Ovarian cancer? Bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue.
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Anonymous
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Title says it all. 48-year old Ashkenazi Jewish woman.
I've been in pain for 7 days that has gotten worse. Went to doctor who said it's not appendicitis but that it could be basically anything from kidney infection, kidney stones, etc, etc. Abdominal ultrasound showed zero masses. They couldn't see anything with a transvaginal u/s because bowel was blocking it. The only blood test that was ordered was a white blood count to justify a CT with insurance if elevated. If not, doctor says to wait until it gets worse or better. But my understanding is that it won't show ovarian cancer. My OB/gyn is traveling for two weeks but I have an appointment immediately when she returns on Sept 12. I'm not even sure what to ask for. I'd love some advice on what I can do meanwhile and what to ask my ob/gyn at my appointment. My head is going to ovarian cancer because my mom was diagnosed with it in her 40s and apparently that's a concern (although no one else in my family ever had it or any other cancers so they aren't sure). Anyway, now I'm not sleeping (partially the pain and partially worry) so any advice matters as I wait for my next doctor appointment. |
Anonymous
| You're 48 - could these be menopause symptoms? |
Anonymous
| Could it be gallstones? Or ovarian cyst? Hope you get an answer soon, op. Is there another gyn you could see sooner? |
Anonymous
Pre-menopause? I still have a regular period but I have started hair loss and other pre-menopause symptoms. But this was kind of sudden. |
Anonymous
Definitely not an ovarian cyst because they could see the ovary good enough in the an ultrasound to see that there was no cysts. They said there was no mass at all. |
Anonymous
| Gallstones make sense. I have high cholesterol for years but just below where they recommend pills. What do I do to feel better if that's it? Online is says drink lots of water so I'll start with that. |
Anonymous
PP here: At 48 you've likely been peri-menopausal for 8 years already, while still also having regular periods. Hair loss to me signifies hormonal changes which lines up with getting closer to menopause. It can also be two things at once- gallstones as others have suggested + menopause. In terms of testing - blood work is the key, especially because you've already had scans. here's a great guide from the Mayo Clinic to bring with you on Sept 12th when asking for blood work https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-diagnosis/art-20046459#:~:text=A%20complete%20blood%20count%20(CBC,looks%20at%20the%20blood%20proteins. |
Anonymous
| Where exactly is your pain and how would you describe it? Any changes with your bowel movements? Did they get a urine sample from you? Any discomfort when you urinate or feel the urge to urinate frequently? |
Anonymous
| If there were no masses wouldn’t that rule out ovarian cancer? I’d think that if they could rule out an ovarian cyst they could rule out ovarian cancer. Kidney pain usually presents more in the flanks, not the abdomen. Could it be ulcers? |
Anonymous
Doesn’t that rule out ovarian cancer? |
Anonymous
| Are you eliminating? Normally? |
Anonymous
Nope. But that started after the pain. First pain, then constipation, then nausea. I am still voting for gallstones. |
Anonymous
I don't know. |
Anonymous
| peppermint tea. lay on your front on a firm mattress /sofa. try not to stress( makes it worse). |
Anonymous
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Did they check your CA-125 levels? It's an imperfect test, but can indicate an issue. Family history matters, especially if they were on the younger side when diagnosed. Does your gyn have a colleague who could see you earlier?
On the bright side, ovarian cancer is not common. But your concerns are understandable and your symptoms should be investigated. Big hugs. I absolutely understand your fears. I have a family history as well and ended up getting my ovaries out at age 50. |