My symptoms the first time were a distended stomach and an irregular period.. As I's had a hysterectomy, this time there was no swollen stomach and no periods. It had spread to my lymph glands with no physical symptoms.. However something prompted me to have a CA125 test when one wasn't scheduled.. I was going through a lot of stress and finding it difficult to cope.. in a way this reminded me of how I felt the first time around..

I think the follow up tests we have are the surest way to alert us of a recurrence. My one concern with these is that they don't stop after five years, which is what happens in the uk.. My recurrence occurred after 6 1/2 years..

I agree with Halli, the check-ups with the ca125 were what helped me be alerted to reccurence. I also had felt stressed out. I would encourage everyone to keep up with the check-ups and try to live as "stress free" as possible.
hugs, lindamae

I had only been in remission for 2 months and my abdomen started to swell. I just somehow knew that it was back. I convinced my Dr to get a CT scan and they found a tumor the size of a softball where my left ovary had been. I was also stressed about things that were going on in my life. I guess we all just know.
Kathy

Kathy's response reminds me of the fact that we must be advocates for our own health, especially on the issue of OC and the idea that many have that there are no symptoms. I know I've said it before, but I went to the Dr. and said, "something is wrong with me!" and got a lecture on "getting old"! Three months later, I was back, and thank goodness they did tests at this point. I am thinking it's much the same with recurrence. Most of us "KNOW" our bodies pretty well. (unless we are in denial based on fear) Demand the attention you deserve!!
hugs, lindamae

Other than feeling really tired(which has been a symptom for me every time) What brought it to my attention was my Ca125 being elevated. I had been at 4.5-5 for 21/2 years, and suddenly I was at 148(it had been six months since I had been tested.) So the Ca test is really the only way to keep on top of it. Linda

This is a really great question. I was telling my sister about this thread last night and I was musing that it really forces us to change and be ever vigilant & our own health advocate when we just do not "feel right" and most important as you all said to be really mindful of stress. (I found that was my issue of "missing symptoms"

The symptoms are hard to detect, but if we are all running in a thousand directions, it is so easy to miss or explain away. :(

Thank you everyone. This has been very helpful I am sure not just to me but everyone. I see my gyn/onc on the 16th. I pray all goes well. It is scary.

Anita,
We will all be thinking of you when you are off to your oncologist.
I'm not sure what your Dr. does, but mine insisted on every 4 months (with CA125)first year, every 3 months (with test) 2nd year, then 2X yearly. My CA125 was elevated at 3 year one. I think what's most important is continuous follow-up...look at Halli, she went more than 6 years and it still returned.

I am thinking positively for you. hugs, lindamae

Mine is every 3 months with CA 125 and CT scan for the first year, then every 4 the second and I am not sure after that.

I have been thinking a lot about this query Anita raised ...and reading what everybody is saying and thinking .......
As for check ups there is CA125 , but it is not unknown for the tumour to return without a rise in CA level ( and viceversa CA level rising when there is no evidence of disease )
There is the CT scan and combined with PET scan the detection rate is pretty good but there is still months before next checkup is due and this beast often does spread quickly .
This brings me back to Anita's question how can WE tell on a day to day basis ??
If OC recurrs , the common sites are a) the old site b) liver c) lymph glands
Both liver and ovary being near intestine the chances are a change in bowel-habit and/or appetite will happen . If the lymph glands get it , a sense of being unwell and /or coughs colds and all sorts of niggling infections in throat ears will probably happen . I really do not know and just thinking aloud here .........
I wish the oncologists can give us some check-list

It is funny you should mention about infections. Julierrae had been getting ear infections before her reoccurance. Never would have thought that was a sign.

My husband has been thinking that the ear infections are somehow connected too. We are going to mention that on Monday to Dr Krivak, my oncologist. Like Linda47 said, I too have been really tired right before my reoccurance.

Yes Julie, I think your husband may be right. I did think it unusual that an adult would have such ear infections.

I remember Halli having complaints of cold like symptoms...and that they seemed to be dragging on.

I guess the biggest problem I see, is we could be adding an awful lot of stress to our lives worrying about every little symptom or ailment.
The craziest thing for me...ever since cancer, I have never had any other illness and seem to be in the peak of health! My skin is great, my nails great (they were chipping off like mad before my first diagnosis and the Dr. poo-pooed that I found this unusual)

I am fatigued, my eyesight has diminished, otherwise, at this point I would surely notice any small change in my health. Wacky, isn't it?

lindamae

I had cold/flu like symtoms while going thru chemo and I think that is what Inka felt too. I wish doctors would listen more to our complaints. I have had two gyn/onc since this started for me. Bothe women. I truly believe they listen more to you and don't poo poo your complainsts as much.