desperate for advise - Cancer: Breast Message Board

debbiepruett1 · 04-12-2004, 12:28 AM

To start I have not been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. I am 33 mother of 3. I have suffered the last 8 months from pelvic pain that I think is ovarian pain on both sides. Other symptoms are night sweats, some hair loss, constipation, & pain during sex. My ultrasound showed several cysts on both ovaries. I have a strong family history of cancer. Younger brother died at 26 with Liver Cancer, my grandmother had both Ovarian & Breast cancer and she also had 11 siblings that died of different cancers. 4 of her siblings had ovarian & breast cancer. My doctor won't do a CA125 test because I am a Polycystic Kidney Disease Patient and he said the Kidney disease would give a false positive on a CA125. I am on no medication because my Kidney disease has not progressed. I have asked Doctor to remove my Ovaries because my husband has had a vasectomy and I am hoping for something to make this constant pelvic pain go away. The Doctor does not feel that removing my ovaries is the answer because I could still have pain after the surgery. So we are at a stand still. How long do I continue to have pain before I start to worry? I am afraid that because I have a Kidney Disease that I have no chances of trying to detect Ovarian Cancer at an early stage. Does anyone know of a good reason not to remove the ovaries if I do not plan on having anymore children? I am so confused at what my next step would be or do i just let this go and continue living with these symptoms. I apologize for barging in on you guys like this, I just didn't know where else to turn.
Thanks
DP

sue24 · 04-12-2004, 11:25 AM

I know from my own experience with ovarian cysts that they can cause a lot of pain and worry. Although most of these cysts are benign, the only way to know for sure in most cases is through surgery. Did your doctor have any idea what the cysts might be (polycystic?), or did he say if they were fluid or solid? Due to the fact that they are causing you pain you might want to consult with another doctor, but ultimately it is your choice as to whether or not you want to remove your ovaries. I know that most doctors would advise against removal unless it was absolutely necessary because of the effects of early menopause.