Worried about a diagnosis...

aah9976
aah9976 Member Posts: 16
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My sister is an ovarian cancer survivor of almost 6 years now. She was diagnosed with a germ cell cancer at the age of 24 and during the past 6 years underwent numerous surgeries to remove the cancer and eventually have a full hysterectomy. Last year there were pre-cancerous cells found in her breast and so she took the preventative measure and a bilateral mastectomy.

When my sister was diagnosed with cancer I immediately got involved with the American Cancer Society and eventually became co-chair of a NJ Relay For Life event, an Ambassador and District Lead for the ACSCAN.

Over this past summer I started having these strang sharp pains in my pelvic area that I have never had before. I just chalked it up to getting older and I am starting to cramp when I get my period now (even though I never had any cramping before), so I just kinda shrugged it off. I went to my new gynocologist about 1 month and 1/2 ago and told her about the unusual pain that I have been having and she immediately sent me for an ultrasound. She said that she does not think that there is anything wrong but she wanted to rule everything out. Well during the ultrasound they found a "mass" about 3cm in diameter on my right ovary. (So now I don't feel like I am imaging things) She called me to tell me about it and told me to get an mri so they can have a better look at it to see if they tell what it is. The MRI was just done this afternoon.

So now it is a waiting game till they get the results and call me. My mind is racing with so many questions and worries. I am 32, due to get married in october of 2009 and I have an 11 year old daughter that just can't bear to see another family member battle cancer. I have a feeling that this is just my imagination getting carried away but there is a good chance that I too will be in for a battle of a lifetime.

I would appreciate any advise anyone has to give in regards to handling this...

Comments

  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
    #2
    Worried
    Hi, Sorry to have to meet under these circumstances and sorry you must deal with this, but you will not deal with it alone. Here you will find a huge amount of support, information, friendship and more. I know I have.
    Right now, you need to take a deep breath and try to be positive and don't think of the worst. Do you have a good gynecologic/oncologist? Please keep us updated again with more information Please try to hang in there.
    Hugs and Prayers,
    Terry
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #3
    ladyjogger31 said:

    Worried
    Hi, Sorry to have to meet under these circumstances and sorry you must deal with this, but you will not deal with it alone. Here you will find a huge amount of support, information, friendship and more. I know I have.
    Right now, you need to take a deep breath and try to be positive and don't think of the worst. Do you have a good gynecologic/oncologist? Please keep us updated again with more information Please try to hang in there.
    Hugs and Prayers,
    Terry

    Take a deep breath
    I am so sorry to find your post this morning as I checked in with friends on the board. This site has been a life saver for me and I have learned so much. WE are all so different and yet, we can find others with similarities. There is no other place like the love and support you can receive here IF you are given the OVCA diagnosis.

    Have you had a blood marker test called the CA-125? If you have surgery get yourself to a large teaching hospital or cancer center with a gynecologic/oncologist. Your survival rate increases by doing this. Start a journal putting down all your fears and what is happening daily because a year from now you will have forgotten. Those are the three suggestions I have for you today.

    Check back often. A great big hug for you today! (((((HUG)))))) Saundra
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #4
    Waiting for the results is the hardest!
    I am so sorry that you have to go through this agony of waiting to find out if you have cancer or not. Waiting, for me has always been harder than surgery or chemo.I usually keep very busy and try not to think about it at all. (Right!) Once you find out the results and you are going to have to battle, you will need support, and this board is great. The ladies are so kind and very informed.

    I had my dx in June 07, but initially the MRI didn't tell us if it was cancer or not. They had to open me up. I hope, that in your case, it will be clear and you will know. I didn't think my kids would be able to bear my "cancer news" but they have rolled right along and have been great. The key has always been my attitude. If mom is OK and strong, then they can be OK and strong. I have 10 year old twins and a 17 year old. I hope you find a good gynecological oncologist, as Saundra mentioned. It will make all the difference in the world!!
    Wishing you good test results!
    Hugs,
    Kathleen
  • aah9976
    aah9976 Member Posts: 16
    #5
    thank you for your support
    Currently I am still waiting for the results from the MRI. I asked the girls at the radiology center how long it will be before the results will be recvd and I was told 2-3 business days. Then I spoke with the a girl at the doctors office and was told it would be a week before I know anything. My gyno knows of my sister being a survivor and that I worried about getting a diagnosis of cancer so I asked the girl at the office to have the dr call me today. still waiting on that call.

