Pretty scared

Litapita
Litapita Member Posts: 30
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi all. I've read numerous posts on here in the last couple days but haven't been able to find any info/discussions about the blood test HE-4. Some background, I'm 45 yrs old, have Crohn's disease x 30yrs and was dx'd with both squamous cell skin cancer and fibromyalgia both in the same week about 5 months ago. I was referred to a GI doc for f/u care for the Crohn's in April. At that time she ordered a ct scan of the abdomen/pelvic area.....aside from the crohns nothing else showed up. However, in August she ordered a repeat ct scan and this time showed a 3 cm cyst on my left ovary. Additionally, I'm going through menopause right now for about the past year. So, because of the cyst, I went to the gyn who ordered a transvaginal ultrasound. The cyst was then determined to be mildly complex and as such the doctor thought it would be best to order a CA-125 and, what he termed as a more specific cancer marker for ovarian cancer, an HE-4. The CA-125 came back within normal limits but the HE4 came back a little high outside of normal limits. Have any of you had this test?
He has referred me to an oncologist/gynecologist and my appointment is Tuesday. As Tuesday draws nearer, my anxiety level continues to grow.
From what I have been reading it seems he will likely want to do surgery? And then from there it will be biopsied?
I feel like an exposed nerve in regards to the 'c' word.....the skin cancer is not yet controlled and her I am dealing with this newest possibility. Any feedback, suggestions etc are deeply and graciously appreciated. I've had numerous bowel resections due to the Crohn's, surgery doesn't really scare me, although the gyn has indicated that laparoscopically may not be possible due to all the scar tissue I have.

Again, thank you for reading and any info/suggestions are sincerely appreciated.

Comments

  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #2
    I am so sorry for what you are going through
    I do not have any infor on the test but you will be in my prayers tomorrow and I pray it comes back that you do not have ovarian cancer you have enough to deal with without having this beast to fight also. Please come back on Tuesday and let us know how everything goes.

    Love, Hugs, and Prayers
    Anne
  • Litapita
    Litapita Member Posts: 30
    #3
    AnneBehymer said:

    I am so sorry for what you are going through
    I do not have any infor on the test but you will be in my prayers tomorrow and I pray it comes back that you do not have ovarian cancer you have enough to deal with without having this beast to fight also. Please come back on Tuesday and let us know how everything goes.

    Love, Hugs, and Prayers
    Anne

    Thank you
    Thank you very much Anne. I will definitely check in tomorrow and let you know what he says. Wishing you well :)
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #4
    Litapita said:

    Thank you
    Thank you very much Anne. I will definitely check in tomorrow and let you know what he says. Wishing you well :)

    HE4
    Generally speaking, the HE4 tends to become elevated before the CA-125 begins to rise. It is used primarily for the monitoring of previously diagnosed women, to predict if the CA-125 will rise.
    My advice for all of your conditions is to find a good natruopath to get your body healthy. I took an integrative approach from the very beginning of my journey, and I am sure it has affected a good outcome. I have a number of conditions beyond that of my past cancer diagnosis. I would be a physical wreck, were it not for a skilled practitioner getting my body back on track.
    Good luck.
  • Litapita
    Litapita Member Posts: 30
    #5
    Tethys41 said:

    HE4
    Generally speaking, the HE4 tends to become elevated before the CA-125 begins to rise. It is used primarily for the monitoring of previously diagnosed women, to predict if the CA-125 will rise.
    My advice for all of your conditions is to find a good natruopath to get your body healthy. I took an integrative approach from the very beginning of my journey, and I am sure it has affected a good outcome. I have a number of conditions beyond that of my past cancer diagnosis. I would be a physical wreck, were it not for a skilled practitioner getting my body back on track.
    Good luck.

