Distended abdomen

kellyh33
kellyh33 Member Posts: 287
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi Everyone,
My Mom was diagnosed June 18th with ovarian cancer. I had my annual physical July 15th and told my doctor about my mom. I have been feeling a little bit of discomfort on my left hand side of my abdomen so she sent me for a pelvic and abdomonal ultrasound as well as a transvaginal ultrasound.
Well the doctor called me on Monday and said i have an enlarged uterus and they have to send me for a special type of ultrasound callea a sonohystegram. She said I either have fibroids (but i don't have a history of heavy bleeding), ovarian cysts or polyps. My stomach the last few days is starting to look swollen. I am worried. Should I ask to have a CA 125 test? My sonohystegram is not until August 11th. Does anyone else have any experience with this type of test? Most importantly would they be able to rule out cancer when I had the transvaginal ultrasound.
Thanks in advance,
Kelly

Comments

  • Susan523
    Susan523 Member Posts: 231 Member
    #2
    Hi, Kelly~
    I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms.

    I'm not sure what type of ultrasound my regular gynecologist had, but he did one in his office and told me I had 'fluid'. He then ordered the CA125 and referred me to the Gynecoloy/Oncologist. (It was a vaginal ultrasound. He also had me come back the next day for a 2nd one, and took pictures of the ultrasound for the Gyn/Onc).

    Is your doctor a Gynecoloy/Oncologist? If not, you may want to see if there's one in your area.

    I think I would ask for the CA125 if I were you. If nothing else, it'll relieve your mind, and my lab gets the results the same day if I go in the morning.

    Are you having the classic symptoms other than bloating? Like... diarrhea and/or constipation, pain with sex, and I would be real hungry, take 2 bites, and suddenly feel "full", and frequent urination or trouble "holding it".

    Don't worry too much... but I know that is much easier said than done. You're going to worry no matter what, I suppose... if not about yourself, about your Mom.

    Hang in there, and you are in my prayers~

    ~Susan xoxo
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #3
    Tests
    Kelly,

    I had a transvaginal ultrasound that showed fibroids and nothing else before I was diagnosed. I also had an abdominal CT scan that was not revealing. I have little faith in either as diagnostic tools.

    If you are still having periods, a CA 125 test will not be advised; the test can be affected by hormones. CA 125s are best used for tracking diagnosed OVCA because they are not reliable for diagnosing, especially for Stage 1.

    If you can, see a gynecologic oncologist. Even if you only have fibroids, they'll find out. Has your doctor done a test for uterine cancer? My ovarian cancer was found when I had a hysterectomy because of the uterine cancer a biopsy (virtually painless) found.

    Here's a link for the Mayo Clinic's ovarian cancer symptoms page: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cancer/DS00293/DSECTION=symptoms

    They include what's become the standard advice about symptoms: See your doctor if you have swelling, bloating, pressure or pain in your abdomen or pelvis that lasts for more than a few weeks. If you've already seen a doctor and received a diagnosis other than ovarian cancer, but you're not getting relief from the treatment, schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor or get a second opinion. Make sure that a pelvic exam is a part of your evaluation.
  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #4
    mind can play tricks
    Kelly, by all means get checked out to make sure there is nothing going on, and it's probably wise to get a CA125 done so you have a baseline for the future. But let me tell you, after being my mother's most intimate caregiver for a year and a half (diagnosed 3c in Feb '09),I can't count the number of times I have experienced aches and pains that I swear are related to her condition. One time my hip was hurting for no reason, and I found out later that hers was killing her that day. Go figure! I'm not crazy, and I've gotten so used to these things that I take them as signs to stick close and pay attention. For all I know it's one of God's ways of making sure that nobody suffers alone.
  • Angelasmom2
    Angelasmom2 Member Posts: 146
    #5
    ultra sound
    My daughter had been going to the Dr. for eight months with complaints. They did an ultasound (I don't kow what kind) and found nothing. That was in Feb. 2010. July 2, she went to the ER with severe abdominal pain. They did a CT scan and a CA 125. Her CA 125 was over 6000 and there were masses everywhere. They did surgery and found ovarian 3c. The oncologist said that they missed it with the ultra sound. Angela's mother-in-law was dionoised with ovaian 3c cancer, about six months earlier. When Angela was in the hosipal for two weeks after the surgery, her mther-in-law was back in the hopital, tow doors down with level 4 and with phnemonia. It can happen to people who are close at the same time and this is her mother-in-law. What are the odds? Angela had her surgey on her 38th bithday, very much against the odds. I would not take any chances.

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