Early signs of ovarian cancer?

[Earlysignsofcancer]

I've name changed for this thread.

I have had constant abdominal bloating and discomfort for the past 3 weeks. I have a history of urinary frequency/stress incontinence and constipation, so whilst I've been having to get up for the loo in the night that's nothing new.

Has anyone been/or know of anyone diagnosed early with only these symptoms or been diagnosed later but on reflection it started with such vague symptoms?

I'm massively anxious that the bloating and pelvic discomfort is ovarian cancer. I'm 50. I have a GP appointment next week so trying not to panic.

[TwitterQueen1]

Hello Early
My symptoms were very vague. What drove me to the doctor was abdominal bloating to the extent that I couldn't tie up my shoelaces easily - I put on a stone in about a month. It was fluid but I didn't know that at the time.

Another symptom was feeling full very quickly. I was eating very little and didn't fancy food at all, and couldn't understand why I was putting on weight.

I will say try not to panic. Easier said than done, I know. Ask the doctor for an ultrasound. This will immediately reveal whether there is a problem or not. Also ensure the doc arranges for blood tests including the CA125 marker. If your CA125 is high it DOESN'T mean you have cancer, just that your body is fighting something and they will give you further tests.

Try not to Google. There's a whole heap of nightmare stuff out there that is not up-to-date.

Good luck and keep us informed.

[Earlysignsofcancer]

Thank you Twitter

I've followed your two threads and am rooting for you. Lost one of my best friends last year to a different cancer, diagnosed at a very advanced stage and it shocked me how well she appeared literally up to diagnosis. She had had some vague symptoms in the few months prior to diagnosis but no alarm bells rang due to her young age and lack of any risk factors. So now I'm hyper vigilant of any symptoms that may possibly be cancer as I'm older and don't have such a healthy lifestyle so feel I'm more likely to get it. Also trying hard to make necessary lifestyle changes to get healthier.

I've had an ovarian cyst before and so tried to get an appointment with the GP who does pelvic ultrasound at the surgery - but she no longer works there so I'll track my symptoms over the next week until my GP appointment. My belly just feels full and bloated and I have a weird heavy sensation in my pelvis. Appetite OK so I'll take that as a positive sign for now. Thanks for your reassurance x

[TwitterQueen1]

I didn't want to mention my threads in case I scared you Early! You are doing the right things so hopefully that will reassure you.

FWIW I think I had it for about 3-4 years before going to the doc. I can think back to various things, especially one time when my abdomen was doing such weird things I thought I was pregnant - except I'm too old...

And again, fwiw, the only pain I've had (operations aside) was in my back and I know now that that was the fluid around my lung.

DM me if you want to ask anything. I will keep everything firmly crossed for you.

[Earlysignsofcancer]

Thanks Twitter I'll let you know how it goes next week

[TwitterQueen1]

hello Early
Any news yet? Thinking of you.

[Earlysignsofcancer]

Thanks for remembering Twitter

My GP was lovely & sent me for urgent scans & bloods including Ca125, which I had end of last week. The radiologist said there was no fluid (I took that as a positive sign) but didn't elaborate more than that so waiting for report to go back to GP and blood results which should be back mid week.

Since I saw the GP I had a lot of wind and loose bowels and since then my bloating has gone and I feel much better. So now wondering if I've actually had an low level infection building up in my bowels that's now cleared its way out?! All very odd.

[Earlysignsofcancer]

Update:

Not had results yet but been asked to make a non-urgent appointment with one of the female GPs who specialises in gynae matters in the new year so I'm assuming that's a good result.

[TwitterQueen1]

The lack of 'results', the time it's taking, making a non-urgent appointment.... all positive signs OP.

I had the first bloods done on a Friday and the GP rang me early Monday morning. And I was sent straight to A&E from my ultrasound...

Wishing you well and fingers crossed for a positive outcome.