    Thank you teth. I have been
    Thank you teth. I have been searching out some alternative therapies as well. Feeling so overwhelmed at the moment . Feel like I have a black cloud looming over my head. The waiting is the hardest part.
  • Litapita
    Litapita Member Posts: 30
    #6
    Tethys41 said:

    HE4
    Generally speaking, the HE4 tends to become elevated before the CA-125 begins to rise. It is used primarily for the monitoring of previously diagnosed women, to predict if the CA-125 will rise.
    My advice for all of your conditions is to find a good natruopath to get your body healthy. I took an integrative approach from the very beginning of my journey, and I am sure it has affected a good outcome. I have a number of conditions beyond that of my past cancer diagnosis. I would be a physical wreck, were it not for a skilled practitioner getting my body back on track.
    Good luck.

    Thank you teth. I have been
    Thank you teth. I have been searching out some alternative therapies as well. Feeling so overwhelmed at the moment . Feel like I have a black cloud looming over my head. The waiting is the hardest part.
  • debrajo
    debrajo Member Posts: 1,095 Member
    #7
    Tethys41 said:

    HE4
    Generally speaking, the HE4 tends to become elevated before the CA-125 begins to rise. It is used primarily for the monitoring of previously diagnosed women, to predict if the CA-125 will rise.
    My advice for all of your conditions is to find a good natruopath to get your body healthy. I took an integrative approach from the very beginning of my journey, and I am sure it has affected a good outcome. I have a number of conditions beyond that of my past cancer diagnosis. I would be a physical wreck, were it not for a skilled practitioner getting my body back on track.
    Good luck.

    Tethys41, have you heard of
    Tethys41, have you heard of a Dr. Jonathan V.Wright? My brother mentioned his book to me in passing. From what I see so far, it is just another vitamin,food,nutrition,ect.come-on. Opinions?
  • Litapita
    Litapita Member Posts: 30
    #8
    debrajo said:

    Tethys41, have you heard of
    Tethys41, have you heard of a Dr. Jonathan V.Wright? My brother mentioned his book to me in passing. From what I see so far, it is just another vitamin,food,nutrition,ect.come-on. Opinions?

    So today is my appt with
    So today is my appt with oncologist/gynocllogist. What to expect? I have already had ct scan, ca125, and he4. 3 cm complex cyst on left ovary, he 4 elevated. What do you think he will tell me as to next steps?
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #9
    debrajo said:

    Tethys41, have you heard of
    Tethys41, have you heard of a Dr. Jonathan V.Wright? My brother mentioned his book to me in passing. From what I see so far, it is just another vitamin,food,nutrition,ect.come-on. Opinions?

    Wright
    I haven't heard of Dr. Wright. When I google him, I's see that he has a website where he sells health products. I'm always leary of people who have websites where they sell their own products. Also, I have found, through other people's experiences, that trying to pick supplements or remedies from their own research or the experiences of others, is not a very effective approach. Ovarian cancer is a very individual disease and each patient's body comes with its own personal imbalances. It is better to work with a practitioner who will identify the patient's personal needs and address those imbalances with the specific things that will balace them.
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #10
    Litapita said:

    So today is my appt with
    So today is my appt with oncologist/gynocllogist. What to expect? I have already had ct scan, ca125, and he4. 3 cm complex cyst on left ovary, he 4 elevated. What do you think he will tell me as to next steps?

    Next step
    I would sure be prepared to hear him talk about surgery and potential chemo therapies, if the cyst is malignant.
  • debrajo
    debrajo Member Posts: 1,095 Member
    #11
    Tethys41 said:

    Wright
    I haven't heard of Dr. Wright. When I google him, I's see that he has a website where he sells health products. I'm always leary of people who have websites where they sell their own products. Also, I have found, through other people's experiences, that trying to pick supplements or remedies from their own research or the experiences of others, is not a very effective approach. Ovarian cancer is a very individual disease and each patient's body comes with its own personal imbalances. It is better to work with a practitioner who will identify the patient's personal needs and address those imbalances with the specific things that will balace them.

    Thanks Tethys, I,too, am
    Thanks Tethys, I,too, am leary of everyone touting a "quick, sure, fix"! Best. debrajo

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