    No blood work has been done yet. I think my gyno is waiting for the mri results before sending me for the bloodwork. I live in MD and I have quite a few really great hospitals around. I am researching gyno/onc all the time trying to find who I think will take the best care of me.

    The worry is starting to keep me up at night which is completely driving me nuts. My fiance just does not have any clue what this is doing to me mentally. My daughter knows that I am waiting to find out what is going on and said she will take care of me if I am sick better than she took care of her aunt. I just thought that is precious but I don't want to worry about having to take care of me. She should be worried about having fun with her friends. I know that worrying over the unknown does not help any situation but it is human nature to worry.

    What advise does anyone have to give on not worrying? I need sleep....
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #6
    Worry
    We all worry. This is what I did... "Worry is wasted energy." "Is there anything positive that can come from this worry right now?" Post these two sayings on your mirror and read them daily. Go on a walk daily.

    I still had trouble sleeping and my doctor prescribed a low dose of anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drug that also helps with the hot flashes or night sweats.

    Keep a journal and write down your fears, etc. Keep coming here daily and read what the others are up to.
    Keep busy with helping others and building memories with your daughter and sister.

    Those are a few of the things I do. ((Hugs)) Saundra
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #7
    aah9976 said:

    thank you for your support
    Currently I am still waiting for the results from the MRI. I asked the girls at the radiology center how long it will be before the results will be recvd and I was told 2-3 business days. Then I spoke with the a girl at the doctors office and was told it would be a week before I know anything. My gyno knows of my sister being a survivor and that I worried about getting a diagnosis of cancer so I asked the girl at the office to have the dr call me today. still waiting on that call.

    No blood work has been done yet. I think my gyno is waiting for the mri results before sending me for the bloodwork. I live in MD and I have quite a few really great hospitals around. I am researching gyno/onc all the time trying to find who I think will take the best care of me.

    The worry is starting to keep me up at night which is completely driving me nuts. My fiance just does not have any clue what this is doing to me mentally. My daughter knows that I am waiting to find out what is going on and said she will take care of me if I am sick better than she took care of her aunt. I just thought that is precious but I don't want to worry about having to take care of me. She should be worried about having fun with her friends. I know that worrying over the unknown does not help any situation but it is human nature to worry.

    What advise does anyone have to give on not worrying? I need sleep....

    You need your rest
    This is not a good time for you to be losing sleep! Do you know how to do yoga breathing? I took a yoga class not long before I ran into all of my trouble, and the breathing has been essential for keeping me calm and relaxed when I'm in a stressful situation - that, combined with the practice of tensing and relaxing muscles starting with the toes and working up, seems to really relax me.

    I also use Benadryl as a mild sleeping aid. I wasn't familiar with it at all before I had chemo, and it put me out like a light for a little while I was having it administered.

    Because a CA-125 test is not a good indicator (especially for low-stage OVCA), your doctor may be reluctant to have it done for you.

    Try to rest. After my diagnosis, I just kept focusing on the days ahead, thinking about how much better I would feel - and I do feel better!
  • aah9976
    aah9976 Member Posts: 16
    #8
    Per MRI Dr says it is cancer...
    Just got a call from dr. and was advised from what they can tell it is cancer. Going into to the office tomorrow at 11:10 to get more information. Will update more tomorrow.

    I appreciate all the support everyone has given me.

    with love,
    Arden
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #9
    aah9976 said:

    Per MRI Dr says it is cancer...
    Just got a call from dr. and was advised from what they can tell it is cancer. Going into to the office tomorrow at 11:10 to get more information. Will update more tomorrow.

    I appreciate all the support everyone has given me.

    with love,
    Arden

    Sorry
    Dear Arden, we will be praying for you in the morning for information that you need and for you to have peace. It would be best if you took someone with you to take notes as at this time your mind simply doesn't take it all in. I still have to write down the questions before appointments or I forget them. Course, I'm an old lady. LOL It will take a few days or months for your mind to settle down and get used to the idea that you are a warrior now and have to fight every day. There are lots of weapons for you to use and lots of praying ladies here for you. (((HUGS))) Saundra
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #10
    aah9976 said:

    Per MRI Dr says it is cancer...
    Just got a call from dr. and was advised from what they can tell it is cancer. Going into to the office tomorrow at 11:10 to get more information. Will update more tomorrow.

