Does it get easier to go for your doctor appts?

Yes and no.   I was diagnosed in 2005 and since then I still go every 6 months for check-ups.    I only got real nervous when for about two years they stopped doing the scans and I felt like I was having symptoms.    I always get nervous when I get a new doctor for various reasons (retired, moved,) so then the nerves take over again.   Although it is not bad, it is always in the back of your mind.   

You just have to go with it.    Your feelings change all the time.  Congrats on another "anniversary" six months!.

Kathy

txtrisha55 said:

I agree Yes and no.

From April to August 2011 I was at the drs a lot during surgery and then follow up chemo treatments.  Then I started the follow up visits with CT scans and CA125 test.  Sep, Nov, Dec 2011 then it started every 3 months, Mar, Jun, Oct 2012 and Jan, Apr 2013.  I go for another follow on visit today.  I am worried a bit but I already know that my CA125 will be higher because I am very sick with sever sinus infection and cold.  I am taking some heavy duty antibiotic so that will probably throw my system off some.  My CA is not a good indicator but at least it is something.  I started the journey at 15 before surgery. After surgery it went to 169 and slowly came down from there to now it averages around 12-13.  I still worry but if I have any pains anywhere she will run test (CT scan and others)  But in Jan my Pap she did was clean and I have not had any problems except this cold that will not get better.  So while I worry that something will show up I do not let it control me.  I live my life the best way that I can and if something shows up again I will deal with it and try to keep a positive attitude. trish

I had my CA125 go up a bit for the first time at last appt (January '13).  We attributed it to fluid spot on my lung and I was fighting allergies and a cold.  Great that you can already read into what is a possiblity at this next appt.  Still tends to bring us back down until the next appt.  

My oncologist has always told me, THE MAN UPSTAIRS IS IN CONTROL, NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE TRY TO CHANGE AND THINK INTO OR SITUATION!!

Good luck on your appt...do come back and let us know the GOOD NEWS~~~~

Sending you lots of positive vibes~~~~

Jan

My gyn onc dr is great and she knows that I worry about it but she told me that unless it goes up double digits from the last not to worry aobut a whole digit or the little percents like the first time it went up from a 12.1 to a 12.3, she said she did not want to post it because she knew that I would freak out and I did but that is when she told me the double digit thing.  She also explained that if anything is going on in the abdominal area that it could affect the number.  So here I am on a very stronger antibiotic, which has caused some diarreah (?) and my food intake is way down to just mainly hot and sour soup from chinese place every night at least for the last month because of being sick and that is the only thing that sounds good, I expect the number to be around 13.4 this time around.  But when she posts the results I will let ya'll n=knew what it is. trish

NoTimeForCancer said:

Thank you Thank you Thank you

YOU LADIES are the only ones who can tell me what is what and you never disappoint.

While the CA125 is just a number, it is the only thing I have besides what my gyn onc would find during a pelvic exam.  Let me quickly add, I had papilary serous (sp?!) was at stage 1A, he took a ton of samples - all negative, and the chemo/radiation/chemo was more preventative since I had the bad type. 

The CT after treatment ended showed nothing and CA125 was 8. In April it dropped to 5 and now it is up to 9. Needless to say, I freaked but I talked to the nurse and she said not to worry about that. Everything you say really helps me to calm down.  I am way to stressed out over this.  

Again, you ladies truly ROCK! 

We must remind ourselves this is only a number...we shouldn't create our livelihood around this one simple number.  Heck it sounds good so why don't I always follow what I post...darn it!  Just part of the stressers with our cancer journey, another doc appt.  I want my old life back...lol~

Going up one digit isn't a big deal, heck mine doubled but to start was a whopping 4...had some inflammation going on.  

Good luck tomorrow and lets come back here and compare notes as my doc appt is tomorrow late afternoon.....breathe in deep and let 'er rip!!  Show the cancer who's boss....

 Hugs and good luck~

Jan

It rose again but then I was expecting it to.  In previous message I said that I thought it would be around 13.4.  My appointment went good, the dr was pleased and the exam did not turn up anything new.  She said she thought everything was OK and would move me to every four months instead of three after I had another round of CT scans just to make sure.  So I will get the CT scan Oct 4 then see her again Oct 7.  The CA125 results have been posted to My Chart and drum roll please 13.3.  I was just about right on the number.  Wishing you all success. trish

MMMT stage 3c in 1 lymph node.  Although my dr did not give me any radiation saving it for later if needed.  Just had 6 rounds of carbo/taxol in 2011.  So far so good.  Aug 22 is my 2 year mark after last treatment.  I have to admit I was going by everyone's post on here that made me ask if I could go to 6 months since I am fixin to come up on the 2 year mark.  But my dr said no until she sees the CT scan in Oct and then she said she would compromise by letting me go to 4 months.  At least it is better than every 3 but I will wait and see what the results are.

