Ovarian Cancer

April 1999: UPDATE!!!!!
We just got some great news!
My mom had a repeat CA125 blood test, and her level went from 850,
all the way down to 226!
This means the chemo is working! She is very lucky because
she is having very minimal side effects.
She gets tired, but that's it. She doesn't get sick at all.
Her hair has gotten very sparse, which she finds disheartening,
but we found some turbans that she is happy with and comfortable in.

June 1999: Update!!!!!
More good news! The CA 125 test dropped to 75. My mom is heading right into remission!
3 more cycles of chemo and we are done!

What Are The Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer?

The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, especially in its early stages, are easily overlooked or dismisssed because they can be entirely absent or similar to those produced by other, less serious, conditions.

They include:

Discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Painless swelling or bloating in the lower abdomen.
A feeling of fullness (even after a light meal).
Loss of appetite.
Gas and indigestion that can't otherwise be explained.
Nausea.
Weight loss.
Frequent urination.
Constipation.
Pain during sexual intercourse.

In most cases, irregular vaginal bleeding is not a sign of ovarian cancer, though this condition may signal other health problems and should be evaluated by a physician.

Even if you have had a hysterectomy, be sure to get your regular checkups.
You can still have small amounts of ovarian tissue in your abdomen that can become cancerous.

How Can Ovarian Cancer Be Detected?

The possibility of ovarian cancer and other abnormal conditions within the pelvic region can be investigated during a cancer-related pelvic examination performed by a family physician or a gynecologist. Women should undergo such an exam annually. Though it is impossible to visually inspect the ovaries during the exam, the physician can feel them by inserting two gloved fingers inside the vagina and simultaneously palpating through the abdomen with the other hand. In this way the physician may be able to detect ovarian growths or other abnormalities that may be present. The uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum are also examined.

Some Factors That May Increase Risk

A family history of ovarian cancer.
Over age 40 (highest risk is over age 60).
A history of infertility (inability to become pregnant).
Never having had children.
Obesity.
History of breast cancer.
History of endometrial cancer.
History of colorectal cancer.
Caucasian women, living in North America or Europe.

So much for the fact, now for some feelings.

Needless to say, this has been very difficult for me and my family.
The worst thing is the emotional roller coaster we have been on. At first, I thought (ha ha) that when the doctors explained the treatment plan, that everything would go according to schedule. What has actually happened is that we never know from one day to the next what to expect.

One day she will be feeling perfectly fine, then the next we will be
in the emergency room for hours because she has an infection.
One time we went to the chemo clinic all set to start a treatment cycle, but her blood count was too low, and she was very disappointed and frightened
that her treatment was being set back.
Right now, we are trying to learn to just take each day as it comes.
I wish I could learn not to worry so much!

This has also been a big change for my kids. Usually, I work three afternoons each week, and the rest of the time have been home. Now, I'm spending a lot more time with my mom. She lives about an hour's drive from us, so I often have to go out and spend the night to take her to her doctor appointments and help her run errands, etc. They are getting adjusted and understand that her health has to be our first priority, but it is hard for me to see it be hard for them.

Here are some great places to get more information:

The American Cancer Society
The Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry
NOAH The New York Online Access to Health

Here are some books you will find helpful.

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