I need some reassurance please. I'm trying not to panic!

[pigsinmud]

I had blood tests the other week. I hadn't been to GP since 2007 and went with breathlessness, fatigue, aching joints, feeling generally not right. So he did blood tests for loads of things. Saw him earlier this week - anaemic (not surprised at that) as haemoglobin was 10.5 (was 11.5 in 2007) and then he said my AC 125 was elevated. He said he'd refer me for an urgent tv scan. He did say that my levels could be higher anyway - nothing to compare it to. On the chest x ray form he wrote - AC125 115, so I assume 115 is my level.

I have no other symptoms of ovarian cancer. No family history. I'm 42, periods normal. I've had the chest x-ray, just waiting for results and scan appointment.

I googled and discovered the AC125 test is unreliable and other things can cause it to be raised, but I can't stop a bit of panic rising up now and then. My panic is mainly due to I keep wondering if it's spread to my lungs and that's why I'm breathless - I know that's a huge leap, but once the house is empty, and the dc gone to school, I start to panic! I had my period when the nurse did the blood test and I read that menstruation could cause the levels to be higher. Please stop me panicking.

Transvaginal scans take very little time and give good pictures of your ovaries and uterus. I had one aftef some unexplained bleeding that left me panicing. Turned out to be a polyp.

I would try not to worry. Blood test results can be wonky for all knds of reasons 99% of which are not sinister. My mum had breastcancer, terrible anaemia, a chest x ray which showed up something and we were sent for a CT scan. Normal results, blood righted itself and she had very straightforward treatment for cancer- lump removed- and no other treatment. It never reoccurred.

So even in a case where it seemed highly likely, there was nothing to worry about.

And, meant to say, got results of transvaginal scan there and then.

Chest x ray clear. Had scan this morning done by a lovely woman. She showed me round my ovaries - absolutely clear. She said she couldn't see anything out of place at all. She printed off a report which I take to the gynae oncology clinic next week - I really do feel a fraud about that now. So, I'm assuming the appointment next week will be quite quick - my mil is staying and I don't want her to know as she loves illness in other people and glories in saying how healthy she is.

The scan was more comfortable than a smear test.

she loves illness in other people and glories in saying how healthy she is

Sounds like my sister!

Fantastic. Really pleased for you.