Please explain....................

[Mary Jo]

Good Morning everyone,

You know as of late I've been having concerns about my ovaries. I've had some crampy feelings, lower back aches and bloating. Although I did just have a pelvic exam by my GYN. in March (and all "felt" fine) I decided to call and go in again as I wasn't feeling comfortable with how I was feeling "down there." So, yesterday afternoon I went in. My GYN is such a kind,, compassionate and understanding man. I was so happy I went in.

First off he just stood and listened to my concerns. I told him that although I thought I was probably fine, the days of assuming anything were over for me. He totally agreed and said that yes, I should go in when I have any concerns. That's a hard thing for me to do though. Even before breast cancer I never went in to the doctor. (Just for my annuals) I don't just call for anything. And back in the "old days" I'd always say .........oh, everything's fine. And it always was. And then breast cancer. After that we KNOW that bad things can happen to us. So although I hate to call - hate to go in and hate to hear what they might tell me I did go.

So I went in yesterday afternoon. He did an internal exam and said "things felt fine. Normal size. No lumps or bumps." Then he preceded to do a vaginal ultrasound. He said that my ovaries looked normal size - he saw no growths - and also that my abdomen had "very little fluid inside" which is also good. He said because we don't know if I am "going into menopause or not yet" he is going to have my er/pr levels checked to see where I am in the menopause journey. (I had a hysterectomy 10 years ago - ovaries still intact so no period to guage my hormonal status by). Also, he has decided to have my CA125 levels checked because of symptoms. He did warn me that a CA125 test isn't a good screening tool because the number can vary (as I know from reading these posts) but because I am having symptoms he feels it would be a good idea.

So.......my question to you who know about CA125 tests. What am I looking for? What is a "normal" number?

Sorry for all the rambling for one little question but wanted to share my "ovary experience" with you all. So thank God with me please, that all went well. He said the "symptoms" I'm having can definetly be hormonal and he is sure that is all it is. I feel good about it as well but am happy I went in and got the "ok" from him.

Thank you in advance for you help.

Mary Jo