Make people more aware

Hi,

Very sorry to read about your mum. I just joined this forum and spotted your message. I am noticing more and more that Ovarian cancer is being highlighted as a new danger to women today. A high profile mention was Angelina Jolie (Brad's wife) having lost her mum to ovarian cancer not so long ago.
My sister was diagnosed in July 2007 as well. One year prior to that she had begun to suffer with very bad lower back pain and as she has always been very health conscious she went for lots of tests, scans and then a back specialist during that year. Eventually a Chiropractor recommended that she see her gynocologist as he felt it was not related to her back. She had seen her gyno several months before as she always had regular check ups. But nothing was spotted then.
She was sent for a scan and taken into hospital immediately, she was told they would need to operate as something had come up on the scan. She was opened up and closed up again. The cancer had spread through her entire pelvic region and they couldnt even consider removing any tumors until she went through a course of chemo to reduce the bulk. She was also told that she was stage 3 which was very advanced. I had never heard of ovarian cancer up till then but now I know a lot about it. It's 2 years now and after several treatments with chemo and 2 major operations my sister is now terminal. She has had about 6 good months within the 2 year period where she was able to travel and socialise but now she is fairly limited.

I have come across a British website called Angels of Hope which is to create awareness for Ovarian cancer. I can also recommend a book called 100 Questions and answers on Ovarian cancer, it covers all aspects of the illness and is very informative. I do feel that Ovarian cancer should be given a dedicated area on cancer websites showing the symptoms, vague as they may be. I can guarantee that chronic lower back ache is a symptom.

Since my sister was diagnosed I have had 2 ultrasound scans, a CA125 blood test and internal examinations and intend doing that each year however most doctors conclude that these are not preventative tests as an ovarian cancer can strike at any time within your yearly check up without warning. I have insisted on having the tests anyway.

Anyone else out there feel the same?

[color=#408080:19a4ruk9]I know this is an old post but it is one that was relevant to me. I dont think people are aware of ovarian cancer and I really dont think they are being made aware of ovarian cancer. Ask 10 women when is ovarian cancer awareness week or month and they will not know, but they will tell you that breast cancer awareness month is in October, which is great. Ask them what colour is the ovarian cancer ribbon, they wont know but we all associate pink with breast cancer.
My mam was diagnosed in 2007 and 1 year later she was given the all clear and looking to the future. Then in September 2009 exactly 2 years to the day the cancer was back in the fluid in her abdomin. My family are friends were no more aware or informed 2 years on... She is currently on avastin every 14 days and takes her chemo in tablet form daily at home. She had a CT scan last week and is getting her results Thursday so fingers crossed! [/color:19a4ruk9]

Hi Bennyc & Sister 2,
Firstly Bennyc, I really hope your mam gets good news on Thursday.
Sister2, I have had the CA125 tests done as well as the ultrasounds. One doctor told me there was nothing to worry about until after the menopause. I'd rather get the tests done all the same. Don't think you can be too careful.
Anyway, it's good to talk. That's one thing I have learned. There are lots of people on this forum who have similar experiences, unfortunately.
Keep in touch