer, doctors do one or more tests. They include a physical exam, a pelvic exam, lab tests, ultrasound, or a biopsy. Treatment is usually surgery followed by chemotherapy.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

Start Here

General Information About Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer (National Cancer Institute)
Ovarian Cancer (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Ovarian Cancer Fact Sheet (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)
Ovarian Cancer FAQ (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)Also in Spanish
What Is Ovarian Cancer? (American Cancer Society)Also in Spanish

Symptoms

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Diagnosis and Tests

Abdominal exploration - slideshow (Medical Encyclopedia)Also in Spanish
Can Ovarian Cancer Be Found Early? (American Cancer Society)Also in Spanish
How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed? (American Cancer Society)Also in Spanish
How Is Ovarian Cancer Staged? (American Cancer Society)Also in Spanish
Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Screening (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Risk Assessment, Genetic Counseling, and Genetic Testing for BRCA-Related Cancer in Women (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) - PDF
Screening for Ovarian Cancer (American College of Physicians) - PDF
Stages of Ovarian Epithelial, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Stages of Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish

Prevention and Risk Factors

Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented? (American Cancer Society)
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) (American Society of Clinical Oncology)Also in Spanish
Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Prevention (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Prophylactic Oophorectomy: Preventing Cancer by Surgically Removing Your Ovaries(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish
What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer? (American Cancer Society)Also in Spanish

Treatments and Therapies

Drugs Approved for Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer (National Cancer Institute)
Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors Treatment (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Radiation Therapy for Gynecologic Cancers (American Society for Radiation Oncology) - PDF
Treatment for Stromal Tumors of the Ovary (American Cancer Society)
Treatment Option Overview (Ovarian Epithelial, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer) (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Treatment Option Overview (Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors) (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Treatment Option Overview (Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors) (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Treatment Options by Stage (Ovarian Epithelial, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer) (National Cancer Institute)
Treatment Options By Stage (Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors) (National Cancer Institute)
Treatment Options for Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors (National Cancer Institute)

Living With

Cancer and Stress (Foundation for Women's Cancer)
Ovarian Cancer: Nutrition (Johns Hopkins University, Department of Pathology)
What Will Happen After Treatment for Ovarian Cancer? (American Cancer Society)Also in Spanish

Related Issues

Cancer Treatment for Women: Possible Sexual Side Effects(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish
Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Ovarian Cancer: Still Possible After Hysterectomy?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish
Risks of Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Screening (National Cancer Institute)
Talcum Powder and Cancer (American Cancer Society)
What Should You Ask Your Doctor about Ovarian Cancer? (American Cancer Society)Also in Spanish

Specifics

General Information about Ovarian Epithelial Cancer (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
General Information about Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
General Information about Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumors (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Primary Peritoneal Cancer (Foundation for Women's Cancer)

Genetics

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) - PDF
BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Family History Risk Categories(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Do We Know What Causes Ovarian Cancer? (American Cancer Society)Also in Spanish
Does Breast or Ovarian Cancer Run in Your Family?(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Also in Spanish
Genetic Counseling and Evaluation for BRCA1/2 Testing(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Genetics Home Reference: ovarian cancer (National Library of Medicine)

Images

Ovarian Cancer Stage I (National Cancer Institute)
Ovarian Cancer Stage II (National Cancer Institute)
Ovarian Cancer Stage IIIC (National Cancer Institute)
Ovarian Cancer Stage IV (National Cancer Institute)

Videos and Tutorials

Scarless Hysterectomy (BroadcastMed) - Baptist Hospital, Miami, FL, 10/17/2013

Statistics and Research

NIH Study Finds Regular Aspirin Use May Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk (National Cancer Institute)
Ovarian Cancer Statistics (National Cancer Institute)
What Are the Key Statistics about Ovarian Cancer? (American Cancer Society)
What's New in Ovarian Cancer Research and Treatment? (American Cancer Society)Also in Spanish

Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (National Institutes of Health)
ClinicalTrials.gov: Ovarian Neoplasms (National Institutes of Health)

Journal ArticlesReferences and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

Reference Desk

Dictionary of Cancer Terms (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Normal Female Reproductive Anatomy (National Cancer Institute)

Find an Expert

American Cancer Society
Find a Cancer Doctor (American Society of Clinical Oncology)
Find a Gynecologic Oncologist (Foundation for Women's Cancer)
National Cancer Institute Also in Spanish
NCI Designated Cancer Centers (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
Organizations That Offer Support Services (National Cancer Institute)Also in Spanish
womenshealth.gov (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)Also in Spanish

Patient Handouts

BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene testing (Medical Encyclopedia)Also in Spanish
CA-125 blood test (Medical Encyclopedia)Also in Spanish
Ovarian cancer (Medical Encyclopedia)Also in Spanish
Ovarian Cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Understanding Chemotherapy (National Cancer Institute) - PDFAlso in Spanish

__________________End of references________________

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