Symptoms of ovarian cancer - Cancer: Cervical & Ovarian Message Board

4isenuf · 11-16-2000, 08:51 PM

Hello. This is my first time on this board. I am 33 and have four kids. I have been having "digestive problems" for about a year and a half. My main symptoms are constipation. When I lay down I feel this lump rise up on my right. I can almost massage it down. Sometimes it is tender to the touch. I am sometimes very bloated and gassy. No indigestion or nausea. My periods, which were always like clock work, now are between 24 and 32 days. They only last about three days, and are only somewhat heavy on the first day. During an exam my doc actually felt this lump, and ordered a vaginal ultrasound. Everything was fine. This "silent killer" really scares me. Does anyone think I have reason to be concerned? I also had a very intense rectal exam where my (female) gyn said my ovaries were "adorable". Still, are these tests enough? We are still testing to determine the "digestive problems". I have been diagnosed with IBS. They say this is often misdiagnosed. Please, if anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it. Good health to all, Janet

NIE · 11-20-2000, 07:03 AM

Janet,
I have been posting here for a while now. My mother has ovarian cancer. She had been fighting it for three years and is now in remission. However, she still continues chemotherapy because the doctors suspect there are some residual cancer cells left that will turn into tumors if not stopped.

As for you, have you had a CA-125 blood test? The normal range is 35 and below. If the CA-125 is elevated it indicates there may be ovarian cancer which usually requires more extensive testing. You should ask your doctor if you are that concerned. I have one done after mom's diagnosis and it was normal. Also, if you have other risk factors such as family history or taking fertility drugs you should. With my mom's cancer and the fact that I was on fertility drugs increases my risk. However, since I have carried a child to full term the doctors say that counteracts any negative effects the fertility drugs may have had and usually family history is defined a two or more people in the immediate family. So I don't really know if my risk is greater or not but I do not take chances. I have vaginal ultrasounds and CA-125 tests done every year.

Constipation is also a problem for me but that is due to indometriosis (Spelling?). My doctor explained that your bowels move all over the place and if they get caught up in scar tissue you will get constipation until the bowel works its way out. As for the lump, I am not sure what that is but keep on the doctor until you find out. Don't take any chances.

Take Care,
Natalie

Tonia · 01-26-2001, 10:44 AM

Hi, I just thought I'd let you know these are all symptoms of hypothyroidism.Try researching hypothyroidism, here's a great
place to start. [url="http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa090500a.htm"]http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa090500a.htm[/url]

Good luck!!

potato59 · 04-02-2001, 03:04 PM

4isenuf
You could have a hernia in your intestines somewhere. I have the same kind of lump where i can move it down, and sometimes it goes down. I have all the same symptoms as you. I was checked also like you with many tests for female organs and intestines, and they found it to be a hernia in my lower intestine....lots of fiber now..and water..please take care...

lvbnscorp · 04-26-2001, 07:49 AM

Hi Janet. I was reading your post and the most important thing that came to my mind was for you to find another doctor. You know your own body better than anyone, and if your doctor is at the point where he is either unwilling or unable to "find" this problem, than you need to seek the help of another. You are not "fine", otherwise I would not be reading a post from you. I truly wish you well and advise you to look for a better doctor, as there are a few out there, that actually want to help.