Blood test for ovarian cancer again.....

[Nancy60]

Just came on here because I know you won't dismiss my worrying.  I know this isn't sjogren's related but this board has the best listeners and advice givers in the world!

I saw my Gyn for my annual and she said she wanted to run the ovarian cancer blood test again just to follow up last year's abnormal cyst scare.  I know this is pretty routine with someone who has had abnormal cysts and is over 50, but I got this knot in my stomach again now. 

I told her I've not had any problems since last year except 3 or 4 times I have had a quick little twinge where my ovaries are that only lasted a moment or 2 and then was gone.  (this isn't anything unusual for me, I have had these twinges all of my life).  It was after that she told me she was doing the blood test to follow up, she also told me she wanted to know about any pelvic pressure, pain, spotting/bleeding etc...  Kind of scared me how serious she got, but I think she is just being cautious. 

If I told my sister about this she would just dismiss it as my overly worrying.  I won't tell my elderly mom about it because I know she will worry.  (I sound like my sister now!  Ha)

Thanks for letting me get on here and worry, sometimes you just need to say it to get it out and then things settle down a little.

Nancy

[Bucky]

((Nancy)),

You've been on these boards for over 6 years - we've seen a lot of people come and go on the forum in that time span.  One thing that never changes however, is the fact we are a caring, understanding community of strangers (who often become cyber friends) who support each other no matter what happens in our life - Sjogren's related or not.

It's natural for you to be concerned at your doctors concern.  Like you mentioned, perhaps she is just being thorough and testing to be sure things are OK with you.  That's a good doctor to have.  Especially, as we get older - sigh.

Every year after my pap test & mammogram, I am a little anxious until I get the word all is OK.

It's OK to be concerned, but I wouldn't dwell on it.  (I know, easier said than done.) 

Find something fun to do this weekend to take your mind off it.  I'm thinking anything with dessert in the equation is a good thing!!   

And above all else . . . . breathe! 

Bucky

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Nancy!

Nope...no one is going to dismiss your worrying here. This is a very serious issue and I hope you get this testing done and over asap to relieve your mind. Also glad to hear that your doc is being proactive with your care especially because of your history. Good doctor to have in my opinion.

Please keep us posted....and I wish you nothing but good thoughts and lots of hugs in the upcoming days...and try to keep your mind and body busy over the weekend and enjoy yourself (and yes I also agree...easier said than done).

[Carebear]

Hi Nancy,

Of course you are anxious, dear friend.  I know that I won't want to hear that information from my doctor either.  So I'm glad that you trust us enough to share your concern, and I hope that it has at least made you feel somewhat better.

As Bucky said, it sounds like your doctor is on top of things and is just being proactive.   And I'd much rather that than being dismissed.  She sounds like a real gem.

Please let us know the outcome (a good one I expect  )  of your blood test.  And in the meantime, try to remain positive. 

[irish]

Nancy, Is there any reason why you can't have your ovaries removed??? I would think with all the scares you have had that it would be a good preventive medical decision. The insurance company would like it cause it would be cheaper than you getting ovarian cancer and having to go through treatment for months/years.

If it was me I would just do it. I had a totaly hysterectomy and both ovaries removed 22 years ago and I never missed them or wished I hadn't done it. Good luck. Irish

[Nancy60]

Irish,
I had thought of that too, I am already planning on having that talk with my doctor.  Waiting on the test results though first.  I hate the thouhgt of a surgery, but the alternative is worse at this point. 
Nancy

[irish]

Nancy, Ovarian cancer is nothing to mess with. Having a hysterectomy,etc. was not the end of the world for me. It caused some pain, but nothing like having a septoplasty or deviated septum fixed.Good luck with the doc. If he is bucky I would get a second opinion. Irish

[Bucky]

If he is bucky I would get a second opinion.

Not to be confused with this Bucky, who is NOT a doctor.   

Bucky

[Nancy60]

Lol,

Bucky....I don't think of you as being "bucky" at all!

Will see what the doc has to say, she has always been very open, understanding and concerned with what is best for me.  She's one of the few doctors that understood about sjogren's issues related to her speciality, I didn't have to educate her.  If she says no to removing my ovaries, I probably will get another opinion.

Nancy

[Cheryl]

Nancy,
I'm glad you have a doctor who is looking out for you, but I'm sorry you have this scare.   Waiting for test results is hard.  (Have you ever noticed that it is often over a weekend?) 

Now that you have shared your concerns, you don't have to worry alone.  Please let us know when you learn that everything is OK!
Hugs and prayers,
Cheryl

[Nancy60]

Cheryl,

I was just thinking about the "over the weekend" wait.  I should learn to make Dr. appts on Monday's instead of Fridays so I hopefully wouldn't have to wait as long!  I will definitely be thinking about that next time I make an appointment!

Nancy

[Nancy60]

Just wanted to update, they just called and the test was normal/negative.   So relieved.   Still need to make an appt to talk to her about just removing my ovaries or total hysterectomy, but I am going to just enjoy my weekend now!  I didn't get to talk to her, just her assistant, so didn't get to ask about that.  Thanks everyone again for your support and concern!

Nancy

[slccom]

Back in the day, I used to feel it when I would ovulate. None of my doctors believed me... Jerks. Sharon

[irish]

Glad to hear the test was negative. We women know our own bodies.!! Good luck. irish

[aussie mum]

So glad to hear the tests were negative. I think it's great that you have a Dr who is so thorough.
Now you can relax