Ovarian Cancer - Teal Ribbon Day 2020
Ovarian cancer is no joke. And this year it is a little more personal due to the experiences of the past 5 months.
You may have read my post on Facebook about my recent cancer scare, you may have read some of the rawness post-surgery, well here is the full story.
After 9 months of trying to conceive, I felt like something wasn’t quite right with my body. I saw my doctor who ordered a pelvic ultrasound which uncovered a uterine fibroid and 2 cysts in my right ovary – potential endometrioma’s – also known as chocolate cysts. I was referred to my regular Gynaecologist who did further testing to rule out other possibilities before informing us it was probable endometriosis and I would need to see an Endometriosis specialist for laparoscopic surgery.
The specialist appointment was scheduled for 2 weeks after our wedding – thankfully the wedding planning was an incredible distraction from the craziness in my mind. I attended the appointment not expecting a diagnosis, and definitely not expecting the need to run further blood tests to rule out cancer. The internal ultrasound showed there were some abnormal qualities to the cysts on my ovary and to be safe the specialist wanted to run some tumor/cancer markers.
Thankfully I had previously spoken to an old friend who had been through having cysts removed with elevated markers and this gave me the hope and strength I needed to not enter into freak out mode straight away.
When the test results returned, I received a phone call from the surgeon – which in hindsight was a little funny as I thought it was Hubby calling as he has his caller ID off and it was an unknown number. When I realised who it was I was a little stunned, I knew straight away it wasn’t great if the specialist was calling me directly. My cancer markers were elevated. My CA-125 was elevated and my HE-4 was mildly elevated. Thankfully after a quick consultation with the oncologist at the Mater, it was a wait, retest, and see the situation. Longest 6 weeks of my life I can tell you!
I like to think I’m generally an optimistic person, however, this was a true test of patience and spirit. We resided ourselves to not Dr. Googling it, not stressing over it as much as we could and just to focus on the positives – because as it turns out, the treatment option through the public system was the removal of both ovaries if it was cancer in my situation.
The 6 weeks came and the retest went – thankfully whilst the CA-125 increased, the HE-4 (ovarian cancer-specific) marker decreased dramatically and levels were indicating that it was likely to be just endometriosis. Great news, but we still weren’t clear. This meant it was less of a risk to be cancer – however, at the pre-op appointment I still consented to the removal of my ovary should anything look suspicious. Funny, as at the initial appointment I was so worried about the risk of the ovary needing to be taken due to damage from the cysts, or the inability to reconstruct the ovary. But if it were cancer – I’d happily give that little organ up.
We made a plan for the worst-case scenario but hoped for the best case!
Hence my eagerness, even whilst still trying to wake from the anesthetic to know if I still had all my organs, specifically my right ovary intact.
Our journey through this was tough. We had loved ones around us suffering from far more diagnosed and worse problems, we didn’t want to cause more worry until there was something definite to worry about. We both want children so much, that the thought of losing the ability to create a mini us hurt – however, we kept reminding each other it wasn’t the reality yet, it was just a risk, not a definite issue and if they were more worried I would have been rushed into surgery sooner. So we kept the news close until the worry was gone.
When the surgeon spoke to us the next day it was like a weight had lifted. We never let the weight get too heavy, however, the small weight was no longer there. Even if it did test positive to cancer – he had removed it all without spillage and that was incredible! Honestly, my surgeon was the best!
A week later the results came back – No cancer – Just endometriosis. The only time I ever wanted to hear “just endo” – because let’s face it, Endo is a painful condition in itself, but I was glad that that was all it was.
So here I am, cancer-free, the other side of a long 4-month mild cancer scare. And I need to reiterate – what I have gone through is nothing compared to those who do have or have had ovarian cancer. My brush with this condition is just a brush, not a dance. It is so imperative that you and your loved ones with ovaries have regular checks/conversations with your doctor and are aware of potential red flags and symptoms. Remember to have regular pap smears for cervical cancer, however this will not test for ovarian cancer – the CA125 marker and transvaginal (internal) ultrasounds are the best assessment tools – and above all – speak to your doctor when you are concerned.
Some of the signs and symptoms are vague, variable and generalised. Ovarian Cancer Australia describes some major signs below, particularly if these are changes and last more than 2 weeks:
Bloated abdomen
Increased size in tummy area
Feeling full after eating small amounts
Pain in the pelvic, abdomen or lower back region
Frequent/urgent urination
Fatigue
Nausea
Change in bowel habits
Unexplained weight gain/loss
Painful intercourse and or bleeding afterward
Menstrual irregularities
This condition is serious – 4 Australian women a day are diagnosed. It is important to consider and remember that these symptoms are general symptoms also – there is no cause for alarm should you have any or all of these. These can be caused by many other, less severe conditions and consultation with your doctor should occur if you are concerned.
If you are wanting to donate to help find a cure please visit https://www.charidy.com/ovariancancer
Yours in harmony and health,
Rachael xx
