I have Primary Peritoneal Cancer. This cancer has only recently been identified as its OWN type of cancer; but it is, essentially, Ovarian Cancer. Both types of cancer are diagnosed in the same way, with the "tumor marker," CA 125 blood test, and they are treated in the same way, surgery to remove the primary tumor, and then chemotherapy with Taxol and Carboplatin.

One thing I have learned is that each of us must take TOTAL responsibility for our own health care. I thought I had done that because I always had an annual physical, my annual mammogram, and my annual Pap smear. I did monthly Self-Breast Exam, went to the dentist at least twice a year. I even insisted on a bone density test last year. When I had a total hysterectomy in 1993, I thought that I did not have to worry about getting any of the female reproductive organ cancers. LITTLE DID I KNOW! I don't have ovaries, and they were HEALTHY when they were removed, but I have what is essentially ovarian cancer. Strange, isn't it? These are just SOME of the things our Doctors never tell us.

One out of every 55 women will get ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer! Classic symptoms are an abdomen that is rather enlarged, or suddenly becomes enlarged, and constipation and/or diarrhea. I had these classic symptoms and went to the Doctor. Because these symptoms seemed to be "abdominal", I went to a Gastroenterologist. He ran tests that were designed to determine whether there was a bacterial infection. These tests were negative, and I was diagnosed with "Irritable Bowel Syndrome."

I guess I would have accepted this diagnosis had it not been for my enlarged abdomen. I swear to you, it looked like I was 4-5 months pregnant! I, therefore, insisted on more tests. They took a x-ray of my abdomen. It was negative. I was, again, assured that I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome and was encouraged to go on my scheduled month long trip to Mexico. I couldn't wear any of my slacks or shorts because I couldn't get them buttoned, and I KNEW something was radically wrong. I INSISTED on more tests and they scheduled me for a CAT Scan, just to shut me up, I think. This is what I mean by taking charge of our own health care. The CT Scan showed a lot of fluid in my abdomen, which is NOT normal. Needless to say, I had to cancel my trip and have five pounds of fluid drawn off at the hospital. This is not a pleasant procedure, but NOTHING compared to what was ahead of me.

Tests revealed cancer cells in the fluid. Finally, finally, finally, the Doctor ran a CA-125 blood test and I was properly diagnosed. I had the classic symptoms for ovarian cancer, and yet, this simple CA-125 blood test had never been run on me-not as part of my annual physical exam, and not when I was symptomatic. This is an inexpensive and simple blood test! Please, tell all of your female friends and relatives to insist on a CA-125 blood test every year as a part of their annual physical exams. Let them be forewarned that your doctor might try to talk them out of it, or say "it isn't necessary," but believe me, had I known then what I know now, we would have caught my cancer much sooner. As it stands, we didn't find out I had cancer until it was in Stage 3. Insist on the CA-125 blood test! Don't take "no" for an answer

The normal range for this blood test is between zero and 35. By the time my test was taken, mine was 754.Yes, that's right, 754. If the number is slightly elevated, you can have another one done, in three or six months. You must keep a close eye on it, just like women do when they have fibroid tumors. Having the CA-125 test done annually can alert you early, if there is a problem. That's the goal in diagnosing any type of cancer-catch it early!

I hope I haven't bored you with all of this. But I hope I HAVE scared you enough to motivate you to action. Do YOU know 55 women? If so, at least one of them will have this very aggressive cancer, and maybe, just maybe, it will be YOU. I hope not. Please, go to your Doctor THIS WEEK and insist on a CA-125 test. I suggest having one done EVERY YEAR for the rest of your life. Please, don't think youth will protect you. Although the median age for this cancer is 56, women as young as 22 have it. Age is not a factor.

I am now currently recovering from chemotherapy. It has been a long, hard, road to becoming healthy again and I thank God every day for giving me the opportunity to spread the word about this cancer that is attacking unsuspecting women. I am very thankful that I took a proactive role in my health care, otherwise I fear that the doctors would not have caught this cancer in time.

Anonymous