So you go to the dr today and let us know what they say.  Wishing you good luck today. trish

NoTimeForCancer said:

You are all so wise

Ladies,

Yes, I always feel better after seeing my gyn onc.  He said if they took two viles of blood, one vile could be a "5" and the other could be a "9".  Unless it keeps climbing, it is not a worry. 

He did wonder if it was just scar tissue damaged by the radiation and decided to take a biopsy.  Think colposcopy.  Ugh...I had to come home and pour myself a little wine.  Thankfully I was able to go home after the appointment and not back to work.  Geez, I really hate the way this feels.  Oh well.

He did say only to see him 3 times a year and go back to my regular gyn for an annual visit which was interesting.  I owe her a huge HUG anyways!  If she didn't say "Let's find out what is going on" and schedule me for the D&C I don't know what I would be facing.

Look forward to hearing from "Jazzy" but again, THANK YOU ladies.  You are so awesome, you have helped me like you can't imagine.

 

Well it was a good appt.  Only thing I was concerned about is the CA125 has gone up a bit more since last appt.....from 11 to 17 (generally around 6 or 7).  Note the last appt in January we did a CT scan which was fine except for a "1 cm small ill-defined ground glass infiltrate on the upper lobe, likely inflammation". Doc showed me today how small it was and said it's nothing for concern.  We spoke of the  higher marker and he told me it will move around a bit especially if sick or have any inflammation going on in your body.  I've been having lower back issues due to my bulging disk as I've reinjured it, so have lots of inflammation in pelvic/stomach area, and a new diagnosis of allergies and they're really bad.  Plus let me add I'm wondering how stress reacts to the marker? I've been under some huge stress with family issues and hubbie's business.

I have lots of comfort with my doc so have no concerns with what he tells me.  He must have felt I was concerned as mentioned an option to do a chest xray in 2 weeks and another CA125 in 3 months and then for my next 6-month checkup.  He's not one to jump to zillions of tests, as likes more the wait and see attitude....same way I think.

Know a few of you have had issues with up/down CA125 as love to hear your stories.  As doc told me, don't live with concern over this number as I could take this number in 2 weeks and it might be back down....does fluctuate and yes under the radar for having concerns.

That's my story and happy to say I'm feeling good as trying to not rely on that damn number...must practice what I preach!!!  Any stories of their journey with the ups/downs with their marker??

Hugs to all the warriors!

Jan 

jazzy1 said:

Appt Today

Well it was a good appt.  Only thing I was concerned about is the CA125 has gone up a bit more since last appt.....from 11 to 17 (generally around 6 or 7).  Note the last appt in January we did a CT scan which was fine except for a "1 cm small ill-defined ground glass infiltrate on the upper lobe, likely inflammation". Doc showed me today how small it was and said it's nothing for concern.  We spoke of the  higher marker and he told me it will move around a bit especially if sick or have any inflammation going on in your body.  I've been having lower back issues due to my bulging disk as I've reinjured it, so have lots of inflammation in pelvic/stomach area, and a new diagnosis of allergies and they're really bad.  Plus let me add I'm wondering how stress reacts to the marker? I've been under some huge stress with family issues and hubbie's business.

I have lots of comfort with my doc so have no concerns with what he tells me.  He must have felt I was concerned as mentioned an option to do a chest xray in 2 weeks and another CA125 in 3 months and then for my next 6-month checkup.  He's not one to jump to zillions of tests, as likes more the wait and see attitude....same way I think.

Know a few of you have had issues with up/down CA125 as love to hear your stories.  As doc told me, don't live with concern over this number as I could take this number in 2 weeks and it might be back down....does fluctuate and yes under the radar for having concerns.

That's my story and happy to say I'm feeling good as trying to not rely on that damn number...must practice what I preach!!!  Any stories of their journey with the ups/downs with their marker??

Hugs to all the warriors!

Jan 

 

 

Before cancer, I did not tune into my own body but cancer has changed that.  Not to say I worry more but I do pay closer attention to when something feels off.  Did not use to do that. Glad to know that Dr. has a plan and is not concerned, wait and see attitude.  Like you said it is just a number and it goes up and down depending on what’s going on in our bodies at the time. 

I am glad that most drs do tell their patients about this but nice to come here for reassurance when needed.  My dr told me up front that the number will swing when there is something going on in the pelvic/stomach area and not to worry about it.  That is so easier said than done, I know, but I do not worry about it so much anymore.  

Wishing you the best and no worries and prayers for all the warriors. trish