[gr8nurs1271]

This is copied and pasted from the above folder. I posted it in the wrong one! Thanks.

I have been reading anything I can get my hands on about ovarian cysts and cancer. My GYN didn't seem too concerned about my symptoms (pain in my lower right abdomen that caused me to double over), extended menses.

I had a CT scan in the emergency room because the pain was so bad. The report said that there were some cysts on my ovary (which the ER doc said is normal when you are on your menses, which I was at the time). My family doc said that the CT showed some thickening of the colon wall and I should follow up with a GI doc, which I did today. HE said since I don't have any other GI related symptoms, it's most likely gynecological, even though my gyn didn't seem concerned about my symptoms and trip to the ER.

Oh, and ever since the initial episode of pain, everytime I get my AF I have the same pain, in the same area.

SO my questions are: What symptoms are related to ovarian cancer? How do they differ from the symptoms associated with ovarian cysts? Is back pain involved in either?

I have scheduled an ultrasound, but since scheduling it I am really nervous! We don't have any gyn cancers in my family and I am getting really scared about it!

Thanks.

[gr8nurs1271]

This is copied and pasted from the above folder. I posted it in the wrong one! Thanks.

I have been reading anything I can get my hands on about ovarian cysts and cancer. My GYN didn't seem too concerned about my symptoms (pain in my lower right abdomen that caused me to double over), extended menses.

I had a CT scan in the emergency room because the pain was so bad. The report said that there were some cysts on my ovary (which the ER doc said is normal when you are on your menses, which I was at the time). My family doc said that the CT showed some thickening of the colon wall and I should follow up with a GI doc, which I did today. HE said since I don't have any other GI related symptoms, it's most likely gynecological, even though my gyn didn't seem concerned about my symptoms and trip to the ER.

Oh, and ever since the initial episode of pain, everytime I get my AF I have the same pain, in the same area.

SO my questions are: What symptoms are related to ovarian cancer? How do they differ from the symptoms associated with ovarian cysts? Is back pain involved in either?

I have scheduled an ultrasound, but since scheduling it I am really nervous! We don't have any gyn cancers in my family and I am getting really scared about it!

Thanks.

[gr8nurs1271]

Thank you to everyone who responded to my post! I appreciate your input!

Colleen

[cl-lisacap21]

Hi again. I answered your post in the folder above in regards to the ovarian cysts, and hopefully you'll be hearing from some of our OVCA gals soon, but in the meantime I thought these links on ovarian cancer, signs, symptoms, etc. might be helpful: http://health.ivillage.com/gynecologiccancer/oc/topics/0,,4tvd,00.html?ice=ivl,searcht

Best of luck. Update us when you can.

Lisa ~ Health & Well-Being Community Leader

Community Leader for: Well-Being Ages 30-42, Stress & Women, Cervical & Gynecological Cancers, & Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

My websites: Lisa's Potpourri & Women's Gynecological Cancers Awareness

[imsurvivinoc]

I read your message about your recent pain and you are scheduled for a ultrasound, & your concerns about ovarian cancer....I had similar symptoms, but I also had urinary frequency, gas, bloating and sometimes diarrhea.
You need your doctor to refer you to a specialist, (YOU MUST be persistant and INSIST on nothing less! Dont leave your next doctor visit until they give you the referral to a specialist, a CA-125 test and the transvaginal ultrasound!) an OB/GYN who specializes in Gynecologic cancers...a regular OB/GYN also can refer you to one and in the meantime maybe you should be specific and ask for a blood test called a CA-125 and ask to have a VAGINAL ULTRASOUND, not just a regular tummy ultrasound....they can see more w/the vaginal ultrasound should you have any ovarian or peritoneal cancer going on.
The earlier ovarian cancer is detected the greater your survival rate...believe me, I was diagnosed so late, I was not paying attention to all the early, vague signs...I thought I was "lactose intolerant"!! I just turned 41 this past july and I finished my last chemo treatment on Aug. 23, 2006...this cancer was the toughest thing I ever dealt with my whole life & if I could help just one woman in this world detect their cancer earyly and save their life, then I would be happy to know that the knowledge I passed on did help someone. Please promise me you will let me know how you are doing!! I actually go see my GYN/ONC tomorrow afternoon...she will let me know whether I can or cant go back to work...if I need more chemo or not so I can prolong my remission or cancer free life...I will be praying for you, and like I said let me when your appointment is for your ultrasound and how it all went. the following is some info. for you to read:

THE NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER COALITION WANTS YOU TO KNOW--THE SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER INCLUDE:
*Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
*Vague, but persistant gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, & inde-
gestion, constipation or diarrhea.
*Frequency and/or urgency of urination in absence of an infection.
*Unexplained weight loss or gain.
*Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling full early, pressure.
*Ongoing unusual fatigue.
*Abnormal bleeding.
*Shortness of breath
While the symptoms of ovarian cancer (particularly in the early stages)are often not acute or intense, they are not always silent; they whisper, so listen.

1-888-OVARIAN "OVARIAN CANCER..IT WHISPERS....SO LISTEN! ovarian.org

consult a healthcare professional if any symptoms persist and are unusual for you!
Experts recommend a Pelvic/rectal exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, and a CA-125 test.
Pap tests rarely detect ovarian cancer.
ovariancancer.org