Ovarian Cancer Whispers  - so  listen carefully . .

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 09:27

Watch for Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort; 

·       vague but  persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion 

·       frequency and/or urgency of urination in the absence of an infection; 

·       unexplained weight gain or weight loss 

·       pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness; 

·       ongoing unusual fatigue; 

·       unexplained changes in bowel habits. 



If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, ask your doctor for a combination pelvic/rectal exam,  CA-125 blood test, and trans-vag inal ultrasound. 



A pap test WILL NOT detect ovarian cancer.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 10:02

Unfortunately Tenakoutou sometimes there are NO symptoms.



CA125 blood test cost is approx 60tl so surely not going to break the bank once a year and again if detected early enough most cancers are curable.



Chris

p.s. Never heard of a rectal examination to detect this!

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 10:12

Your timely input is much appreciated, 'nurseawful' - but, from knowing many cancer victims over the years, including my own sister, I can't concur with your statement that 'if detected early enough most cancers are curable.'

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 10:38

Tenakoutou

Are you qualified to give this medical advice?

Meerkat


Joined: 21/01/2011
Posts: 368

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 11:43

Message to nurseawful would you recommend having the blood test that looks for the presence of CA125. I was reading about this test & sometimes determining the meaning of high CA 125 levels can be tricky, as high levels show up if you have endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or fibrioids, or if your pregnant.Because this test is not specifically helpful as a screening or diagnostic test for ovarian cancer , some doctors don't use it.

Can you tell me what it the best test to detect ovarian cancer and would it be a good idea to have this one done first. Thanks

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 12:27

AJ/Msg 5:



In answer to your logical query, the answer is, formally, 'No'.



My entire text was extracted from the 'Ovarian Cancer Internet Walk' email, which I received this morning and, currently, is being widely circulated.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 12:34

Still a good post Tenakoutou even if you are not qualified! , as it makes us all aware that any slight change should be not just pushed under the 'carpet' !



All posts that help to 'focus' minds are very welcome to me and I expect others as well....



Sometimes from ordinary 'lay' people it registers home....

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 12:40

'dc'/Msg 7:



Thank you very much for your support on my posting - I agree with your reasoned response, entirely!



Furthermore, I would never attempt to pass on unproven advice, or misinformation, on such a subject.

Meerkat


Joined: 21/01/2011
Posts: 368

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 12:55

Yes I agree this is a very helpful thread for women especially as the symptoms of this disease are so disarming & life threatening. I think a CAT scan or pelvic ultrasound is better to have really. Thank you for advice.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 14:00

The following 'link' directs us to a most informative website on this thread topic, which is essential reading for those not entirely conversant with the [often taboo] subject of ovarian cancer:





http://www.womenhealthzone.com/womens-health/is-your-abdominal-pain-leading-to-signs-of-ovarian-cancer/

Meerkat


Joined: 21/01/2011
Posts: 368

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 14:41

Thank you Tenakoutou this is most helpful.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 14:57

Tenakoutou

Please do not get me wrong.

It is far more important to make people aware of the resources that are available (which is what you are doing now) rather than quote from an e-mail which you made no reference to in your first posting.

There are several Facebook groups that have been started by people that have been affected by this terrible disease and they explain their symptoms and treatments and as you are well aware no one person will exhibit the same symptoms as the next.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 15:08

Meerkat,

I have spent the last 3 weeks organizing a 'Womens Health week' which over 140 women have attended, the average age of these ladies is 50 years. Some of these ladies have not had any tests for over 10 years! As you correctly said the CA125 is not 100% but it is a start, and I am sure as an enrolled nurse you know that already. Some ladies would run a mile if a transvaginal ultrasound was mentioned, also the cost of MRI and CT is too much for some people out here so as I say it is a start.

Well done Tenakoutou for bringing this to the fore. And may I once again state ovarian cancer is often the silent killer as there are no symptoms until the cancer is advanced.



Chris

Meerkat


Joined: 21/01/2011
Posts: 368

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 15:28

Chris Well done I think that is great that you have done that in N.Cyprus. I am back living in the UK now,I will need to have various tests done so just want to get as much information as I can. I am not an SEN nurse I work with SEN children. Thank you for your help.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 15:31

Meerkat,

Apologies for reading it wrong on your profile. Good luck with all your tests.



Chris

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 15:35

Tenakoutou,



I am now going to hijack your thread to let ladies know that the 'Womens Health week' is still ongoing. (or should I now say month)



If you want more information just e-mail me on trnchealthcare@gmail.com or phone me on 0533 884 5621.



Remember EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.



Chris

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 19:21

back to the top.



Chris

Linnyloos


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 483

Message Posted:
31/03/2011 20:07

My sister in law passed away only 6 days after being told she had Ovarian Cancer. Sadly by the time she had any symptoms it was too late. RIP Helen x

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
01/04/2011 00:30

My heartfelt sympathy goes to you linnyloos, it must have been a horrendous shock to you all. Only 6 days and your lives changed for ever!



Ovarian cancer as I said is often the silent killer so go and get checked now, don't leave this until it is too late.



Chris

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
01/04/2011 10:19

The reason I posted this topic is because the date coincided with the death of my dearest sister, Heather, who was only 48, and for no other reason.



I had no intention of infringing on 'nurseawful's' 'domain', and harbour no illusions about being some sort of an 'armchair medic'!



'nurseawful' does an amazing job, so I'm told, and expats. in TRNC should be eternally grateful for her stoic past and ongoing efforts on everyone's behalf.

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
01/04/2011 10:42

Tenakoutou,



You are in no way infringing on 'my domain' I just wish all men were as thoughtful as you in bring this emotive subject to the fore.

Sorry you had to loose your sister at such a young age, but I am sure she would be proud of you for posting on her behalf.



Chris

p.s. Hope I didn't upset you by hijacking your thread.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
01/04/2011 11:02

Msg 21:



You certainly didn't 'hijack' my thread! In fact, your contributions endorse it and, furthermore, bring your 'Women's Health Week' campaign into the vital prominence needed.