Hi everyone!
This last year has been long, mum was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer and following a lot of treatment is now in recovery and taking inhibitors which we are so grateful for.
I’ve been feeling very tired lately so went for blood tests, suspecting my iron was low - I requested a CA125 check (not sure why as mum didn’t test positive for the BRCA gene but two family members have had ovarian cancer).
I got a call to say my CA125 marker was mildly elevated and that a referral was being sent to gynaecology. I am of course spiralling as I know what mum has just been through.
not really asking for anything from this post but nowhere else to put this x
Hi NinaV
I am sorry to hear of Mum's diagnosis last year and hope that her recovery will continue to go well for her.
I can understand you being concerned with your tiredness and the blood test results.
From my understanding of the BRCA gene it can lead to an increased risk of certain cancers. However there are other factors that are important.
With CA125 it is a useful marker, used mainly for ovarian cancer but also monitored for other gynaecological cancers eg endometrial. Mine was checked regularly before, during and after treatment. Any level under 35 is considered normal and mine was well below that throughout.
A higher level, even slightly tends to lead to a referral to gynaecology and I would expect the next step would be an ultrasound. Depending on results I would then expect an appointment with gynae for further evaluation.
With your family history I can understand your concerns but the main thing is that you are getting checked out. The tiredness can of course have many reasons and considering you have been supporting your Mum over a very challenging time, perhaps it is not surprising. I would expect the ultrasound to be done quickly and for me the results from the ultrasound were given the next morning.
With CA125 although a high level can indicate a need for further investigation, there can be other reasons why a level may go up (particularly if it is only slightly) such as recent infections.
I hope that your appointment comes through really quickly and provides some reassurance. I also wish your Mum the best with her ongoing recovery. In the meantime if you feel like talking things through would help, do give the Support Line a call.
Jane
