Hi. I am 45 years old and had ovarian cancer in 2000, five years ago.
I used clomid for a brief period 11 years before that, in 1989. I stopped taking it because of the side effects. I only would have been taking it for three months.
We have two wonderful boys who are now 15 and 18.
I had undiagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome, since I was 14. I hardly ever had periods. So both my boys are miracles to us.
In 2000 I started bleeding heavily when I was having a period. Also some spotting. I went to see the gyno and he recommended having a d&c to clear the uterus. I had a pap smear done at that same time.The pap smear test came back saying everything was 100% normal.
When I had the d&c however, it showed I had uterine cancer. I was immediately booked in for the total hysterectomy, which was going to mean my ovaries too and my cervix. When they were doing the surgery they discovered tumours on the ovaries as well. They took both ovaries, and the omentum as well. (that is the fatty layer that rests underneath the ovaries.) one of the tumours was the size of an orange.
So here is the wake up call. If you think a pap smear will reveal uterine or ovarian cancer, think again! This is not to you, mary, but to all who are reading posts here. Also, d&c's will not show ovarian cancer either. I guess imaging like scans would. But pap smears only show changes in the cervix.
I had six months of chemo, as a precaution. The cancer had not spread beyond the ovaries. The uterine cancer was unrelated, it just happened to grow at the same time. Which really spared my life, because without the bleeding I would not have gone to the doctor in the first place. The chemo was awful, lost all my hair and was very sick.
But, praise god, I am alive and well today after five years. No reoccurences.
I did not have a family history of o/c but my mother had uterine cancer when she was 57. She is fine today at 74. As to whether or not clomid is a risk, I do not know. Perhaps. I think having estrogen dominance over an extended time is more of a risk factor.
Please, everyone who thinks they have unusual spotting, or bloating or other vague symptoms. Don't ignore it. Go to your doctor. Have a ca125 blood test. That is the tumour marker blood test for ovarian cancer. Have a scan done. Don't ignore the signs.
My prayers are with those who have been diagnosed and who struggle through the dark valley of doubt and fear for their future. But be encouraged, pray and look to god for strength.
