elevated CA-125 levels **UPDATED**

[luv2nascar]

Anybody know anything about elevated CA -125 levels
I didn't either until today
I'm still not sure I know all that much about it
Anyone who can offer any experience with this would be appreciated.

My 35 yr old cousin stopped by this evening & dropped the bombshell that she has been sick missed two days of work and had some tests at the doctors

She has something on one of her ovaries, possibly a cyst.
Then she drops the bombshell that her CA-125 level is elevated
This is apparently used to help screen for ovarian cancer!!
She is having the ovary removed on Monday and possibly more if it is found to be cancerous.

What??? I am still in shock as I type this.
She has always been like a big sister to me - we are close in age and grew up in close proximity to each other. I can't believe this may be happening to her. She is visibly shaken.

I offered encouraging words and support. I tried to sound upbeat that this may all be for nothing, only a benigh cyst.
She didn't really look convinced and I don't really think I am either.
She indicated her parents are a mess - I don't know what to say to my aunt and uncle either.

I guess we have to wait till Monday or later to know anything. She said the surgeon told her he'd know once the ovary is out by looking at it if it was cancerous or not.

Thanks for letting me vent.

***********************************************
UPDATE 10/28/02
My cousin had her laproscopic surgery this morning 1hr 45 minutes to remove her ovary
Her cyst had ruptured & she had peritonitis which sent her CA-125 level way up. Her surgeon told her it was the highest CA-125 level he had ever seen for a benign cyst.

WOOHOO - Yes I said it's benign. She does not have cancer.
She is thanking God and everyone else right now. I talked to her tonight she is home and resting comfortably. Mild discomfort but she says she feels like a million bucks.
I am going to see her in a couple of days and can not wait to give her the biggest hug and kiss ever.

I am so glad this is basically over. She will be out of work this week and next and then hopefully back to normal.
Thank you everyone for your kind words.

 

[lisajl]

Hi!

Just a word of advice...don't jump to conclusions yet!

My wonderful sister in law passed away in April from ovarian cancer. So, I am always on top of my check ups. When I went in this year, I asked about that same test. (I knew my sil had that test done quite often to check levels in her system).
My doctor said it can be elevated if you have a cyst on your ovary.
She did not want me to have the test.
After I thought about it, I decided not to have the test run. At least not this year.
Then she came back in the room and said if I wanted it, she would do it.
I told her no thank you, but give me symptoms of ovarian cancer.
She said there are none really.
I remember my sil had a lot of bloating. The doctors kept shrugging it off.
Then my doctor said, it must run in her family. NO! it does not.

So, just take it one step at a time, and you and your cousin can work through this.
Just remember that it is not always cancer.
Okay?
I hope it goes well and that it is just a cyst.
Will keep you two in my prayers!
Lisajl

 

[nativetxn]

I hope this is just a cyst. I know this is a frightening situation for you. {{{HUGS}}} sweetie, keep us posted?

 

[WillyJ]

My mother is an ovarian cancer survivor Luvs2. . .

The CA-125 is a blood test that is one of the main tools to measure the level of cancerous cells for ovarian cancer. I wouldn't panic though; any test can return a false-positive and I'm sure your cousin's doctor will want to take another one before doing anything drastic.

If, God-forbid, she does have it, I can tell you that while it was a long, hard road, my mom, who was 60 when diagnosed, survived and has been cancer-free for 6 years now. It is definitely not a death sentence.

Hopefully this is something else, and please try and stay positive until you know for sure what she's dealing with. I know it's easier said then done; someone close to me is dealing with something similar as well as we speak. . Your cousin will be in my prayers. . please keep us updated. {{{hugs}}}

 

[luv2nascar]

thanks everyone for your input
trying to stay positive and upbeat
She is just so young & this hits close to home for me
This feels like the shoe could be on the other foot
Makes you take stock of your life
Between this and the sniper it's a wake up call
You'll really shouldn't put off stuff for tomorrow
for none of us are promised tomorrow

 

[jan/cape]

Luv2nascar, I hope everything turns ut well on Monday. I know this is a very scary thing to go through for both you and your cousin.
I work with a woman who had very advanced ovarian cancer. She is now 10 years cancer!!! I think she now takes Tomoxafin daily...forever.
She looks and feels great.
Good Luck on Monday!!