    I appreciate all the support everyone has given me.

    with love,
    Arden

    Hugs
    Dear Arden, Sorry to hear it appears to be cancer. Like Saundra said make sure someone goes with you, for support and another pair of listening ears. It is hard to absorb everything during the office visit. Write down questions ahead of time and take notes if you need to. We'll be watching for your post after your dr visit. Hugs N Prayers Bonnie
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #11
    aah9976 said:

    Per MRI Dr says it is cancer...
    Just got a call from dr. and was advised from what they can tell it is cancer. Going into to the office tomorrow at 11:10 to get more information. Will update more tomorrow.

    I appreciate all the support everyone has given me.

    with love,
    Arden

    Hugs
    Opps posted twice... can't delete it but can shorten it. :-)
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #12
    aah9976 said:

    Per MRI Dr says it is cancer...
    Just got a call from dr. and was advised from what they can tell it is cancer. Going into to the office tomorrow at 11:10 to get more information. Will update more tomorrow.

    I appreciate all the support everyone has given me.

    with love,
    Arden

    ANOTHER MESSAGE OF SUPPORT
    It's okay, Arden, to feel as you do. No one is ever prepared for a diagnosis, or knows how they will react. Now that you know there could be something there, be assured that there is hope and help. Not knowing the details leaves much up to the imagination. So sit tight till you know for sure. As you can see on this discussion board there are TONS of options, and OODLES of hope and help.

    Let us know what you find out. We're here to help, support, and do whatever it takes to get you through this. We'll be waiting.

    Hugs, Luv, AND Prayers,
    Monika
  • aah9976
    aah9976 Member Posts: 16
    #13
    more info today from dr appt
    spoke with gyno today and was sent for the ca125 test now we wait for those results. found out that not only is there 1 tumor on my right ovary there is a cyst growing next to it and many little fibroids growing in the left ovary. have an appt with oncologist on monday at 430 to talk about options and other treatment. Surgery will be done and will schedule with oncologist and will have full hysterectomy. I don't want to go through multiple surgeries to remove cysts and tumors constantly. ready for it to be just gone. will know more on monday.


    with love,
    Arden
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #14
    Study Up
    Read on the internet about "debulking" surgery that most of us have gone through. This is a major look at everything but the best you can do if this is ovarian cancer. The reason is that it spreads so easily to colon and everywhere else. Mine was already in my liver as seen on the CT scan at diagnosis but also in my spleen that was not shown, for example. It usually takes two days to get the CA125 back. We pretty much all live for that test results, for me month to month. For some though it is not a good marker for the cancer growth. Hanging in there with you while you wait bit by bit. Saundra
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #15
    Hope for the best
    From what you've said, it sounds to me as though you may have low-stage OVCA. Mine was Staged as 1C (the C because one ovary had burst), and I had to have chemo after my surgery, but nothing beyond the usual hysterectomy/oopherectomy, and lymph node removal to test for spread of the disease.

    This is what I hope you'll hear: Stage 1A, which would mean even chemo would be unlikely.
  • aah9976
    aah9976 Member Posts: 16
    #16
    **CA125 test came back normal
    **Oncologist suspects a low malignancy tumor but wont know for certain till they do the pathology on the tumor.
    **Dr requested my sisters pathology from her surgery to review before completing my surgery
    **Surgery for complete hysterectomy is on Jan 5th.
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #17
    aah9976 said:

    **CA125 test came back normal
    **Oncologist suspects a low malignancy tumor but wont know for certain till they do the pathology on the tumor.
    **Dr requested my sisters pathology from her surgery to review before completing my surgery
    **Surgery for complete hysterectomy is on Jan 5th.

    That is GOOD NEWS
    You really couldn't have gotten much better news-the CA-125 test is notoriously bad for low-grade tumors, and is not considered a good indicator for women of child-bearing age because of the hormones. I hope you'll come back and let us know how you fare after your surgery.

    You anxiety must have been immense, knowing about your sister's situation. I hope you'll have some peace for Christmas.

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