Investigations for worrying symptoms; bladder cancer survivor

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I am pre-diagnosis so hope no-one minds me posting here (I am a ‘fully-paid-up member’ of the bladder cancer forum; diagnosed 2021 and doing ok on that front so far …).

Due to having had one cancer diagnosis I am prone to worry about other cancers but so too does my doctor (s) as they seem quick to refer me for anything dodgy which is of course good but also ‘feeds’ my anxieties! I have hd several 2 week pathway referrals since my cancer treatment.

Just now I am waiting a full blood count and CA125 bio marker test plus ultrasound to check for “ovarian pathology”. Bit worried as I am not on the urgent referral pathway inspite of bloating for 4 + weeks which I have never ever suffered with for more than a day or two before and some mild ache in lower abdo which comes and goes. The bloating gets worse through the day and tends to discourage me from eating too much so I have lost about 3 - 4 lbs but I know that isn’t considered much even though I am quite small. I have tried all kinds of remedies for the bloating but nothing works and although the physical exam didn’t reveal any lumps or bumps, i feel as if there is some thing in there so I am really quite scared. I know cysts and other things can be cause bloating. i read cysts in post menopausal women - I am 58 and had early menopause - can themselves be malignant but just wondered if any of the above resonates with anyone?

I would also appreciate any shared experiences about undergoing a TVS. I am scheduled for TAS and if I consent TVS ultrasound but due to a congenital condition probably can’t tolerate the transducer for a tvs and so worried that something could be missed as I understand tvs provides higher res images.

Thanks in advance and wishing everyone here strength to face the day.

Blue

Former Member 9 months ago

Hi Bluebear21welcome to the forum and all are welcome here.. My first brush with Cancer was breast about 7 years ago. However, about 2 years ago having had no periods for 25 years I developed Post Menopausal bleeding..Clearly investigating was required and I had a Transvaginal Scan which highlighted thickening of the womb lining so something that couldn't be just left but wasn't Cancer. The scan itself was uncomfortable but tolerable, I think you tolerate it when you know what it's for. Fast forward a few months and I now have a coil in situ to lessen the level of thickening in the womb and stop bleeding..so far so good and no further bleeding.. Its easy to get ahead of ourselves and to worry so you are not alone there. For what it's worth I would wait until you have all the information to hand from.biopsies and scans and hope these resolve your worries. Meantime I'm sending some very best wishes your way for now.Gail

Bluebear21 9 months ago in reply to Former Member

Thanks for responding Gail. It's sensible advice. I hope .my blood tests this week might give me a first clue what direction I am heading with all this. Hanging in there! Blue

Bluebear21 9 months ago

I got my ultrasound and bloods (latter okay) very quickly but the ultrasound wasn’t entirely successful as although I drank the required 2pts it was very hot and I must have been a bit dehydrated. They requested a repeat but I am now TERRIFIED as the pain in my abdo has become more persistent, the bloating is also persistent and they say a radiographer has reviewed the initial ultrasound and with the repeat wants me to fast for 6 hours (and be sure this time to have full bladder). In addition, they requested I have the TVS whereas normally they seem to be fairly relaxed about me not having this and I cannot physically have a TVS due to congenital abnormality which I explained. So worried the review has provided some reason for suspicion hence the more prescriptive instructions.

Any words of support welcome.

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Investigations for worrying symptoms; bladder cancer survivor