Ovarian Cancer Support Group

So sorry you are feeling this way and really hope that the scan does nothing more than reassure you that you are still in remission. What symptoms are you having? I had a recurrence after seven years.. I didn't have any symptoms other than that I wasn't coping under stress as well as I usually did.. and this prompted me to have CA125.. Has your CA125 been rising?

I don't think any of us are ever ready to go through this and in some ways facing a recurrence can be harder as you already know how awful the treatment is and it also means that you are not cured.. But, we do cope and we do manage.. and take it one day at a time as we did the first time around.. For me it helped loads to have found this site and had the support of our friends here.. because of this I coped better than the first time around where I was very alone and knew so little..

One day at a time means.. that you don't yet know if this is a recurrence.. It's good you don't have to wait long for the scan.. the CA125 should give you some idea though.. Just really hope at this stage that all turns out to be clear for you.. either way I'm here for you.. Love and a huge hug.. Inka xxxxxx

My CA-125 has actually not been an accurate marker for me. It was under 35 when I was diagnosed. They still measure it and when I went last month it was still down around 4, so maybe that at least is a good indication. I would think that even if it was low it might still jump up to somewhere in the teens or something if I was having problems. I guess all I can do is wait and wonder right now.

My symptoms otherwise are a lot of pain and pressure in my abdominal cavity and not a lot seems to cut it. It's making it hard to sleep. Also some lower back pain - particularly more in my hips than middle back, but still not comfortable. Some moderate changes in bowel movements as well.

Thanks for your words, Halli. I'll definitely keep you posted on my results.

If the CA125 is still at a 4, then that is good news.. The fact that it was 35 when you were diagnosed and then went down to a 4 shows that is does register in your case.. It could easily be something else.. a tummy bug or something like that.. Lets hope so. I know we all get worried about any symptoms after what we have been through and anticipating a recurrence. I know I do.. I have to laugh at my friends going on about all their ailments, especially when I know I used to do the same.. It's hard to remember that these things turn out to be ordinary problems

I think that when one is hit with recurrence, it's almost like the stages of grief with a loss. Myself, I first found myself extremely fearful and this is not healthy mentally or physically.
Next, I was pretty angry..."haven't I gone through enough!?" "Thought I had it beat!" etc..
Then, here I am...looking at a rising CA125 (which differs soooo much with each individual!) and no real symptoms.
What I feel personally, however, is that each day of life is such a gift that I won't ruin it by being scared or angry.
That doesn't mean that those feelings don't creep up on me at times! I battle for my cheerfulness.
Maybe the fact that I have lived with seasonal affective disorder while living in the gloomy pacific northwestern winters gave me an advantage. I've had to be my own "cheerleader" many a day.
Whatever...you will feel better, in the long run, having a scan and seeing what's up.
The unknown can lead our imaginations to dark and terrible places. I will think good thoughts for you.
hugs lindamae

I have two and a half years of remission and every time some new symptom comes along I first react with a feeling of dread. The truth is that every problem (including bowel troubles) has shown itself to be "normal" health issues. I have added a few specialists to my list of professionals since my OVCA diagnosis--including a gastro-intestinal MD. A CT scan revealed I have divertculosis...very treatable. I know how hard it is to not think recurrence--I still do it, but I'm learning that it just isn't healthy to do that to myself. Good luck on Friday. I'll be watching for a post re: results of scan.

So much hoping that these are not symptoms of a recurrence for you. Like Inka said take it one day at a time and with your blood values being good than chances are you are okay.....I hate the fear that comes along with this disease. Praying the scan puts them all to rest for you....Giant hugs....Beth

Thanks everybody for your encouragement. I have a CT scheduled for tomorrow morning but probably won't get any results until Monday.

I had a thought on Tuesday that I realized I haven't been taking my anti-depressants lately (Paxil) and looked up the withdrawal symptoms for that and low and behold stomach cramps is one of them. I immediately started taking them again Tues night, yesterday morning and today and have noticed a mild improvement, but was still very uncomfortable sleeping last night. Guess we'll wait and see.

To my mind the withdrawal symptoms from the Paxil are spot on for what you ave been experiencing.. Love had hugs go with you tomorrow.. xxx

well, the nurse called me around 1:00 to tell me there are two VERY SMALL lymph nodes showing my CT that may be cause for concern so they have me scheduled for a PET scan NEXT Friday the 16th at 10:00 am to see if they are active cancer cells. Never had the PET scan before, so this will be new! I suppose we will wait and see what course of action they decide to take from there, depending on those results.

Thanks again for your comments and encouragement!

I don't imagine that two small lymph nodes would have caused the symptoms you have described, where as the withdrawal effects from the medication you were taking, mirrored the symptoms very well. I will be wishing lots that the lymph nodes turn out to be other than a recurrence.. If they do show some disease then how wonderful that you would have found it at such an early stage. I will be holding my breath here waiting for further news.. Love and hugs go with you.. Inka xxx