Mom, 74 has ovarian mass "extension" please advise

recnac_grl
recnac_grl Member Posts: 38
in Ovarian Cancer #1
My mom is 74 and has lost quite a bit of weight without dieting. She has had zip for an appetite. They did a scan on her and found a large ovarian "extension" on her right ovary. She goes on the 30th to a gynecologist. I'm really worried its ovarian cancer. However, it could still be something else right? She has all of her female parts, just so you know. Thank you for any advice you are able to give.

Comments

  • Lisa13Q
    Lisa13Q Member Posts: 677
    #2
    Dear recnac girl
    My name is Lisa and my mom had ovarian cancer for quite awhile...I thought I would respond to your post with some cautious optimism. Until a transvaginal ultrsound is done and CT scan you just cannot know what the "extension" means. She could just have an ovarian cyst. All that being said, a planned set of questions is a good idea for her appointment. Here's some advice for what it's worth.
    1. Make sure you go with your Mom or someone does.
    2. Ask for a CA-125 blood test before the appointment so the results are there on the 30th when you go in.
    Make sure they do a trans vaginal ultrasound and/or CT.
    3. If it is cancer, be prepared to know who the best gyn/onc specialist is around in your area.
    4. Be prepared as well for relief.
    Has she had any other digestive system issues? Like indigestion or constipation/diarreah? Hopefully this helps....and don't panic. There are so many things that could be causing this.
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #3
    Lisa13Q said:

    Dear recnac girl
    My name is Lisa and my mom had ovarian cancer for quite awhile...I thought I would respond to your post with some cautious optimism. Until a transvaginal ultrsound is done and CT scan you just cannot know what the "extension" means. She could just have an ovarian cyst. All that being said, a planned set of questions is a good idea for her appointment. Here's some advice for what it's worth.
    1. Make sure you go with your Mom or someone does.
    2. Ask for a CA-125 blood test before the appointment so the results are there on the 30th when you go in.
    Make sure they do a trans vaginal ultrasound and/or CT.
    3. If it is cancer, be prepared to know who the best gyn/onc specialist is around in your area.
    4. Be prepared as well for relief.
    Has she had any other digestive system issues? Like indigestion or constipation/diarreah? Hopefully this helps....and don't panic. There are so many things that could be causing this.

    The whole picture
    I would say hope for the best and prepare for the worst. If your mom didn't have the weight loss & lack of appetite, I would be more encouraging.

    Her symptoms are more in line with pancreatic cancer which is probably worse than ovarian cancer. In which case, I guess I'd say ovarian cancer is the lesser of two evils (not much comfort, I know).

    Please stay in touch and let us know how we can help you.
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #4
    Dear recnac,
    Just jumping on to say welcome and I hope you don't have to come back here again. Praying for you and your mom today. Hold onto each other tight and if you believe in prayer, that is a good thing to hang onto too!

    I think it is worth repeating one of the things on Lisa's great list. Gyecological Oncologist, if this turns out to be ovarian cycst/tumor/cancer (they never really know until they get in and take a bio), is the only way to go if surgery is necessary. I don't know anything about pancreatic cancer other than that I had an ovarian cancer tumor behind mine. Pesky stuff!

    Warm hugs,
    Kathleen

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