Sure...I didn't/don't have any symptoms. My scare was purely due to blood test results....

Following three BFNs after IVF transfers this year (as well as a cancelled cycle), my FS ordered blood tests for me and DP to check for chromosomal and other disorders. She also re-did FSH, glucose, thyroid, etc, as well as my CA125 levels.

CA125 stands for Cancer Antigen 125 which is a tumour marker for ovarian cancer. It measures a protein in your blood which, when normal is below 35.

A few years ago, when I first had this tested by my GP due to family history, my levels were 69. Everyone freaked out (me included) and I was referred to a gynae oncologist at the Royal Women's here in Melbourne. I had scans and tests and it was revealed I have adenomyosis (similar to endometriosis but your endometrium invades the muscle wall). That also can account for evelated CA125 levels.

Anyhoo, it is something I have to have tested periodically (six monthly or so) and the highest it has ever been is about 150 (a year ago when I started AC).
Cut to the recent test and it came back as 739 !!!!

The scary thing about this is that 739 is the sort of level that women with stage 3 or 4 ovarian cancer have. It is extremely unusual to be that high due to anything but OC. My FS ordered an immediate MRI and had the results cc-ed to an ovarian cancer specialist at the Women's. In the meantime, I spent the week crying, thinking at the very least I would have to have a hysterectomy , chemo and radiation.

I still don't know what has caused the high CA125 levels as the email from my specialist last night only said "no evidence of sinister pathology". I have an appointment with her on Wednesday to find out more.

So, while ovarian cancer is something I have thought about quite a bit over the past couple of years, this week has really brought it to my attention in a big way.

It really is a horrible disease, and one which we all need to be more aware of IMO.

Thanks for listening x