Bleeding years after cancer and chemo

About six months after I finished treatment (chemo and external radiation) I had vaginal bleeding one Sunday. It was bright red and made a sizeable spot, with lesser amounts the rest of the day. I had just had my three months cancer follow-up exam a couple of weeks before, where everything looked fine.

Although I called the gynecological oncologist's office the next morning, I was already scheduled that day to see my primary care physician for a regular checkup. Since she had done my pap smears and pelvic/rectal exams for many years before I had cancer, the nurse at the gynecological oncologist's office agreed that the PCP should check out a possible cause of the bleeding.

The PCP did a thorough vaginal/rectal exam, but found nothing that would explain the bleeding (which had already stopped overnight). I didn't not have any more bleeding. However, just to be on the safe side, the gynecological oncologist ordered a CT-scan when I went for my next follow-up exam with him a couple of months later. The CT-scan didn't show any sign of cancer.

I still don't know why I had the bleeding – I hadn't done anything out of the ordinary the day before. It was worrisome, but it hasn't recurred. Another CT-scan last February was also negative for cancer.

So I can't shed any light on why you had bleeding, but I know that I felt better after my PCP did her exam and didn't find anything that looked amiss. It may be worth it for your piece of mind to schedule a doctor visit.

I'm glad to hear that the rise in CA125 was due to just the steroids and that all is well on that front, especially since it has been a reliable indicator for you.

Hmmm. Last Tuesday this happened to me.  I am 59 years old.   i do get stomach pains which I have been keeping track of and I had them last weekend (and today).    Then Tuesday (15th) I was not myself at work. Had a slight headache and lower back ache.   When I went home I went to the bathroom and was surprised to see what appeared to be a light period (I wear bladder pads).  When I wiped it was red and pink.  Then after awhile pink and that's it.   I called my doctors on Wednesday and then called gyne/onc who I have an appointment with on Thursday (24th)

I did have a recurrence at the vaginal cuff and along the rectum.  I had that surgery in 2018 with a positive lymph node.   Because it was all removed I had no treatment   I have scans scheduled with my surgical doctor (who I follow up with) on December 5th     I'll let you know what goes on Thursday

Good news.   Nothing out of ordinary.    The doctor only said if I should have another episode to call and then they would move my scans up.   Otherwise good to go!

Thanks for the prayers!

Glad to hear that all is well on the bleeding front, Kaleena.

We wait with you.  You are in my prayers.

You really have a lot going on!  I am praying your thigh lump is just a lipoma.

I can only imagine what you and your beloved have been and are going through. Ugghhh!

My husband’s brother was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  We won’t know much until after he meets with oncologist on Friday. Anyway, praying that you receive good news with your upcoming scan. Also praying for your husband and his biopsy report. It’s unbelievable how much cancer there is in some families and our world. 

Lori

Kaleena

I'm sorry that you and your husband are experiencing such worries right now. And it's always difficult when these things crop up around a holiday since it can take longer to schedule tests or get results.

I hope you get some good news soon and can enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving.

Kathy and snyderpm, you are both in my thoughts.  Please let us know how things go.  You are always encouraged to tell us what is going on with no judgement.  It is a safe place.