New, Worried About Complex Ovarian Mass

First off, what a wonderful site connecting such compassionate women! Thank you for doing this.

I feel like I'm in a dream a bit. I went to my pcp only for a routine physical to get a document signed for insurance purposes. While there, she discovered some tenderness in my lower left abdomen. I had been having some mild tenderness in this area for about a month or so, but wasn't going to mention anything -- it wasn't really bad. (Also have become accustomed to having an upset stomach -- just thought it was part of everyday life and stress related. Again, nothing too bad.) She also felt a thickening in my breast. To be cautious, she ordered diagnostic mammogram and pelvic ultra sound. Did that this morning.

I was more concerened about the mammogram...but that came back fine. This afternoon, I got a call from my pcp, concerned about my us report -- discovered 6.3 cm complex mass on my left ovary being at least 50% solid. (Don't have a copy of the report, so that's about all I recall from the conversation, except her stating that this something I needed to follow-up with very soon.) She had me come to the office today for a CA-125 blood test and to retest my vitamin d (was found to be vitamin d deficiency in January 2009.) Obviously no results yet. I am suppose to go see my ob/gyn in the next couple of days before I leave for out of town on business.

I never expected to be dealing with any of this -- just wanted a routine physical. I did have a simple cyst on same ovary that was removed when I had a tubal ligation just over two years ago.

I don't know what to expect...could this be cancer...could it grow so fast....what should I be asking...could it be the cause of other "mild" stomach/back pain, fatigue, depression issues I've been having -- again all mild, not severe enough to cause me to go to the doctor. What will they do? Surgery? I'm only 35 married to a wonderful husband and have two great boys. My grandmother had ovarian cancer that spread to her liver...but she was in her 60's when she was diagnosed.

Any thoughts/advice is greatly appreciated!!!! Thank you!

Just want to send ((hugs)). I had a complex cyst on my right ovary several years ago. It ended up being borderline ovarian cancer and my ovary was removed. 10 years later I'm doing fine. Hoping for the best for you - please keep us updated.

Your story sounds pretty close to mine ... i am probably just a couple weeks ahead of you. My mass was found on an ultrasound on Oct 21st after my primary doctor noticed some lower abdominal tenderness. So far I am still in the process of getting more test and finding out what is going to happen next. I am 33 with 2 boys. How old are your boys?

It is scary and vary hard to do life as always when you have this worry over your head. I don't have any great words of wisdom for you. But just know that I understand exactly where you are since I am right there with you. If you need to vent your stress or fears please feel free. Your feelings will be completely understood here. (((((hugs))))) I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I am sorry to hear this. I am also in a scare, a ct scan showed a 28cm fluid filled mass on my right ovary. I'm scheduled for a complete hysterectomy next week. My ca-125 level was 44, but my period had just started, and stress. My oncologist is leaning towards non cancerous, I wish you the best. I know how scary it is.

I'm also in that, "It could be cancer, could not be.." limbo. I will require a total hysterectomy either way. I'm one of only a hand-full of women in my family who have a uterus. We have cancers and non-cancer diseases that all require hysterectomies. Usually by the age of 35 and I'm 34.5. My younger sister (32) is looking at a hysterectomy as well.

So far I've been focusing on accepting the idea of surgery, etc. And, I've been focusing on mentally preparing for any testing (biopsies, imaging, etc) that the doctors feel are necessary.

I figure I can read through the site and make lists of useful things to get for surgery, make lists of questions to ask the doctors, and all that jazz. My husband and I have been slowly stocking up on soups and cleaning supplies so he and the kids can take care of things while I'm healing.

I've pretty much found that being productive and proactive about things has helped me keep my sanity. The "what if"s occasionally take over, but I think that's inevitable to some extent.

I hope some of that helps. Let us know how it goes for you. I wish you all the best.

Thinking of you~ I too am scheduled for TAH next week. A ct scan showed a fluid filled mass. I have cried so much, I am 37, and a Mom of 2 children. We can do this, lets be strong together.

I don't have a large one but know where your coming from and it is very scary, some ppl. just don't understand. Me, I have a grown 22 year old daughter and 8 month old miracle grandchild that live with me. I never expected a simple cyst that I had for 2 years to start to change and thicken and they are saying that "could be ovarian cancer". I go this Friday for my hysterectomy...im just scared to death right now wondering about what will be found!